Symptoms of thyroid disorder

Symptoms of thyroid disorder

Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) - the body slows:

• Tiredness and low energy despite enough sleep
• Weight gain without eating more
• Feeling cold when others are comfortable
• Constipation, dry skin, hair fall and brittle nails
• Low mood, poor concentration, "brain fog"
• Heavy or irregular periods; fertility problems
• Puffy face, hoarse voice, slow heart rate, muscle aches
• In children: poor growth and delayed puberty; in babies: prolonged jaundice, poor feeding, constipation

Overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) - the body speeds:

• Weight loss despite normal or increased eating
• Racing or irregular heartbeat, palpitations
• Tremor in the hands, anxiety, irritability, poor sleep
• Sweating and heat intolerance
• Frequent loose motions
• Light or scanty periods
• In Graves' disease: bulging, gritty or staring eyes

Structural signs (any thyroid problem): a swelling at the front of the neck (goiter), a lump you can feel, difficulty swallowing or a pressure sensation, and voice change. A new, growing or hard neck lump always needs evaluation.

Two emergencies to know: severe untreated hyperthyroidism can flare into thyroid storm (very high fever, extreme agitation, racing heart) and severe untreated hypothyroidism can progress to myxedema coma (extreme drowsiness, low temperature, confusion). Both are rare but life-threatening - call 112 or reach an emergency department.

Remember: these symptoms overlap with everyday tiredness and stress - only a TSH blood test settles it.

Ayurvedic view (interpretive)

Ayurveda reads such clusters through dosha and agni - interpretive. Diagnosis is a blood test; emergencies are for hospitals.