However,hyperthyroidism(overactive thyroid) andhypothyroidism(underactive thyroid) often have opposite effects.
This article takes a look at the symptoms of various thyroid problems.
Verywell / Emily Roberts
What Is the Thyroid?
Verywell / Emily Roberts
Hypothyroidism more often affects people age 60 and older.
It’s also more common in biological females.
Hyperthyroidism affects females more often too, but occurs in earlier decades of adulthood.
Get our printable guide for your next doctor’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
Keep in mind that even children can have a thyroid disorder.
Certain thyroid symptoms call for emergency medical care.
Thyroid stormis a rare but very serious condition.
It triggers when hyperthyroidism isn’t treated.
Stressful events like surgery, trauma, or infection can trigger it.
In a thyroid storm, symptoms ramp up to dangerous, even deadly, levels.
You may have:
Hypothyroidism can lead to another medical emergency called myxedema coma.
Myxedema coma is rare.
It’s triggered by trauma, infection, cold, and some medications.
It causes body temperature and blood pressure to drop.
You may lose consciousness and this condition can cause death.
Look for lumps on the thyroid gland.
A swollen thyroid gland could indicate various thyroid conditions, including nodules, goiters, or thyroid cancer.
Treatment
Treatment will depend on whether you have an underactive or overactive thyroid.
For an overactive thyroid, treatment options include:
Hypothyroidism is typically treated by hormone replacement therapy.
Doctors will typically prescribe the lowest dose possible that will bring your hormone levels back to normal.
There is no specific diet for hyperthyroidism.
Still, some foods can affect your thyroid medications.
Limit your iodine intake, and be mindful of soy,selenium, and cruciferous vegetables.
Summary
Your thyroid produces hormones that affect many different organs and functions in your body.
The symptoms differ depending on whether your thyroid is overactive or underactive.
It’s best to contact a healthcare provider if you have symptoms of hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism.
With medication, symptoms can improve.
Get our printable guide for your next doctor’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Office on Women’s Health.Thyroid disease.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid).
Published 2018 Sep 3. doi:10.3389/fendo.2018.00511
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid).
Iwen KA, Oelkrug R, Kalscheuer H, Brabant G.Metabolic syndrome in thyroid disease.Front Horm Res.
2018;49:48-66. doi:10.1159/000485996.
Uygur MM, Yoldemir T, Yavuz DG.Thyroid disease in the perimenopause and postmenopause period.Climacteric.
2016 Jun;14(3):147-9. doi: 10.1016/j.surge.2014.11.003.
