A family history of thyroid problems puts you at higher risk of having a thyroid condition yourself. But you may not always be aware of thyroid problems in your family, as among older people, they are often referred to as "gland trouble" or "goiter." So pay attention to any discussions of glandular conditions or goiter or weight gain due to "glandular trouble" as these may be referring to thyroid conditions.
4. Fatigue.
Feeling exhausted when you wake up, feeling as if 8 or 10 hours of sleep a night is insufficient, or being unable to function a full day without a nap can all be signs of both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. (With hyperthyroidism, you may have nighttime insomnia that leaves you exhausted during the day.) (For more information)
3. Depression and Anxiety.
Depression or anxiety -- including sudden onset of panic disorder -- can be symptoms of thyroid disease. Hypothyroidism is most typically associated with depression, while hyperthyroidism is more commonly associated with anxiety or panic attacks. Depression that does not respond to anti-depressants may also be a sign of an undiagnosed thyroid disorder. (For more information)
2. Weight Changes.
You may be gaining weight but eating and working out the same as always, or you're losing weight, and eating the same amount of food as usual -- or even eating more than normal. Weight changes -- up or down -- can be signs of both hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.
1. Difficulty Losing Weight.
You may be on a low-fat, low-calorie diet with rigorous exercise program, but are failing to lose any weight, or even gaining. Or you may have joined a diet program, or support group like Weight Watchers, and you're following it to the letter, and are the only one who isn't losing any weight. Difficulty losing weight can be a sign of hypothyroidism. (For more information)
If you have some of the above symptoms, your next step should be a visit to the doctor for a complete thyroid blood test, and a thorough reading of Thyroid Disease 101: Basic Information on Hypothyroidism, Hyperthyroidism, Nodules, Goiter, and Thyroid Cancer.
Mary Shomon, About.com's Thyroid Guide since 1997, is a nationally-known patient advocate and best-selling author of 10 books on health, including "The Thyroid Diet: Manage Your Metabolism for Lasting Weight Loss," "Living Well With Hypothyroidism: What Your Doctor Doesn't Tell You...That You Need to Know," "Living Well With Graves' Disease and Hyperthyroidism," "Living Well With Autoimmune Disease," "Living Well With Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia," and the "Thyroid Guide to Fertility, Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Success." Click here for more information on Mary Shomon.
