The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located in the neck. This gland releases hormones that regulate metabolism, heart rate, body temperature, and many other functions.

When the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough or produces too much thyroid hormones, it can result in a variety of symptoms known as thyroid dysfunction. Here are 30 common symptoms of thyroid dysfunction:.

1. Fatigue

Feeling tired and sluggish, even after sleeping for an adequate amount of time, is one of the most common symptoms of thyroid dysfunction. The thyroid hormones play a crucial role in energy levels, so when they’re out of balance, it can cause fatigue.

2. Mood Changes

Thyroid dysfunction can cause mood changes such as depression, anxiety, and irritability. These changes may be due to the impact of thyroid hormones on the brain.

3. Weight Changes

Weight changes are common in thyroid dysfunction. Some people gain weight due to decreased metabolism caused by an underactive thyroid, while others lose weight due to an overactive thyroid.

4. Hair Loss

Thyroid dysfunction can cause hair loss and thinning hair. This is because the thyroid hormones play a role in hair growth and follicle health.

5. Dry Skin

The skin can become dry, itchy, and flaky when thyroid hormones are imbalanced. This is because the thyroid hormones regulate skin moisture and oil production.

6. Muscle Weakness

When the thyroid gland is underactive, it can lead to muscle weakness and fatigue. This can be especially noticeable in the arms and legs, making it difficult to perform everyday activities.

7. Joint Pain

Joint pain is a common symptom of thyroid dysfunction. It can be caused by inflammation in the joints or by the low levels of thyroid hormones affecting the cartilage.

8. Increased Heart Rate

An overactive thyroid can cause an increased heart rate, known as tachycardia. This is because the thyroid hormones speed up the metabolism, which can increase heart rate.

9. Irregular Menstrual Cycle

Thyroid dysfunction can affect the menstrual cycle of women. It can cause heavy periods, irregular periods, or even missed periods due to the impact of thyroid hormones on sex hormones.

10. Difficulty Concentrating

Thyroid dysfunction can cause difficulty concentrating or what some people call “brain fog”. This symptom can be due to the impact of thyroid hormones on brain function and neurotransmitters.

11. Intolerance to Cold

An underactive thyroid can cause intolerance to cold temperatures, even in warm environments. This is because the thyroid hormones regulate body temperature and metabolism.

12. Swelling in the Neck

A swollen or enlarged thyroid gland, known as a goiter, can be a sign of thyroid dysfunction. It can occur in both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.

13. Constipation

A slowed-down metabolism caused by hypothyroidism can lead to constipation. This is because the muscles in the digestive tract don’t work as efficiently.

14. Diarrhea

An overactive thyroid can cause diarrhea and frequent bowel movements due to the increased metabolic rate and faster passage of food through the digestive tract.

15. High Blood Pressure

Hyperthyroidism can cause high blood pressure due to the effect of thyroid hormones on the heart and blood vessels. Over time, this can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.

16. Low Blood Pressure

Hypothyroidism can cause low blood pressure due to the slowing down of the heart and decreased blood flow throughout the body.

17. Hoarseness

Thyroid dysfunction can cause hoarseness or a change in voice due to the pressure of an enlarged thyroid gland on the vocal cords.

18. Puffy Face

An underactive thyroid can cause puffiness in the face and around the eyes due to the retention of fluid.

19. Insomnia

Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can cause insomnia or difficulty sleeping. This can be due to the impact of thyroid hormones on the regulation of sleep and wake cycles.

20. Memory Loss

Thyroid dysfunction can cause memory loss or forgetfulness. This may be due to the impact of thyroid hormones on brain function, including memory retrieval and attention.

21. Slow Heart Rate

An underactive thyroid can cause a slow heart rate, known as bradycardia. This is because the thyroid hormones regulate heart function and if not enough hormone is produced, it can cause the heart to beat too slowly.

22. Irregular Heartbeat

Both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism can cause an irregular heartbeat or arrhythmia. This can be due to the impact of thyroid hormones on the electrical system of the heart.

23. Muscle Aches

Muscle aches and pains can be caused by both hypo and hyperthyroidism.

24. Brittle Nails

Thyroid dysfunction can cause brittle and weak nails that are prone to breakage. This is due to the impact of thyroid hormones on nail growth and health.

25. Hair Thinning

Thinning hair can be a sign of thyroid dysfunction as the thyroid hormones help maintain healthy hair growth.

26. Decreased Libido

Thyroid dysfunction may cause a decrease in libido or sex drive, as the hormone imbalance can affect sex hormone production.

27. Anxiety

Thyroid dysfunction can cause anxiety or nervousness, as the hormone imbalance can affect neurotransmitters in the brain.

28. Depression

Symptoms of depression, such as sadness, fatigue, and loss of interest in hobbies or activities, can be caused by thyroid dysfunction as the thyroid hormones affect the mood-regulating systems in the brain.

29. Delayed Puberty

Thyroid dysfunction can cause a delay in puberty and sexual development, as the thyroid hormones play a role in sex hormone production.

30. Infertility

Thyroid dysfunction can cause infertility in both men and women, as the thyroid hormones play a role in regulating sex hormones and fertility.

Conclusion

Thyroid dysfunction can cause a wide range of symptoms that can be easily overlooked.

If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to speak with a healthcare professional to get the appropriate diagnosis and treatment for thyroid dysfunction.