There are many diseases that have proliferated among citizens, but thyroid-related problems are some of the most common. According to a 2017 study by the Spanish Society of Endocrinology and Nutrition, almost 10% of the population in Spain suffers from some alteration of this butterfly-shaped gland located in the neck, although half of them are unaware of it. In addition, almost 75% of diagnosed cases are in women.
This gland has the function of synthesizing, storing and releasing vital hormones to regulate metabolism and control the functions of some organs of the body, such as heart, muscle, bone and liver. Thus, its correct functioning can be vital for our daily performance, since one of the main symptoms that can appear in patients who suffer from it is fatigue.
However, not all abnormalities of the function of the thyroid gland They don’t act the same or have the same symptoms. In fact, we can differentiate between the two most recurrent among patients who suffer alterations: the hyperthyroidism and the hypothyroidism.
The difficulty in identifying these symptoms can often make the diagnosis of these diseases much more complex. Therefore, it is necessary to know in depth the keys that can help you detect this problem before it can seriously affect your health.
But what signs should we take into account when detecting a thyroid problem? How can we differentiate between hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism and what are the symptoms that each of these diseases presents?
Hypothyroidism: what it is and what symptoms it presents
The hypothyroidism is one of the disorders that affects the functioning of the thyroid gland, so that this stops producing enough of certain hormones Important for our metabolism.
Although this may not manifest immediately, as its symptoms can be confused with fatigue, over time it can cause numerous health problems if not treated properly. Potential drawbacks include disorders such as obesitythe joint painthe infertility and can even cause heart diseases to people who suffer from it.
These symptoms may vary depending on the severity of this hormone deficiency, so they tend to be much more noticeable over the years and their development. Thus, as the metabolism continues to slow down, these problems may become more apparent.
These are the symptoms to take into account to detect hypothyroidism:
Fatigue
Increased sensitivity to cold
Constipation
Dry Skin
Weight gain
swelling of the face
Hoarseness
Muscular weakness
Elevated blood cholesterol level
Muscle aches, tenderness, and stiffness
Joint pain, stiffness, or swelling
Irregular or heavier menstrual periods
hair thinning
slow heart rate
Depression
poor memory
Enlarged thyroid gland (goiter)
Hyperthyroidism: what it is and how to identify it
On the contrary, although the hyperthyroidism it also affects the proper functioning of the thyroid gland, in this case produces too much of the hormone thyroxine. Thus, this disorder speeds up the body’s metabolism, causing a remarkable unintentional weight lossIn addition to heart problems.
Sudden weight loss can be one of the most visible symptoms of this disease, which is often can be confused with other conditions, which can make diagnosis difficult. Therefore, it is important to take into account some of the other symptoms it produces:
unintentional weight loss
Fast heartbeat (tachycardia)
Irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia)
Sensation of pounding in the chest (palpitations)
increased appetite
Nervousness, anxiety and irritability
Tremors in the hands and fingers
sweating
Changes in menstruation patterns
Increased sensitivity to heat
Change in bowel habits, especially more frequent bowel movements
Enlarged thyroid gland (goiter)
Fatigue and muscle weakness
Difficulty to sleep
Thin skin
Fine or fragile hair
These symptoms, however, can vary markedly if the person suffering from hyperthyroidism is older. A) Yes, older people may not have symptoms or to do it very mildly, so that the most relevant are increased heart rate, intolerance to heat and a tendency to feel tired in normal activities.