Thyroid Disease Symptoms Thyroid Disease Guide Thyroid Disease Guide Symptoms Causes Diagnosis Treatment Coping Symptoms of Thyroid Disease By Mary Shomon facebook twitter linkedin Mary Shomon is a writer and hormonal health and thyroid advocate. She is the author of "The Thyroid Diet Revolution." Learn about our editorial process Mary Shomon Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Danielle Weiss, MD on August 02, 2020 linkedin Dr. Danielle Weiss is the founder of Center for Hormonal Health and Well-Being, a personalized, proactive, patient-centered medical practice with a unique focus on integrative endocrinology. She enjoys giving lectures and writing articles for both the lay public and medical audiences. Dr. Weiss is Assistant Clinical Professor of Medicine at the University of California, San Diego. Learn about our Medical Review Board Danielle Weiss, MD Updated on August 05, 2020 Print Thyroid disease encompasses several diagnoses. While general categories of thyroid disease symptoms—sleep changes, weight changes, bowel problems, for example—can overlap, exactly how these manifest is quite different from condition to condition. In fact, symptoms of hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) and hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), the two most common types of thyroid disease, are often opposite, though they affect the same body system. Furthermore, thyroid concerns such as goiter, thyroid cancer, and specific versions of hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, such as Graves' disease, can bring about other symptoms that can be unique to or more pronounced with these diagnoses. Frequent Symptoms Verywell There is no single symptom or cluster of symptoms that lead to a definitive diagnosis of hyper- or hypothyroidism. Both can affect the same part of the body or system, but in different ways. Weight Changes Unexplained weight changes can be a sign of hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism: In hypothyroidism, you may be gaining weight and you may fail to lose weight despite ramping up exercise and reducing calories. In hyperthyroidism, you may lose weight while eating as usual or have difficulty maintaining weight despite increased caloric intake. Note, however, that you can be hypothyroid and losing weight, underweight, or unable to gain weight. Or, you may be hyperthyroid and find that you can't lose weight, even with a healthy diet and exercise. Temperature Issues Sensitivity to temperature can be a symptom of both forms of thyroid disease: In hypothyroidism you may feel intolerant of the cold. In hyperthyroidism you may feel hot and sweaty despite a normal environmental temperature. Fatigue and Sleeping Problems Sleep issues and general fatigue—which are only worsened when you don't get a good night's rest—are common complaints of people with thyroid issues. At times, they can be so profound that they greatly impact one's daily life. Hypothyroidism or Underactive Thyroid You wake up exhausted, even after eight or more hours of sleep. You take long naps. You have "marathon" sleep sessions on your days off. Hyperthyroidism or Overactive Thyroid You have a hard time falling asleep. You wake up several times throughout the night. You experience a racing heart or anxiety at bedtime. Mental Health Problems Depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders can be associated with thyroid problems: In hypothyroidism, you may have depression symptoms or depression that doesn't respond to antidepressants. In hyperthyroidism, you may experience anxiety, panic disorder, or panic attacks. Neck or Throat Discomfort/Abnormalities These symptoms can be associated with hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, autoimmune thyroid disease, nodules, goiter (an enlarged thyroid), and thyroid cancer. A feeling of swelling or fullness in the neck Visibly enlarged neck Ear and jaw pain Discomfort wearing turtlenecks or neckties Difficulty swallowing or breathing Tenderness in the neck A hoarse, raspy voice Neck swelling is often a symptom of thyroid disease, but it can also indicate a more serious condition, including certain types of cancers, infections, or neurological disease. If an area of your neck is enlarged, talk to your doctor about it promptly. Hair, Skin, and Nail Changes Hair, skin, and nails are vulnerable to thyroid hormone imbalances. Hypothyroidism or Underactive Thyroid Brittle, coarse, and dry hair Hair that breaks