THYROID DISEASE

Read and learn more about thyroid gland symptoms. For more, visit the Thyroid Disease website ThyroidDiseaseWiki.com.

Q: What are the symptoms of defects in thyroid gland in adults?
What are the symptoms of defects in thyroid gland in adults?

A: the thing to consider here is that a defect in thyroid gland can either cause it to be working too much (hyperthyroidism) or not working enough (hypothyroidism)

in hyperthyroidism (too much thyroid hormone), symptoms include: high heart rate, palpitations (feeling your heart pumping too fast), chest pain, tremors and shakiness, weight loss, diarrhea, increased reflexes, warm moist skin, fine hair, heat intolerance (getting hot easily)

hypothyroidism (not enough thyroid hormone), symptoms include: cold intolerance (getting cold easily), low activity, slow reflexes, weight gain, constipation, weakness, swelling around the eyes or face, dry cool skin, coars brittle hair

Q: Hyperactive Thyroid Gland symptoms and damages muscles.?
I was diagnosed with a Hyperactive Thyroid Gland when I was 14…

Had periods of frustration and not wanting to take the medication.. So, I was on and off the Carbimazole…. I suppose it was a juvinile way of not wanting to admit to myself that I had to rely on the medication…

Apparently, doing this – prolonged periods of not taking the medication can

1) Damage your heart

2) Kill the muscles in your legs…??

My Doctor tells me the problem is now under control, but actually, now, when I do long distance walks (with a back pack on) I get severe cramps and extreme pain in my legs that I cannot continue walking…..!!!! Sometimes I can’t feel my legs at all!!

What’s happening there..??

Is it related to the past problem / not taking medication for Hyperactive Thyroid Gland..???

Cheers.

B.

A: Hyperthyroidism is characterized by hypermetabolism and elevated serum levels of free thyroid hormones. Symptoms are many but include tachycardia, fatigue, weight loss, and tremor. Diagnosis is clinical and with thyroid function tests. Treatment depends on cause. Consult your doctor.
Please see the web pages for more details on Hyperthyroidism.

Q: With no thyroid gland what symptoms would a very LOW tsh give me?
On 88mcg of levoxyl daily

A: A low TSH can give you anxiety, insomnia, weight loss or gain, increased heart rate/BP, hair loss, heat intolerance, excessive sweating, and the list goes on.

Q: Anyone had problems with their thyroid gland? what were your symptoms?
I went to the doctor and told her that my neck sometimes got a bit swollen. She checked it out and at first glance she said I might have a thyroid problem and possibly a goiter. I took the blood test and everything came back normal. I was wondering what were some of the symptoms of someone who has had it. Could it be that there is something wrong but not noticable yet? Some of the things that I have been experiencing is persistant nausea, breathing problem which is not caused by asthma, and some more than usual hair loss. Is this something that could be related? Any information would help. Thanks.

A: Yes, the symptoms you describe sound like a thyroid problem. There are two types of thyroid problems: hyperthryoidism (when your thyroid gland is overactive–producing too much thyroid hormones) and hypothyroidism (when your thyroid gland is underactive). Both have symptoms of goiter. Goiter is an enlarged thyroid gland that can interfere with swallowing, breathing and may cause swelling in the neck. More oftenly, it is associated with hyperthyroidism. Other symptoms of hyperthyroidism include: weight loss, increased anxiety, increased heart rate, increased appetite, fatigue, hair loss, nausea/vomiting, and many others, including menstrual irregularities.

Hyperthyroidism is very common in young women, and can be easily treated. According to the symptoms you describe, it sounds like you may have hyperthyroidism. I would go see a different doctor (possibly an endocrinologist) who can do a more thorough test on you to see if indeed you have hyperthyroidism. Lab tests can be normal and you can still have a thyroid problem. That’s why it’s better to see someone who specializes in it. Good luck!

Q: Can anyone give me any symptoms of having just been discovered as having an overactive thyroid gland?

