The most common symptoms of thyroid problems are named

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If you constantly feel tired, cold and in a bad mood, then you may have problems with the thyroid gland, writes Swedish doctor Helena Philipsson Nyström. She talks in detail about hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism and goiter and names the most common symptoms.

The thyroid gland is an organ in the form of the letter H, located directly under the larynx. It is responsible for the metabolism in cells — it is like a gas pedal in the body, says Helena Filipsson Nyström, head of the endocrinology department at Sahlgrenska University Hospital and lecturer at the University of Gothenburg.

In case of insufficient or excessive function of thyroid hormones, the metabolism is disturbed. “When too many hormones enter the body, it begins to work at high speeds, as if exposed to gas. And if there is not enough hormone, the body works at reduced speeds,” she explains.

Both hyper – and hypofunction of the thyroid gland are characterized by such a symptom as fatigue. And in general, the symptoms may differ in different patients – after all, everything is individual.

How common are thyroid gland diseases?

“Every year, hyperfunction is diagnosed for the first time in approximately 3,000 out of 10 million Swedes. And approximately 10,000 take medication that suppresses the function of the thyroid gland,” answers Helena Philipsson Nyström. As for the decrease in the function of thyroid hormones, there are no such statistics separately for Sweden.

“There are data according to which up to half a million people take thyroid hormones. It is usually a lifelong therapy.”

Are you freezing and slowing down? It could be hypothyroidism

Signs of decreased function of thyroid hormones, i.e. hypothyroidism, make it clear that the body is working more slowly.

“You get cold, you gain a few kilos, you swell and swell, you have constipation and a slow heartbeat. Mental symptoms are also noted: it becomes more difficult to think. Low mood may occur. Almost everything slows down”.

All these problems are quite common, so it is difficult to single out something typical for hypothyroidism, adds Helena Philipsson Nyström. “Sometimes these symptoms only become noticeable when combined with each other.”

Sweats and palpitations? Hyperthyroidism is likely to blame

With hyperthyroidism, that is, hyperfunction of thyroid hormones, which is also called toxic goiter, the symptoms are exactly the opposite.

You have a pounding heart, you lose weight, you want to eat all the time, you feel hot and you sweat easily, constantly nervous, anxious and sentimental. You also get angry easily,” says Helena Philipsson Nyström.

Other possible symptoms include loose and accelerated stool. “Everything works too fast. Heart, intestines, energy metabolism. Even the brain speeds up”.

A lump in the throat and a goiter

A normal-sized thyroid gland cannot be felt with the hands, says Helena Philipsson Nyström. But if it increases or the production of hormones decreases, a goitre may appear. “This is an enlarged thyroid gland. If it has noticeably increased in size, it can be seen with the naked eye and even felt, especially when you examine the throat with your head tilted back.”

There may also be a feeling of a lump in the throat. Many report discomfort when clothing presses against the throat, such as a scarf, polo collar, or tie. With more pronounced symptoms, there may even be difficulties with swallowing or breathing.

A lump in the throat often appears with increased anxiety or with stomach or intestinal disorders, the doctor adds.

Who is at risk for thyroid problems?

Women suffer from disorders of the thyroid gland four times more often than men. This applies to both hypo- and hyperfunction.

“According to the available data, 10% of women have at least once in their life disorders of the thyroid gland.”

What does it depend on?

“It is not known exactly. Presumably, female sex hormones are somehow related to thyroid hormones, as disturbances often appear during pregnancy and menopause.”

“Immediately after pregnancy, immunological trends increase. And similar changes probably occur during climax. But diseases of the thyroid gland also occur for other reasons.

Disruptions in the functioning of the thyroid gland can appear at any age. Children rarely get sick, but already in adolescence such diseases are already quite common, and adults are prone to them even more often. It's a real epidemic”

Thyroid problems? Probable concomitant diseases

Inflammation

Sometimes the disorders have temporary causes, and after six months the function of the thyroid gland can be restored. For example, inflammation of the thyroid gland leads to a decrease in function, which later passes.

It happens that inflammation of the thyroid gland produces a temporarily increased level of hormones, followed by a phase of decreased function.

Autoimmune diseases

The most common autoimmune disease, which accompanies 75% of all cases of thyroid hyperfunction, is Graves' disease (Based's disease, or diffuse toxic goiter).

Nodular goiter

One or more nodes are found in the patient's thyroid gland, due to which the production of hormones increases.

Other diseases

< p>If the level of hormones is within normal limits, but there is a goiter, it is important to check whether there is no asymmetry or neoplasms. An ultrasound diagnosis or a biopsy may be needed to make sure that there are no dangerous processes in the body.

Is it hereditary?

Diseases of the thyroid gland can be inherited, says Helena Philipsson Nyström.

The most important cause of such diseases is autoimmunity, that is, the effect of the body's immune defenses on its own organs. At the same time, it is often found that the thyroid gland is disturbed, and the tendency to this is inherited.

“It is difficult to give specific numbers when talking about how big the risk is for a person whose mother or aunt suffers from such diseases,” says Helena Philipsson Nyström. – But it is better to be informed if such diseases are in your family, because then you are in the risk group. And if I notice that something is wrong, you will have to undergo regular examinations.” However, she emphasizes that if you feel well, you don't need to run to the doctor because of heredity alone.

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How thyroid diseases are treated

When thyroid hormone tests show hypo or hyperfunction, medication is usually prescribed. If the function is reduced, thyroid hormones are prescribed, and if it is increased, drugs that suppress the production of hormones are prescribed.

Hypofunction is usually treated by a general practitioner. If the hormone level slightly exceeds the normal range, it is suggested to wait to see if it normalizes on its own. It happens that when re-analyzed after a few weeks, everything is already in order. But if the deviations are significant, measures should be taken.

Hyperfunction requires referral to a specialist. Medicine is often prescribed, which must be taken for a year or two, after which everything returns to normal. But in some cases, the thyroid gland has to be removed or radioactive iodine therapy is required. Such treatment is prescribed only by specialists.

Are thyroid diseases dangerous?

Today, treatment often begins before the disease has time to move into a dangerous stage. But earlier, when there were no methods of treating toxic goiter, it could lead to death.

“It is as if your body is constantly RUNNING a marathon. If it continues for a long time, there is a risk of organ dysfunction – this is called a thyrotoxic crisis. It is a very serious condition with a high risk of mortality”.

Even today, hyperthyroidism can cause dangerous complications, such as ventricular fibrillation.

Living with undiagnosed thyroid hypofunction is also dangerous. “If the decline in function continues for years, it can result in a state where there are no longer enough hormones to support the body's metabolic processes. This is a myxedematous coma. You can also die from it”.