Thyroid

The Thyroid gland -- which weighs only about an ounce -- plays a big role in your body's day-to-day functioning. From how quickly your heart beats to how effectively you burn calories, this butterfly-shaped gland in your neck regulates all aspects of your metabolism by releasing hormones.
Thyroid imbalances are common during hormonal flux like Pregnancy. Perimenopause. Periods of stress, etc
Thyroid disorders can range from a small, harmless goiter (enlarged gland) that needs no treatment to life-threatening cancer. The most common thyroid problems involve abnormal production of thyroid hormones. Too much thyroid hormone results in a condition known as hyperthyroidism. Insufficient hormone production leads to hypothyroidism.

HYPERTHYROIDISM The type of complaints that characterise Hyperthyroidism - an overactive thyroid gland: Common:
Palpitations, fast pulse and irregular heartbeat
•Trembling and twitches
Heat intolerance
•Hot flushes and increased sweating
•Increased appetite (or loss of appetite)
•Weight loss (especially if eating well)
•Diarrhoea
•Anxiety, nervousness and/or panic attacks
•Restlessness
•Irritability
•Thin, moist skin
•Soft, thinning hair
•Shortness of breath
•Muscle weakness
•Insomnia
•Enlarged thyroid gland
•Eye complaints (especially gritty or bulging eyes)
•Fatigue, exhaustion and lack of energy
•Menstrual cycle disturbances (intermittent and light)
•Infertility
•Depression and mood swings

Less common:
•Bowel disorders
•Brittle nails
•Chest pain
•Cramps
•Decreased libido
•Easy bruising
•Hair loss
•Headaches and migraines
•Sore throat
•Swelling of legs
Not everyone has all of these symptoms. You may relate to only a few of the above conditions, or you may relate to many of them. Everyone is different.

HYPOTHYROIDISM
Hypothyroidism has been called the "unsuspected illness" and one that is frequently misdiagnosed. The manifestations that characterize Hypothyroidism - an underactive thyroid gland - are the following:
Common:
•Weight gain
•Chronic constipation
•Feeling cold (especially hands and feet) even on warm days
•Low basal temperature
•Fatigue, exhaustion and low energy (even after 12 hours sleep)
•Slow reflexes
•Slow, weak pulse
•Slowness of thought processes (brain fog)
•Indecisiveness
•Poor memory and concentration
•Sluggishness
•Muscle weakness
•Pain and stiffness in muscles or joints
•Deepening, hoarse voice
•Depression, mood swings and severe PMS
•Thick, dry, coarse skin
•Creviced, cracking skin on heels, elbows and knee caps
•Enlarged thyroid gland
•Lump in throat (hard to swallow)
•High cholesterol
•Menstrual cycle irregularities (prolonged and heavy)
•Infertility
•Numbness and tingling (especially in hands and face)
•Fluid retention (swelling of face and feet)
•Brittle hair and nails
•Hair loss
•Shortness of breath on exertion

Less common:
•Allergies
•Back pain
•Blood pressure problems
•Breast tenderness
•Irregular heartbeat
•Chest pain
•Digestive disturbances
•Dizziness
•Dry eyes and mouth
•Headaches and migraines
Irritability
•Pale skin
•Palpitations
•Reduced libido
•Skin rashes
•Sore throat
•Stiff neck and shoulders
•Thinning eye brows
•Visual disturbances
Once again not everyone has identical symptoms. You may relate to some of these conditions, or you may relate to many of them. Everyone is different.
A person suffering from either an overactive or underactive thyroid gland may display many of these symptoms, and find that coping from day to day is extremely difficult. The pressure on bodily functions will continue to increase unless appropriate treatment is given. A thyroid function test should be performed, measuring the levels of thyroid hormones in the blood.