Nearly one in ten Americans suffer from a thyroid problem and many of them don't even know it. Your thyroid gland is a butterfly shaped organ that is found near the base of your neck. It's responsible for producing the hormones that control your rate of metabolism. Whether it is hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, you can suffer from different consequences if you don't seek treatment when you begin to notice symptoms of thyroid problems.
What are the symptoms of thyroid problems? Because the thyroid is such an important gland, its effects are far reaching and the symptoms of problems are numerous.
Key Points
- Pain or aching in your muscles or joints may be indicative of a thyroid issue.
- Fertility problems, changes in your skin and hair, and swelling in your neck are also symptoms of a thyroid issue.
- There are treatment options for both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.
Signs of Thyroid Problems
There are many symptoms of thyroid problems, but these are a few of the most common. You might experience muscle or joint aches and pains. You may experience a stiff neck or other neck discomfort. The discomfort may be accompanied by a slight swelling of the neck. You might experience skin or hair changes that results in pale tone of the skin or dry and brittle hair. You might experience constipation on a regular basis or experience loose bowels and diarrhea on a regular basis. You may also experience fertility problems or an irregular menstrual cycle.
Other symptoms of thyroid problems are extreme fatigue, depression, or anxiety. The anxiety may be accompanied by panic attacks. You may experience unusual weight changes, either an increase or a decrease in your normal weight that can't be explained. You may find it difficult to lose weight.
If you experience any of these symptoms of thyroid problems, particularly if they are in tandem with other symptoms that may be related, you should visit your doctor to talk about the possibility of a thyroid problem.
Treatments for Thyroid Problems
The treatment you receive for a thyroid problem will depend on the type of problem you have. If you suffer from hypothyroidism, you'll be prescribed thyroid hormones to get your thyroid levels back to normal. You'll take these hormones in the form of a pill, taken daily. You should start to notice an improvement in your symptoms after two weeks, but it may take longer if it takes time for your physician to dial in your dose. Your doctor will check your thyroid levels six to eight weeks after starting treatment to see if your medication needs further adjustment.
If you have hyperthyroidism, there are treatments available. Your doctor may prescribe an anti-thyroid to stop your thyroid from over-producing its hormones. It will take several weeks to months for symptoms to improve after starting treatment for hyperthyroidism. If you are unable to take medication for hyperthyroidism, you may need part or all of your thyroid gland removed. This treatment is only used in cases where no other treatment options are available.
Whether you have an under- or over-active thyroid, there are treatments to help. It's important that you visit your doctor as soon as possible if you believe you are experiencing issues with your thyroid. Getting treatment will prevent possible complications.
Do not take the content of this article as professional medical advice. It's important to exercise due diligence when obtaining relevant information in matters pertaining to your health. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making any medical decisions.