by Kimberley Heit

Created on: August 12, 2008

The symptoms of a thyroid disorder are many and varied, with some of the key symptoms being fatigue, feelings of moodiness, depression and weight changes. These symptoms are common to numerous illnesses like chronic fatigue syndrome, anxiety and depression, making diagnosis difficult.

If you suspect you have a thyroid disorder consult a detailed list of symptoms (like the lists included here) and keep a record of any symptoms to show your doctor. Many local doctors will only be on the lookout for the most popular symptoms like an enlarged goiter, weight changes and fatigue. If you make detailed notes on your symptoms you will probably find that you have symptoms which are more likely to be thyroid specific making pinpointing the problem much easier.

THYROID BACKGROUND:

The thyroid is a tiny butterfly shaped endocrine gland at the base of the neck. It is accountable for the pace of all the body's metabolic functions and affects temperature regulation. The thyroid produces two hormones which govern these functions, these are T4 and T3. If these hormones are not produced at the correct levels your body will exhibit both physical and mental symptoms.

There are two main thyroid disorders, Hyperthyroidism and Hypothyroidism. Both disorders have symptoms in common, but they also possess specific symptoms. For example Hyperthyroidism tends to cause people to lose weight whereas hypothyroidism causes people to gain weight.

HYPERTHYROIDISM-occurs when the thyroid produces too much thyroid hormone. It is often referred to as an overactive thyroid.

HYPOTHYROIDISM-occurs when the thyroid doesn't produce enough thyroid hormone. It is often referred to as an underactive thyroid.

SYMPTOMS OF HYPERTHYROIDISM:

People often refer to the thyroid as "the gland of emotions". When the thyroid is overactive a sufferer is likely to possess many mental side effects, particularly for hyperthyroid sufferers.

MENTAL SYMPTOMS

Mental symptoms can include the following:

-Anxiety and nocturnal anxiety
-Panic attacks
-Feelings of depression
-Excessive concerns about physical symptoms, real or imaginary
-Emotional withdrawal
-Disorganized thinking
-Guilty feelings
-Loss of emotional control
-Unusual degree of irritability
-Intense emotional swings, feelings similar to manic beahvior
-Episodes of erratic behaviour
-Paranoia
-Aggression
-Confusion and lack of concentration or racing thoughts
-Impatience and fidgeting
-Hysteria

PHYSICAL SYMPTOMS:

-Fatigue
-Sleep disturbances and insomnia
-Weight loss despite increased appetite
-Bulging,

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