Thyroid Disorders

Thyroid dysfunction is a fairly common endocrine problem, affecting women more than men.

Broadly speaking, thyroid regulates metabolism.

Hence in hyperthyroidism where there is too much thyroid hormones produced, patients may experience symptoms related to hypermetabolism.

Symptoms of hyperthyroidism may include the following:

• Trembling hands
• Nervousness
• Heart Palpitations
• Weight loss
• Difficulty sleeping
• Frequent bowel movements
• Decreased menstrual flow
• Feeling hot easily

 

And the opposite is true in hypothyroidism where there is too little thyroid hormones produced and patients may experience symptoms related to hypometabolism

Symptoms of hypothyroidism may include the following:

• Tiredness or fatigue
• Dry skin
• Dry and brittle hair and nails
• Bloated face
• Mental fog or difficulty learning
• Weight gain
• Constipation
• Increased menstrual flow
• Feeling cold easily

The above list of symptoms for hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism is not exhaustive and there are times where patients present with atypical symptoms or no symptoms at all!

Thyroid dysfunction can be confirmed with blood test and the role of the doctor is to institute treatment to normalize the thyroid hormone imbalance