Which symptoms can indicate a thyroid disorder?
August 30, 2023 | 20,00 EUR | answered by Marcus Schneider
Dear doctor,
my name is Benjamin Fischbacher and I have been experiencing some health problems recently that are very concerning to me. I have noticed that I have been extremely tired and exhausted lately, even though I am getting enough sleep. Additionally, I have unintentionally lost weight, despite eating normally. My skin and hair feel dry, and my mood is often low. Furthermore, I have been feeling like my heart beats irregularly at times and I sweat more frequently than before.
These symptoms are really worrying me, and I have already researched online that they could indicate a thyroid disease. I have never had any issues with my thyroid before, but because the symptoms are so clear, I am concerned that I might have a disease. I have heard that thyroid diseases are relatively common and can be well treated, but I would like to know if my symptoms could indeed point to it.
Could you please explain to me what symptoms are typical for a thyroid disease and if my complaints could indicate it? Are there specific tests that need to be conducted to diagnose a thyroid disease? And if it turns out that I do have a thyroid disease, what treatment options are available to me?
Thank you in advance for your help and support.
Sincerely,
Benjamin Fischbacher
Dear Benjamin Fischbacher,
Thank you for your detailed description of your symptoms. It is understandable that you are worried when you notice unusual changes in your body. The symptoms you described, such as extreme fatigue, unintentional weight loss, dry skin and hair, depressed mood, irregular heartbeat, and increased sweating, could indeed indicate a thyroid disorder.
The thyroid is an important organ that produces hormones that regulate metabolism, growth, and body temperature. A thyroid disorder can result in either overactive or underactive thyroid function. Typical symptoms of an overactive thyroid include weight loss, fatigue, nervousness, sleep disturbances, increased heart rate, and increased sweating. Symptoms of an underactive thyroid may include weight gain, fatigue, dry skin and hair, depressive mood, and slower heart rate.
Various tests are necessary to diagnose a thyroid disorder. These may include blood tests to check thyroid hormone levels, as well as ultrasound or nuclear medicine imaging to assess the structure and function of the thyroid gland. Based on the test results, your doctor can make a diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatment.
Treatment for a thyroid disorder depends on the type of disorder. For an overactive thyroid, medications may be prescribed to regulate hormone production, or in some cases, radioiodine therapy or surgery may be necessary. For an underactive thyroid, thyroid hormone replacement medications are usually prescribed to address the hormone deficiency.
It is important to see a doctor to have your symptoms evaluated and receive appropriate treatment. Thyroid disorders are easily treatable, and the earlier they are diagnosed, the better the chances of recovery. Do not hesitate to seek professional medical help.
I hope this information is helpful to you and wish you all the best for your health.
Sincerely,
Marcus Schneider, Specialist in Internal Medicine
