Thyroid

Thyroid disease is a common problem that can cause symptoms because of over-or under-function of the Thyroid gland.

The Thyroid is located in the front of the neck below the Adam's apple. Thyroid disease can also sometimes lead to enlargement of the Thyroid in the neck, which can cause symptoms that are directly related to the increase in size of the organ.

Symptoms of Thyroid problems:

• Just as the types of Thyroid conditions can vary, so can the symptoms of Thyroid problems
• Nervousness and tremor: These symptoms, along with agitation, can signal an overfunction of the Thyroid gland (hyperThyroidism).
• Mental fogginess and poor concentration: Mental functioning can be affected in both hyperThyroidism (elevated levels of Thyroid hormone) and hypoThyroidism (too low levels of Thyroid hormones). While sluggishness and depressed mood are often associated with hypoThyroidism, hyperThyroidism can also lead to a reduced capacity for concentration.
• Menstrual changes: Hypothyroidism is sometimes associated with excessive or prolonged menstrual bleeding, while hyperThyroidism can be characterized by scanty or reduced menstrual flow.
• Feeling bloated: Fluid retention is often a sign of an underactive Thyroid gland.
• Weight gain: A modest amount of weight gain often accompanies conditions in which Thyroid gland activity is lower than normal.

It is important to remember that none of these symptoms is absolutely specific for Thyroid disease. All of them may be caused by a number of different conditions and normal states.