Common and Underdiagnosed: 5 Signs You May Have Thyroid Disease (pegged to Thyroid Awareness Month)

When your thyroid gland is faulty, two different problems can occur. Your thyroid gland might not work hard enough, causing hypothyroidism, or too hard, causing hyperthyroidism. Hypothyroidism is the more common issue, and it can cause serious health problems without treatment. 

As part of her primary care practice, Stephanie Taylor, MD, PhD, suggests thyroid testing periodically for her patients at A Woman’s Wellspring. More women than men are affected by thyroid disease and are five to eight times more likely than men to have thyroid disease. Although hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism are the result, several different types of thyroid disease exist. 

Let’s examine the most common types of thyroid disease and describe five common symptoms people with thyroid disease experience. 

Thyroid diseases

Sometimes, learning about thyroid diseases can be confusing because some terms are used interchangeably. For example, a condition called Hashimoto is sometimes referred to as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, Hashimoto’s disease, or you may be told you have hypothyroidism. 

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is an autoimmune condition in which your own immune system attacks your thyroid gland, and damages it. Due to that damage, your thyroid can’t produce an adequate amount of hormone—so you have hypothyroidism. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is the most common cause of hypothyroidism. 

Another autoimmune disorder that affects the thyroid is Graves’ disease, which causes hyperthyroidism—the overproduction of thyroid hormones. Other thyroid diseases include: 

• Thyroid cancer
• Thyroiditis
• Thyroid nodules
• Goiter

Symptoms of thyroid disease

The symptoms of hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism are quite different, as you might expect. Generally speaking, an overactive thyroid causes you to feel as if your body’s systems are speeding up, and an underactive thyroid results in a feeling of slowing down. 

Here are five common symptoms of thyroid disease. 

1. Unexplained changes in your weight

In hyperthyroidism, unexplained weight loss is common, and in hypothyroidism, weight gain is a typical symptom. The hormones your thyroid produces control your body’s metabolism, so weight changes are very common when something is wrong with your thyroid. 

2. Feeling hot or cold

If you feel like your body’s internal temperature controls are off, it could be due to a thyroid issue. In people with an overactive thyroid, it’s common to sweat more than usual and to often feel hot. 

For people who have an underactive thyroid, the opposite happens. If your thyroid does not produce enough hormone, you’ll likely feel cold more often than usual. 

3. Changes in your bowel movements

An overactive thyroid can cause frequent diarrhea, whereas an underactive thyroid commonly causes constipation. 

4. A sore throat or problems swallowing

Your thyroid gland is shaped like a butterfly and situated in front of your esophagus at the base of your throat. If it’s swollen, which can happen whether you have hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, it presses against your esophagus and can make swallowing painful or cause the sensation of a sore throat. 

5. Nervousness or fatigue

When your thyroid makes too much hormone, you’re likely to feel restless, nervous, or anxious and your heart rate may be faster than usual. Some people feel like their hearts are skipping beats. 

If your thyroid doesn’t make enough hormones, the opposite happens. You may feel sluggish, more tired than usual, or depressed.  

Talk to an expert

If you have odd symptoms that seem vague or disconnected, schedule an appointment with Dr. Taylor at A Woman’s Wellspring. She’s happy to discuss your situation and make a treatment recommendation. Accurate tests to diagnose thyroid disease are available, and effective treatments are accessible.