#thyroid - symptoms associated with hypo- or hyperthyroidism.

The thyroid, a butterfly-shaped gland in the neck, can have a dramatic impact on a huge variety of bodily functions, and if you're a woman over 35 your odds of a thyroid disorder are high—more than 30%, by some estimates. At least 30 million Americans have a thyroid disorder and half—15 million—are silent sufferers who are undiagnosed, according to The American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists. Women are as much as 10 times as likely as men to have a thyroid problem.

Located above the Adam's apple, thyroid produces thyroid hormone (TH), which regulates, among other things, body's temperature, metabolism, and heartbeat. Things can start to go wrong when your thyroid is under- or over-active. Causes of thyroid disease may be genetics, autoimmune, pregnancy, stress, nutritional deficiencies, or even toxins in the environment.

Here I list some symptoms and signs that could indicate a thyroid disorder:

You're exhausted

Feeling tired and having no energy are issues associated with lots of conditions, but they're strongly linked with hypothyroidism, the disorder that's the result of too little thyroid hormone. According to specialists, fatigue is the number one symptom. It’s the kind of fatigue where you’re still tired in the morning after a full night’s sleep.

You're feeling down

Feeling unusually depressed or sad can also be a symptom of hypothyroidism. That's because too little thyroid hormone can have an impact on levels of serotonin in the brain. 

Your appetite is altered

An increased appetite can be a sign of hyperthyroidism when too much thyroid hormone may have you feeling hungry all of the time. However, the higher food intake won't result in weight gain. 

You've lost your interest in sex

Having little or no desire in the sack could be a side effect of a thyroid disorder. Too little thyroid hormone could be a contributor to a low libido, but the cumulative impact of other hypothyroidism symptoms—weight gain, low energy, and body aches and pains—could also play a part.

You're feeling all fluttery

That fluttery feeling you're having may be heart palpitations. It can feel like your heart is actually fluttering or skipping a beat or two, or beating too hard or too quickly. You may notice these feelings in your chest or at pulse points in your throat or neck. Heart flutters or palpitations can be a sign of too many thyroid hormones flooding your system (hyperthyroidism).

Your skin is dry

Skin that's dry and itchy can be a symptom of hypothyroidism, due to slowed metabolism. Skin without enough moisture can quickly become dry and flaky. Likewise, nails can become brittle and may develop ridges.

Your bowels are unpredictable

People with hypothyroidism sometimes complain of constipation. The disruption in hormone production has likely caused a slowdown of digestive processes. On the reverse side of the spectrum, an overactive thyroid gland can cause diarrhea or more frequent bowel movements, which is why they're symptoms of hyperthyroidism.

Your periods have changed

Longer menstrual periods with a heavier flow and more cramps can be a sign of hypothyroidism. Periods may be closer together. If periods are extra-heavy, anemia should be chcked too.

You have high blood pressure

Both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism have been fingered as culprits. By some estimates, people with hypothyroidism have two to three times the risk of developing hypertension. 

Your thermostat is on the fritz

Feeling cold or having chills is associated with hypothyroidism. The system slow-down caused by an underactive thyroid means less energy is being burned by cells. Less energy equals less heat. On the other hand, an overactive thyroid puts energy-producing cells into overdrive. That's why people with hyperthyroidism sometimes feel too warm or sweat profusely.

You've gained weight

Weight gain is one of the top reasons women are checked for thyroid disease. In such cases, no specific reason or habits changes can justify the gain. It’s almost always due to an underactive thyroid. 

Your hair is thinning or falling out

Dry, brittle hair that breaks or falls out can be a sign of hypothyroidism. Too little thyroid hormone disrupts your hair growth cycle and puts too many follicles into "resting" mode, resulting in hair loss—sometimes all over your body including at the outside of your eyebrows. On the other hand, hair issues due to hyperthyroidism typically show up as thinning hair just on your head.

You have trouble getting pregnant

If you've been trying to have a baby for an extended period of time with no luck, an under- or over-active thyroid could be a contributing factor. Difficulty conceiving has been linked to a higher risk of undiagnosed thyroid problems. Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can interfere with ovulation, which impairs fertility. Thyroid disorders are also linked to pregnancy complications.

If you have one or more of these symptoms and suspect it's your thyroid, see your doctor; thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), Free T3, and Free T4 must be tested. Based on test results, your symptoms, and your physical exam, you may be prescribed synthetic hormones.