A: an overactive thyroid gland can show the following symptoms:
Enlargement of thyroid gland (about 2-3 times its normal size)
Bulging eyeballs, Staring gaze
Heat intolerance
Warm moist and salty skin
Nervousness
Trembling hands
Fast heart rate (Palpitations)
Breathlessness
Insomnia (loss of sleep)
Increased bowel movements
Weight loss
Muscle weakness
Hair loss
Light or absent menstrual periods

Q: what are symptoms of Thyroid gland? and what does it experiences?

A: Symptoms of Hypothyroidism (An underactive thyroid)

fatigue, exhaustion
feeling run down and sluggish
depression
difficulty concentrating, brain fog
unexplained or excessive weight gain
dry, coarse and/or itchy skin
dry, coarse and/or thinning hair
feeling cold, especially in the extremities
constipation
muscle cramps
increased menstrual flow
more frequent periods
infertility/miscarriage

Symptoms of Hyperthryodisim (An overactive thyroid)

nervousness
irritability
increased perspiration
thinning of your skin
fine brittle hair
muscular weakness especially involving the upper arms and thighs
shaky hands
panic disorder
insomnia
racing heart
more frequent bowel movements
weight loss despite a good appetite
lighter flow, less frequent menstrual periods

If you suspect a problem, have your doctor run a thyroid panel which includes the tests: Free T4, Free T3, TSH, TPO, Ferrtin, and have your Adrenal fucntions tested as well. Many people who have thyroid problems also have weak adrenal function.

Q: Does your thyroid gland have to be swollen for you to have a thyroid problem?
I have all of the symptoms of a thyroid problem except a swollen thyroid gland. So does it sound like I have a thyroid problem or does it sound like a different problem?

A: No, it does NOT have to be swollen and you should NOT be diagnosed on a thyroid blood panel only! Especially if the doc only blood tests for TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone). If he/she does then run do not walk from their office. TSH is your body’s thermostat which is secreted by your Pituitary Gland.

I learned the hard way from experience and now due to doctor’s misconceptions I had to have my thyroid surgically removed. I missed thyroid cancer by a hair width. I will be taking 2 pills 3 times per day for the rest of my life because of doctors solely relying on blood tests. I had a sub-clinical thyroid condition (meaning blood tests within the normal to low normal range) which later resulted in a autoimmune disease thyroid condition. I should have been diagnosed based on symptoms, but it takes a doc with a lot of knowledge to think outside the 4-corners of their medical textbook and guts too. My symptoms began 15 years ago and it took 15 years to hit rock bottom for my disease to surface on blood tests but then it became an autoimmune disease and was TOO LATE. Autoimmune disease is where your immune system turns against you and it begins to attack your body.

Also, I found that specialists such as Endocrinologists were the least informed. I found that they were quick to push mental health drugs treating only the symptoms and not getting to the root of the real problem. Go to the library and SELF-EDUCATE, read all books by patient advocate Mary J. Shomon, Doctors Ridha Ahrem and Steven F. Hotze. Once you learn just how important the thyroid is to your body’s well being and how it functions, then you will be able to connect the dots. You know your body better than anyone.

If you can remember one key important fact which is that some/most doctors medicate using the T-4 hormone (a thyroid pro-hormone) only, but a patient’s problem could lie with the assimilation of the T-3 hormone (the thyroids active hormone). After T-4 enters cells it must be converted into T-3 which is the active active form of thyroid hormone (active OUTSIDE of your blood stream) it is what effects your mental health (depression), memory, fatigue, body temperature, muscle strength, cholesterol level, weight, hair, skin, nails, etc. A complete hormone panel is key too (estrogens, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA, cortisol,melatonin). I prefer hormone testing using saliva over blood, which unfortunately, the majority of insurance plans do not cover. I feel it is money well spent.

Good Luck and Be Well.

Q: can you give me a more details on symptoms on a overactived thyroid gland?

A: The best advice anyone can give you is to get your medical advice from a Professional Doctor or Professional Nurse — If you rely on all of us crazy people on the internet you are asking for a trip through Death’s Door !!!!!

Q: Should the medication INDERAL be taken for symptoms that happen because of the thyroid gland?
ARE THERE ANY DOCTORS OUT THERE?

A: if you have a thyroid problem, have a doctor determine what medicine you need.

