by Shelly Mcrae

Created on: July 27, 2008   Last Updated: May 03, 2012

The symptoms of thyroid problems can be misleading, and sometimes attributed to other conditions. Often, it is the combination of symptoms that leads a physician to believe thyroid malfunction may be the problem.

When the thyroid produces too few hormones, the resulting condition is called hypothyroidism. There are several distinct symptoms that indicate this condition. Fatigue is one of the early symptoms. This level of fatigue goes beyond just feeling tired. You may feel sluggish and no matter how many hours you slept at night, you may need to take a nap during the day. Your body is achy and your mind is muddled.

Brain fog is another symptom. When you suffer from brain fog, you are slower to process information and are forgetful. If you're not only tired and forgetful, but also sensitive to heat or cold, your hormone levels may be too low. It feels like your inner thermostat is broken; you can't get comfortable in your own skin.

Your skin is dry, and your hair is brittle. You're gaining weight, your eyes are puffy, and your wrists hurt. This last symptom is a sign of carpel tunnel syndrome, which is a symptom of hypothyroidism.

If severe fatigue, brain fog, sensitivity to temperature change, weight gain, dry skin and brittle hair, puffy eyes and painful wrists aren't enough to send you to the doctor, the depression will. Low hormones levels mean a drop in serotonin levels, which is indicative of depression.

Considered separately, these symptoms may indicate other conditions. It is the combination of these symptoms that makes hypothyroidism the disease your physician may test for.

Hypothyroidism isn't the only thyroid condition. If your hormone levels are too high, then you may suffer from hyperthyroidism. Insomnia and unexplained weight loss are two prominent symptoms of a malfunctioning thyroid. The insomnia is persistent, and can interfere with cognitive abilities. Your mind won't rest; your thoughts race and you are unable to focus. This closely resembles brain fog that is associated with lower hormone levels.

Though the weight loss need not necessarily be severe, it is persistent. You may lose ten pounds and only gain back five, only to lose it again. Your appetite is inconsistent as well. You may feel very hungry, only to feel full partway through the meal. Other physical manifestations are trembling hands, persistent perspiring, joint pain and irregular periods. You may also feel tightness in your chest and heart palpitations.

The symptoms for hyperthyroidism can be severe and without treatment can be debilitating. Just as with hypothyroidism, it is essential you visit your physician and list all the symptoms you're experiencing.

There are other thyroid conditions, such as Graves' disease and Hashimoto's disease. The early symptoms for these autoimmune thyroid conditions mirror those of hypothyroidism. In Hashimoto's disease, however, you would also periodically suffer the symptoms of hyperthyroidism.

Thyroid conditions can typically be treated and controlled. Because the cause of thyroid malfunction is not completely understood as of yet, early treatment is essential to successfully managing your thyroid problem.

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