The thyroid gland is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located in the throat near the voice box. The thyroid gland produces thyroid hormones, which help to regulate metabolism--the rate at which the body's many processes are performed. But sometimes an infection, illness or disease affects the thyroid gland, resulting in abnormal thyroid hormone production. Since thyroid hormone is so important to the body, a number of symptoms of abnormal thyroid function can result.
Causes
There are a number of causes of abnormal thyroid function, from an autoimmune disease to an infection to cancer. But when they thyroid gland is affected and hormone production is abnormal, either too much or too little hormone is released. No matter the cause, the resulting symptom will be hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.
Symptoms of Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism, or underactive thyroid, occurs when the body doesn't have enough thyroid hormone to perform at its normal pace. That means that the body's metabolism and all of its processes slow down. People may find that they're always cold, feel particularly weak and tired and even suffer from dry skin and hair. Constipation, depression and difficulty sleeping are also common. People may find that they're more forgetful than usual and that they're gaining weight for an unexplained reason.
Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism, or overactive thyroid, occurs when the body has too much thyroid hormone circulating and the body's processes are in overdrive, working at a faster pace than normal. Hyperthyroidism can cause symptoms like diarrhea, unexplained weight loss, sweating and shaking. People may also feel too hot and have trouble sleeping.
Symptoms of Abnormal Thyroid Function
Some symptoms overlap between hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. Any type of abnormal thyroid function can lead to affected cognitive function, resulting in feeling forgetful and having trouble concentrating. Abnormal thyroid function can also affect the immune system and increase the risk of infection.
Getting Tested
If you spot any unusual symptoms affecting your mental capacity, temperature and body weight, head to your doctor for a diagnosis--abnormal thyroid function could be to blame. A simple blood test measures the amount of thyroid hormone in your blood, indicating whether your thyroid gland is overactive or underactive and the source of your symptoms.
Treatment
The good news is that both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can be treated. Insufficient thyroid hormone can be replaced with synthetic thyroid hormone medication. To stop excess thyroid hormone production, treatments include surgical removal of the thyroid gland, medication to slow production or radioactive iodine uptake treatment to slowly destroy the thyroid gland. In many cases, hyperthyroidism treatment results in hypothyroidism and treatment for that with medication.