easily Loss of hair, especially on the outer edge of the eyebrows Thick, dry, and scaly skin, especially on the heels/knees and elbows Brittle, thin, or dull nails Hyperthyroidism or Overactive Thyroid Severe hair loss Fine, thinning hair Increased skin sensitivity and smoothness Unusual skin rashes Bowel Problems The last thing you may be thinking of when you have digestive troubles is your thyroid, but gastrointestinal symptoms are common, reinforcing the far-reaching effects of this important gland: In hypothyroidism, you may have severe or long-term constipation that doesn't respond to treatments or remedies. In hyperthyroidism, you may have diarrhea, loose stools, or irritable bowel syndrome. Menstrual Irregularities and/or Fertility Concerns Thyroid conditions, especially hypothyroidism, can increase your risk of infertility, may interfere with the success of assisted reproduction treatments, and may increase the chances of recurrent miscarriage. Menstrual irregularities are also common: In hypothyroidism, you may have heavier periods, painful menstruation, or less time between periods. In hyperthyroidism, you may have shorter periods, lighter menstrual flow, infrequent periods, or periods may stop altogether. Eye Problems and Vision Changes A number of eye-related symptoms and changes are common in hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and Graves’ disease. Common symptoms include: Eye dryness Gritty feeling in the eye Blurry vision Eye redness Swollen, puffy, or watery eyes Sensitivity to light Double vision Proptosis (eye-bulging), one of the most distinctive symptoms of Graves' "Lid lag"—when your upper eyelid doesn't smoothly follow movement of the eyes when you look down An Overview of Graves' Disease Cognitive Problems "Brain fog," a term used to describe a group of cognitive symptoms that is often used by patients and doctors alike, is a symptom common to hypothyroidism specifically. Brain fog may involve: Difficulty concentrating Short-term and long-term memory problems Forgetfulness Lack of focus Feeling "spaced out" Confusion Difficulty thinking clearly Musculoskeletal Problems When you're hypothyroid, you may experience aches and pains in your muscles and joints, especially in your arms and legs. Fibromyalgia-like pain is also common for people with an underactive thyroid. If you are hyperthyroid, you may have pain or unusual weakness in the upper arms, and calves. With hypothyroidism, there is also a greater risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome in your hands, which can cause weakness and pain in your forearms, wrists, hands, and fingers. A similar condition, tarsal tunnel, is also a risk, causing weakness and pain in the shins, ankles, feet, and toes. Pain is a common but often overlooked symptom of underlying thyroid issues. Rare Symptoms While rarer than the above, these symptoms must be considered both individually and in the context of all of the issues a patient presents with. In some cases, these could be some of the first tip-offs that a thyroid diagnosis should be investigated. Hypothyroidism High cholesterol levels: If you have high cholesterol levels, especially when they are not responsive to diet, exercise, or cholesterol-lowering medications such as statins, you may have undiagnosed hypothyroidism. Myxedema: This skin condition, which can occur in severe hypothyroidism, involves the deposition of mostly hyaluronic acid in the lower layer of the skin, causing coarse hair and skin, puffiness of the face or all over, tongue enlargement, and hoarseness. Hyperthyroidism Low cholesterol levels: Unusually low cholesterol levels that do not correlate with diet, weight, and exercise may be a sign of hyperthyroidism. Graves’ ophthalmopathy: This condition is most easily recognized by proptosis, in which your eyeballs appear to be bulging and your eyes may not be completely covered when your eyelids are closed. Rashes: There are two unusual rashes associated with hyperthyroidism and Graves' disease: Pretibial myxedema, also known as thyroid dermopathy, can appear on the skin of the shins. A bumpy rash known as miliaria can appear on the face. Complications While some of the thyroid symptoms you may be experiencing may seem more annoying than harmful, remember that your thyroid gland and the hormones it produces impact your metabolism, heart, digestion, brain, bones, and more. Getting an early diagnosis and effectively managing your thyroid symptoms can help