The thyroid is a small gland located in the throat area, near the voice box. The Hormone Foundation says that the thyroid gland produces and releases various hormones that help to regulate metabolism--which controls how quickly the body's many processes function.
Hormones play a very important role in your body's processes and health, and when they get out of balance, everything from your weight to your hair to your body temperature can be affected. When abnormal thyroid function is to blame, a number of different symptoms can affect your body, how you're feeling and even how well your mind functions.
Unexplained Changes in Weight
If you haven't been gorging on fast food or exercising for hours but are strangely gaining or losing a fair amount of weight, your thyroid may be to blame. The Cleveland Clinic says that weight gain is a common sign of hypothyroidism---underactive thyroid---and weight loss is a common sign of hyperthyroidism---overactive thyroid.
Body Temperature Changes
Getting easily chilled and suffering unusually from cold weather is a significant sign of hypothyroidism, says the Cleveland Clinic. And when your thyroid is in overdrive, producing too much thyroid hormone, as is the case with hyperthyroidism, you may find yourself less tolerant of the heat, sweating frequently and feeling hot all the time.
Changes in Menstruation
Hypothyroidism can cause menstrual periods to increase in volume and occur more frequently, while hyperthyroidism can lead to menstrual periods that are significantly lighter and more infrequent than normal.
Changes in Mental Function
Abnormal thyroid function can also affect how well your brain seems to function and as well as your emotions. Hypothyroidism can leave you feeling unusually tired and even forgetful. Hyperthyroidism can cause insomnia, nervousness, anxiety and even an irritable mood.
Physical Changes
An underactive thyroid can even affect your hair and your skin, leaving them thickened, rough and dry. It can also cause your voice to become hoarse. Hyperthyroidism may cause your muscles to ache, tremble and feel weak, and your eyesight to suffer. Your thyroid gland may swell.
Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can cause erectile dysfunction in men, says the Hormone Foundation. Abnormal thyroid function can also affect your bowels. Hypothyroidism can lead to constipation, while diarrhea often results from hyperthyroidism.
Assessing Your Symptoms
Although under- and overactive thyroids cause nearly opposite effects, abnormal thyroid function affects many of the same parts of the body. If you notice any unusual symptoms that may be attributed to abnormal thyroid function, see your doctor---both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism can be treated to alleviate symptoms.
