Tag: thyroid symptoms

Thyroid Problems|Feeling Cold in Throat?Hypothyroidism Vs Hyperthyroidism-Symptoms

Though 2020 is largly about Covid-19, issues like thyroid problems in men and women are as rampant as always. Notice the symptoms of hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism and start the treatment as early as possible.

If you feel cold in throat or develop brittle nails and scaly skin without any specific reason, then it could be an early symptom of thyroid problem. The sooner you detect these symptoms and start taking corrective measures, the better. Enlarged thyroid and many types of thyroid issues usually fall under two categories; hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.

Thyroid Problem Symptoms

The symptoms of thyroid problems are often similar to many other common health issues, such as feeling cold, weight gain, constipation or tiredness. If these symptoms appear too frequently, then it is time to get alarmed and have yourself checked for hypothyroidism, which in common terms can be referred to as underactive thyroid. Another type of thyroid problem is just its opposite, i.e. hyperthyroidism or overactive thyroid gland. Let’s take a look at hypothyroidism symptoms.

Hypothyroidism-Steps to eliminate symptoms

Underactive Thyroid- Hypothyroidism Symptoms

  1. Feeling cold in throat or chest
  2. Tingling sensation in fingers
  3. Brittle nails
  4. Scaly and dry skin
  5. Feeling tired quite often
  6. Low sex drive or libido loss
  7. Muscle aches, cramps and general weakness
  8. Weight gain and high cholesterol
  9. Stiffness and swelling in joints
  10. Puffy face

Untreated hypothroidism can lead to various serious health conditions including goiter, heart diseases, infertility and also mental health issues.

Overactive Thyroid-Hyperthyroidism Symptoms

  1. Sudden weight loss for no specific reason
  2. Increased sensitivity to heat
  3. Swelling at the base of neck, which is nothing but swollen thyroid
  4. Palpitations
  5. Frequent bowel movements
  6. Anxiety and mood swings
  7. Tremors in hands
  8. Sleeping troubles

If left untreated, hyperthyroidism can cause bone loss, irregular heart rhythm, which may further cause stroke in extreme cases.

Hypothyroidism Vs Hyperthyroidism

Both types of thyroid problems are equally serious and must be treated as early as possible. Hyperthyroid is usually treated with anti-thyroid drugs, beta blockers and radioactive iodine. Surgery is usually the last option when medication fails. In that case, as thyroid is removed, there is no thyroid hormone production in the body, medication is given to fulfill the needs of those hormones or to rectify the hormonal imbalance. This medication continues for the rest of life.

Thyroid problems in Women-Symptoms

Women are almost 3 times as likely to develop thyroid problem as men. In fact, this is often one of the reasons of weight gain in most women. Symptoms of thyroid problems in women are:

  • Abnormally late or early puberty and menstruation
  • Increased risk for cyst development if the woman has an underactive thyroid (hypothyroid)
  • Harm to fetus during pregnancy
  • Early onset of menopause, or similar symptoms. Read more.

Thyroid problems in men-Symptoms

  • Erectile dysfunction
  • Low libido and low sperm count
  • Hair loss
  • Frequent constipation
  • Slow metabolism and weight gain

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