Signs and Symptoms of Thyroid Dysfunction
Thyroid dysfunction might be more common than you think. In fact, about five percent of the population has hypothyroidism, while only about two percent of the American population has hyperthyroidism. Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland is underactive, while hyperthyroidism is an indicator of an overactive thyroid.
Although these percentages are low, these numbers still reflect a large number of people with thyroid disorders. Often, thyroid disorders are mild and may not cause significant problems for quite some time. However, sometimes those disorders can worsen, making symptoms unbearable and requiring treatment.
Thyroid dysfunction can have several symptoms, depending on what type of dysfunction you have. If you have an overactive thyroid, you may notice that you are underweight and can’t gain weight without extreme effort. You may also find that you are constantly hungry, and no amount of food will fill you up.
If you have an underactive thyroid, you may have trouble losing weight instead, as well as gaining additional weight after diagnosis. This can cause a host of other potential complications, so it is important that hypothyroidism is treated as soon as possible after symptoms show up. Other symptoms of thyroid problems include hair loss, fatigue, and muscle weakness.
If you are having issues with your thyroid, contact us today for an appointment.