[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2018\/10\/symptoms-of-thyroid-problem\/#Article","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2018\/10\/symptoms-of-thyroid-problem\/","headline":"What Are the Symptoms of Thyroid Problems?","name":"What Are the Symptoms of Thyroid Problems?","description":"How do you know if you have an overactive or an underactive thyroid? Learn to recognize the symptoms of thyroid problems.","datePublished":"2018-10-22","dateModified":"2022-04-25","author":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/endocrinology-regions","name":"Endocrinology","url":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/endocrinology-regions","sameAs":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/endocrinology\/","parentOrganization":"UPMC"},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"UPMC HealthBeat","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/symptoms-of-thyroid-problem.jpg","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/symptoms-of-thyroid-problem.jpg","height":325,"width":754},"url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2018\/10\/symptoms-of-thyroid-problem\/","about":["Health Topics A-Z"],"wordCount":512,"articleBody":"Are you asking yourself, “Do I have a thyroid problem?”Symptoms of thyroid problems are often difficult to recognize because they are common in many other conditions.If you suspect you have a thyroid problem, it may be time to talk to your doctor.To schedule an appointment with one of our endocrinologists, or for more information about our services, call 412-586-9700 and select option 5.What Does the Thyroid Do?Your thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland found near the front of your neck. The thyroid gland is part of the endocrine system, and it produces important hormones that help regulate your whole body.The thyroid gland affects energy levels, digestion, heart rate, and mood, among other things. Although the thyroid is involved in your overall health, its primary function is to control your metabolism. Not surprisingly then, one of the most common symptoms of impaired thyroid function is gaining or losing weight.Symptoms of Thyroid ProblemsA malfunctioning thyroid can disrupt many systems in your body. If your thyroid is overactive (hyperthyroidism), it produces too much thyroid hormone. Symptoms of hyperthyroidism include:Rapid heart rateExcessive sweating or feeling hotChange in energy levelWeight lossDifficulty sleepingIrritability or mood swingsIf your thyroid is underactive (hypothyroidism), it produces too little thyroid hormone. Symptoms of hypothyroidism include:FatigueFeeling coldWeight gainDry skin and hairConstipationDepressionSince these symptoms also occur with many other conditions, a thyroid problem can be difficult to diagnose. It is not uncommon to have a thyroid disorder and not know it. An evaluation by an experienced endocrinologist can confirm the diagnosis.Risks of Thyroid DisordersThere are certain risks related to an underactive or overactive thyroid.Hypothyroidism can contribute to weight gain and metabolic complications such as high cholesterol, both of which can contribute to heart disease. It can also contribute to depression and fatigue.Hyperthyroidism can cause heart problems such as a rapid heart rate, or arrhythmia. It can also contribute to thinning of the bones.Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can increase the risk of birth defects or infertility in some women. Left untreated for a prolonged period of time, they also can be life threatening.Other Thyroid Disorders and Associated Medical ConditionsThe most common cause of thyroid disorders is autoimmune thyroid disease, which occurs when antibodies mistakenly attack the thyroid.For example, in Graves’ hyperthyroidism, antibodies cause the thyroid gland to overproduce thyroid hormone. In Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, antibodies decrease hormone production by slowly destroying the thyroid gland.In addition, autoimmune thyroid disease can be associated with other autoimmune conditions such as celiac disease and type 1 diabetes.Goiters and nodules also are associated with thyroid problems. A goiter is an enlarged thyroid gland. Nodules, or small growths in the thyroid gland, are common and most often do not cause problems. In some cases, however, nodules may be associated with thyroid cancer or thyroid dysfunction. Early diagnosis and treatment of thyroid cancer is very effective. Editor's Note: This article was originally published on October 22, 2018, and was last reviewed on April 25, 2022."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"2018","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2018\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"10","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2018\/\/10\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"What Are the Symptoms of Thyroid Problems?","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2018\/10\/symptoms-of-thyroid-problem\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]