by Kimberley Heit

Created on: August 13, 2008   Last Updated: December 26, 2008

We could run through a technical list of symptoms and treatment options for thyroid problems, but you will find this information on any medical website. What you often won't find is real information on what to expect while living with a thyroid problem. The reality is that many people have misinformed views about thyroid disorders and very few people have a good understanding of life with a thyroid problem.

Read on for some of the nitty gritty information that you often don't get told about diagnosis, thyriod problems and mental health and treatment.

DIAGNOSIS:

Many thyroid sufferers first appear in front of their local doctor with symptoms like fatigue, moodiness and weight loss or gain. Without an obvious goiter (enlarged thyroid) many doctors don't even suggest to test for a thyroid disorder they instead consider illnesses like chronic fatigue syndrome, anxiety and depression. This makes diagnosis very difficult. Don't be suprised it you get scoffed at for suspecting you have a thyroid disorder, but if you believe you might be suffering from a thyroid disorder insist on having your thyroid levels tested.

Secondly diagnosis can prove difficult because the standard blood test for a thyroid disorder can be inconclusive. Many people have presented with numerous thyroid symptoms, but a blood test of their TSH, T3 and T4 levels doesn't indicate anything out of the normal range. Many people can start suffering from the symptoms of a thyroid disorder long before these results will fall outside the normal range. In addition many doctors do not automatically test the antibodies in your blood which can show that your body is under attack from your thyroid. If you continue to have many thyroid related symptoms after a negative test ask for an antibodies test or have another test in a few months time.

If you are diagnosed with a thyroid disorder be prepared for people to have many different opinions on your condition. A lot of people will think it's no big deal which can be extremely upsetting if you are finding it hard to get out of bed or are putting on weight when you aren't overeating. A thyroid disorder is a chronic illness and many fall under the same category as diabetes which is an autoimmune disorder. A thyroid disorder left uncontrolled can result in death, so it is a serious condition.

THYROID PROBLEMS AND MENTAL HEALTH:

People often refer to the thyroid as "the gland of emotions" because thyroid problems contribute to many mental side effects. Many years ago people

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