Signs of a Thyroid Disorder

It can be hard to tell if you have a thyroid disorder because these disorders can have signs that are common and often confused with other conditions. If you think you have a thyroid disorder, talk with your health care provider and ask if a blood test for a thyroid disorder is indicated. A simple blood test measures thyroid stimulating hormone, or TSH, to find overactive and underactive thyroid disorders.

Signs of hypothyroidism, or underactive thyroid, include:

• Fatigue
• Weight gain
• Mood swings
• Forgetfulness
• Hoarse voice
• Dry, coarse skin and hair
• Trouble swallowing
• Not being able to stand the cold
• Increased cholesterol
• Heavy or irregular periods or trouble getting pregnant
• An enlarged thyroid (goiter)

Signs of hyperthyroidism, or overactive thyroid, include:

• Weight loss
• Feeling irritable and nervous
• Weakness in muscles and tremors
• Having menstrual periods that are not regular
• Troubled, or disturbed sleep
• Problems seeing or eye irritations
• Having an enlarged thyroid (goiter)
• Not being able to stand the heat
• Palpitations or rapid heart beats
• Frequent bowel movements