Q: Overactive Thyroid symptoms after treatment.?
After i get treatment for my overactive thyroid gland will the symptoms like sweating, nervousness and shaky hands go away???
thanks

A: Hi jake yes they will but it will take approximately eight weeks for it to make a difference but you will feel better. I have an under active thyroid and I have been on medication for over four years now,just make sure that you have your regular blood tests so they can monitor whether to increase or decrease your dose or even keep it as it is that’s what the tests are for.

Q: what are the symptoms of an over/underactive thyroid gland?

A: Overactive – loosing weight, heart palpitations, shaking hands, heat intolerance, greasy hair / acne, bulging eyes, gritty eyes – basically your body overworking because its got too much thyroid hormone in your blood. These are the symptoms I had before treatment.

Underactive – putting on weight or unable to loose any weight, feeling the cold, dry skin, headaches, pins and needles, tiredness – the opposite of overactive, in that your body does not have enough thyroid hormone. These are the symptoms I have now that I’ve gone the opposite end of the scale due to RAI treatment.

Q: How does under-active thyroid glands affect you? What symptoms shows that you have under-active thyroid glands?
Does under-active thyroid gland affect the height of someone?

A: Lethargy, weight gain, water retention, low immunity

Q: I had my thyroid gland removed 44 years ago,never took meds,do I have to start taking them now?
I am 77 years old,I had my thyroid gland totally removed.I was never put on any meds.I recently had tia’s and the doctor now says that I should take Synthroid.I have never had any symptoms of hypo or hyper.I can not afford to go get blood tests and scans
every 3 mos.

A: If the doctor prescribed Synthroid after a blood test then it might be in your best interest to take them and try to stay monitored. There is a possibility that a small portion of thyroid was left and grew to accommodate you. If your doctor did not test your levels, ask them to. Hypo and Hyper have very subtle side effects that can hardly be noticeable or extreme like loosing all of your hair. One of the results of uncontrolled thyroid can be death. So, do not fool around. Find a way to get tested and stay monitored.

Q: I recently underwent an ultra-sound of my thyroid gland and it was quite painful. Is this normal?
The ultra sound was done on my neck. The center and the right side was more painful than my left side. Is this a symptom of thyroid problems?

A: Hi Meyling M, Good luck with your thyroid. First thing is, I assume you were either having some issues – or possibly had a check up and your doctor felt your thyroid may be enlarged in order for him/her to order an ultrasound. If its enlarged it may be tender.

My younger sister had thyroid cancer so I have to have my thyroid ultra sounded yearly. I have never experienced true ‘pain’ but it can definitely be uncomfortable and unpleasant. I think sometimes the tech really needs to push on areas to get a clear reading.

Did they do some blood tests as well? My thyroid is abnormally shaped and has cysts on it but because it is functioning properly (normal blood tests) they just continue to watch it. If you DO have a problem- please stay on top of it. It is AMAZING how much the thyroid has a hand in!

If it’s something serious (like cancer-God forbid) they simply remove it and give you radiation (I’m sure all patients are different). If you have it removed you have to stay on medication for your life and it takes some time to adjust but thyroid cancer is very rarely life threatening (so they tell me). If you end up having problems, and want someone to talk to that has first hand experience- let me know and I can get you in touch with my sister. She’s very knowledgeable (and sweet) First star I see tonight I will wish on that yours is normal. Take care!

Q: What is the problem with my thyroid gland?
I have been experiencing chest pain, anxiety, palpatations, episodes of breathlessness/lightheadedness, numbness in localised areas on my arm and head. I have been to the dr and hospital, had numerous ECG’s and recently had a blood test that came back fine apart from the need to test my thyroid again in a month. Why do they need to test it again? what does my thyroid do to make me have these symptoms? how can it be treated?

A: It sounds like you might have a slightly overactive thyroid gland, the thyroid stimulates cell growth by releasing a hormone called thyroxin. When the thyroid gland is overactive it can produce the symptoms you describe. It is treatable. However, if it is overactive at the moment is must only be borderline otherwise your Dr would have commenced treatment. Sometimes these things are transitory and settle of their own accord which is why you need to have it rechecked. Your Dr will keep an eye on it and if it becomes necessary to have treatment will tell you.