lower the risk of possible complications. Hypothyroidism Neuropathy: Low levels of thyroid hormone can result in nerve damage, called neuropathy, characterized by tingling and numbness in the extremities. A painful foot condition known as plantar fasciitis may also develop in your feet, caused by edema (fluid buildup) around the nerves. Difficulty conceiving a baby: Even mild hypothyroidism can impede ovulation and the proper implantation of an embryo, making it difficult for a woman to conceive. Pregnancy complications: Hypothyroidism may put a pregnant woman at a higher risk of miscarriage, placental abruption, preterm delivery, and neonatal death. Hyperthyroidism Osteoporosis: Bone weakening makes a person more prone to breaking bones with even minor bumps or falls. Atrial fibrillation: This heart arrhythmia can lead to serious problems like stroke or heart failure. It is more common in older people. Pregnancy complications: Moderate-to-severe hyperthyroidism in a pregnant woman can sometimes lead to preterm birth, stillbirth, and possibly congenital malformations. How Do Thyroid Problems Affect Fertility and Pregnancy? When to See Your Doctor If you have symptoms of thyroid disease, consult with your doctor, who will do a thorough physical exam, ask you details about your symptoms, and do a blood test to check your thyroid levels. Fortunately, in most cases, both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can be effectively treated. Thyroid Disease Doctor Discussion Guide Get our printable guide for your next doctor's appointment to help you ask the right questions. Download PDF Email the Guide Send to yourself or a loved one. Sign Up This Doctor Discussion Guide has been sent to {{form.email}}. There was an error. Please try again. Thyroid storm is a rare but very serious, potentially life-threatening condition that occurs in people with untreated hyperthyroidism. It may be triggered by a stressful event like surgery, trauma, or infection. Thyroid storm is characterized by exaggerated symptoms of hyperthyroidism, such as a very fast heart rate, high fever, diarrhea, agitation, delirium, and/or decreased consciousness. Myxedema coma, on the other hand, is a life-threatening emergency that can result from hypothyroidism. Read how thyroid disease causes dry mouth. Signs of an Emergency: Myxedema Coma Myxedema coma is a rare and life-threatening condition that may be triggered by trauma, infection, cold exposure, or certain medications. Myxedema coma causes a low body temperature and blood pressure, in addition to a loss of consciousness. Thyroid Disease Causes and Risk Factors Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Losing weight with thyroid disease can be a struggle. Our thyroid-friendly meal plan can help. Sign up and get yours free! Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit Article Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Thyroid Disease. Cleveland Clinic. Ohio. 2016. Schübel J, Feldkamp J, Bergmann A, Drossard W, Voigt K. Latent Hypothyroidism in Adults. Dtsch Arztebl Int. 2017;114(25):430-438. doi:10.3238/arztebl.2017.0430 Overactive Thyroid: Overview Cologne, Germany: Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Healthcare. April 2018. Overactive Thyroid: Overview Cologne, Germany: Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Healthcare. April 2018. Walker HK, Hall WD, Hurst JW, editors. Clinical Methods: The History, Physical, and Laboratory Examinations. Butterworths. 1990. Hernández-sandí A, Quirós-baltodano D, Oconitrillo-chaves M. Delirium, Caused by Suspending Treatment of Hypothyroidism. Ment Illn. 2016;8(2):6787. doi:10.4081/mi.2016.6787 Gupta N, Arora M, Sharma R, Arora KS. Peripheral and Central Nervous System Involvement in Recently Diagnosed Cases of Hypothyroidism: An Electrophysiological Study. Ann Med Health Sci Res. 2016;6(5):261-266. doi:10.4103/amhsr.amhsr_39_16 Additional Reading Iwen KA, Oelkrug R, Kalscheuer H, Brabant G. Metabolic Syndrome in Thyroid Disease. Front Horm Res. 2018;49:48-66. doi: 10.1159/000485996. Epub 2018 Apr 5. Uygur MM, Yoldemir T, Yavuz DG. Thyroid disease in the perimenopause and postmenopause period. Climacteric. 2018 Oct 8:1-7. doi: 10.1080/13697137.2018.1514004. Vashishtha M, Varghese B, Mosley F, Kadakia A, de Jager W. Screening for thyroid dysfunction and diabetes in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome. Surgeon. 2016 Jun;14(3):147-9. doi: 10.1016/j.surge.2014.11.003. Epub 2014 Dec 19.