The thyroid sits at the base of the neck under the Adam's apple. It secretes hormones that control growth, weight, temperature, heart rate and energetic activity inside the cells, referred to as metabolic activity. Sometimes the thyroid secretes the wrong amount of hormones. If too much is secreted into the bloodstream, the condition is called hyperthyroidism. If it is not enough, the condition is called hypothyroidism. In either case, there are symptoms associated with the disorder. Some symptoms are the same in both conditions.
Fatigue and Insomnia
Fatigue is characterized by a lack of energy, even after plenty of rest or sleep. Insomnia is the inability to fall or stay asleep when the body needs rest. Both of these are symptoms of hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. Insomnia can contribute to fatigue, causing sleepiness during hours the person is usually awake.
Abnormal Weight
Thyroid disorders make it almost impossible to control the weight. With hypothyroidism, weight gain occurs, regardless of the type or amount of food the person is eating. If weight is lost, it is regained. The opposite is true in hyperthyroidism. Weight loss or inability to gain needed weight occurs, regardless to the type or amount eaten. If weight is gained, it is not maintained. These symptoms remain present until the thyroid is balanced.
Anxiety
Anxiety and panic attacks are episodes in which the body temperature and heart rate are raised abnormally high and there is sometimes a feeling of fear. They can occur at any time, even when the person is sleeping peacefully, and last for 10 minutes or more. The classic anxiety/panic attack is a symptom of hypothyroidism.
The body temperature can also be too low. This means the person feels chilly or cold all the time, even when everyone else is warm. In hyperthyroidism, a full blown anxiety attack does not usually occur; instead, the temperature and heart rate is always raised. This is usually accompanied by nervousness and irritability, even if the situation does not normally cause these emotions, or the feelings may be exaggerated and prolonged.
Hyperthyroidism causes the person to feel hot and perspire a lot. She cannot tolerate actual heat. In other words, she feels hot when everyone else is comfortable or even chilly. She may be sweating in a room with people wearing a sweater to stay warm.
Menstrual Irregularity
Irregular menstrual cycles are common in both thyroid disorders. However, in hyperthyroidism, they tend to be decreased. In hypothyroidism, infertility and/or PMS is a better description of the problem. Infertility is the inability to get pregnant. PMS is an abbreviation for a condition called Premenstrual syndrome. Beginning about one to two weeks before the menstrual period starts, the person experiences any combination of the following: swelling and tenderness of the breasts and stomach, mood swings, cramps and fatigue.
References
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Balch, M. D., James; Balch, CNC, Phillis; 2000
- "Prescription for Natural Cures"; Balch, M. D., James; Stengler, N. D., Mark; 2004
- "Life , Liberty and the Pursuit of Healthiness"; Edell, M. D., Dean; 2004
