The thyroid gland, a small, butterfly-shaped gland located in the lower front of the neck, controls the body's energy level. It can malfunction for many reasons, often because it produces too much or too little of the chemicals needed to regulate metabolism, reports MayoClinic.com. Many of the symptoms of an improperly working thyroid are so mild or general that people do not realize they have a problem. Once diagnosed, thyroid problems are correctable with treatment.
Considerations
Many symptoms of a malfunctioning thyroid are the same as other health problems, reports MayoClinic.com, thus, people and doctors often overlook the thyroid as a cause. This is also true for odd signs, such as hair loss and pale skin, according to EndocrineWeb. Certain symptoms, such as fatigue, are so subtle that people simply attribute them to stress or overwork. Early in the course of a malfunctioning thyroid, there often are no symptoms at all.
Generalized Symptoms
General symptoms of a malfunctioning thyroid include sluggishness and muscle weakness. Changes in bowel or menstrual patterns are another sign, reports MayoClinic.com. Sweating and insomnia suggest the thyroid is overactive, while elevated cholesterol and depression signify an underactive thyroid. Increased sensitivity to heat or cold also signifies a malfunctioning thyroid. Joint stiffness or swelling is another nonspecific sign.
Obvious Symptoms
Obvious symptoms of a malfunctioning thyroid include an unexplained change in weight even if diet and activity levels remain the same, reports MayoClinic.com. An increased appetite and sudden weight loss suggests the thyroid is producing too much hormone, while weight gain indicates the thyroid has slowed down.
A distinct sign of a malfunctioning thyroid is swelling in the lower front part of the neck. A rarer sign of a malfunctioning thyroid is eyes that begin to bulge and faulty vision, both of which indicate Graves' disease, a hyperactive disorder, according to Merck Manuals.
Signs Suggesting Cancer
Certain signs suggest thyroid cancer, which is rare. These include swelling in the thyroid that grows quickly or feels especially hard, according to MayoClinic.com Hoarseness or trouble breathing, which indicate that the growth is pressing against the voice box or airways, is a sign of cancer, although it occurs with benign growths as well. A key sign is enlarged lymph nodes in the area close to the thyroid, including the neck or under the jaw.
Recommendations
Most thyroid problems are diagnosed with a simple blood test for thyroid-stimulating hormone, which is called TSH. People with swelling at the base of their neck should not delay in getting this sensitive test, which is capable of detecting a thyroid disorder early on. If nonspecific or unexplained signs continue, such as hair loss, muscle/joint aches or mood changes, the TSH test should be performed to rule out a malfunctioning thyroid.
