A few weeks ago a 42-year-old woman named Ann was frantically searching through the library of the women’s center at which I work for a book that would shed some light on the way she had been feeling recently. In order to help her select an appropriate book, I asked her to describe her problem. She said, “ I’m tired all the time. No matter how much sleep I get, I just feel bone tired.” After we spent a few minutes talking about her daily routine, lifestyle and health, I uncovered a few more symptoms that didn’t immediately come to her mind. In addition to the fatigue, she reported being “cold a lot”, having extreme difficulty losing weight despite making dietary changes and exercising, as well as feeling “down in the dumps.” Since she had not recently been to the doctor, I encouraged her to schedule an appointment for a physical exam, at which time she could share this information with her physician. I also suggested that she inquire about having her thyroid tested as part of the blood work that her doctor would probably order.

A month later she returned to let me know the outcome of her doctor’s appointment. She was diagnosed with hypothyroidism (a sluggish thyroid gland).

Ann’s story is not unusual or uncommon. According to the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, 13 million people of all ages are affected by thyroid disease, yet more than half remain undiagnosed. It is an affliction whose symptoms may be ambiguous and insidious, thereby mimicking the signs and symptoms of other disorders. Therefore, a detailed medical evaluation and blood work are needed to confirm the diagnosis.

Your thyroid gland is a small, butterfly shaped organ located in your neck just below the Adam’s apple and it produces two essential hormones- thyroxine, known as T₄, and triiodothyronine, known as T₃. The duties of this little powerhouse are life sustaining and include regulation of the heart, brain, liver, kidneys and skin.

If thyroid function is under active, it is termed hypothyroidism. If thyroid function is overactive, it is termed hyperthyroidism. The most common form of hypothyroidism is Hashimoto’s disease, an autoimmune disorder where the body’s immune system mistakes the thyroid gland for something it needs to attack. The most common form of hyperthyroidism is Graves’ disease, an autoimmune disorder where the body’s immune system over stimulates the thyroid gland. Neither an under active nor an overactive thyroid is desirable. Your thyroid needs to function normally for your body to function normally. In fact, Ann remarked, “ I never knew problems with my thyroid could affect so many things in my body!”

Most people just associate their thyroid with their weight. If they gain weight, they wonder if it could be their thyroid. Otherwise, they don’t normally put two and two together. The following lists include common signs and symptoms of thyroid dysfunction.

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Hypothyroidism

·        Fatigue, decreased energy level

·        Feeling cold

·        Weight gain

·        Constipation

·        Poor memory and concentration

·        Muscle pain

·        Goiter (enlarged thyroid gland)

·        Feeling “blue” or depressed

·        Generalized swelling or swelling around the eyes

·        Dry and brittle skin, hair and nails

·        Longer or heavier menstrual cycles

·        Infertility 

Hyperthyroidism

·        Fatigue

·        Feeling hot

·        Weight loss, increased appetite

·        Diarrhea

·        Hand tremors

·        Muscle weakness

·        Anxiety, irritability, restlessness

·        Heart palpitations

·        Heavy sweating

·        Hair loss

·        Shorter or lighter menstrual cycles

·        Goiter (enlarged thyroid gland)