Results: Thyroid Disorders Often Go Undiagnosed
Published on 07/09/2019
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Estrogen and testosterone, the body's main sex hormones, tend to attract widespread public interest, but we should pay more attention to a far more common endocrine disorder: abnormal levels of thyroid hormone. Thyroid disorders can affect a wide range of bodily functions and cause an array of confusing and often misdiagnosed symptoms. Because the thyroid, a small gland in the neck behind the larynx, regulates energy production and metabolism throughout the body, including the heart, brain, skin, bowels and body temperature, too much or too little of its hormones can have a major impact on health and well-being. Have you ever been diagnosed with a thyroid disorder?
Overactive thyroid, or hyperthyroidism
5%
119 votes
Underactive thyroid, or hypothyroidism
12%
267 votes
Thyroid cancer, typically not that common, but is the most common type of endocrine cancer in children
2%
40 votes
Hashimoto's disease, also known as chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis.
2%
56 votes
Graves' disease, an autoimmune disorder that occurs when the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland. This can cause the gland to overproduce the hormone responsible for regulating metabolism.
3%
65 votes
Goiter, a noncancerous enlargement of the thyroid gland.
2%
52 votes
Thyroid nodules, are growths that form on or in the thyroid gland.
4%
86 votes
Some other thyroid disorder not listed
2%
38 votes
Have not been diagnosed with any thyroid disorder
76%
1720 votes
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As we age, many of the symptoms of an underactive thyroid or hypothyroidism, the most common thyroid disorder, and one that is often undiagnosed or misdiagnosed, are seen as part of the aging process, and often not checked into. If you are experiencing many of these and especially all of these, you may want to consult a medical specialist and have them do blood work to check for hypothyroidism. Have you ever experienced any or all of these symptoms?
Fatigue.
31%
704 votes
Weakness.
18%
402 votes
Weight gain or increased difficulty losing weight.
24%
538 votes
Coarse, dry hair.
11%
258 votes
Dry, rough pale skin.
11%
254 votes
Hair loss.
17%
383 votes
Cold intolerance (you can't tolerate cold temperatures like those around you)
11%
254 votes
Muscle cramps and frequent muscle aches.
18%
410 votes
Actually all of them
3%
69 votes
None
37%
842 votes
Puffy face
6%
128 votes
Slower heart beat
4%
87 votes
Have been diagnosed with hypothyroidism
17%
390 votes
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Hyperthyroidism, or an overactive thyroid can also be difficult to diagnose, and if not caught, can lead to heart problems, or even strokes. It can be easily diagnosed with a simple blood test, so if you experience many or all of these symptoms, it is important to see your doctor. Have you experienced any of these symptoms?
Unintentional weight loss, even when your appetite and food intake stay the same or increase
4%
88 votes
Rapid heartbeat (tachycardia) — commonly more than 100 beats a minute Irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia)
7%
159 votes
Irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia)
7%
161 votes
Pounding of your heart (palpitations)
9%
203 votes
Increased appetite
7%
162 votes
Nervousness, anxiety and irritability
15%
347 votes
Tremor — usually a fine trembling in your hands and fingers
7%
151 votes
Fatigue
20%
456 votes
Increased sensitivity to heat
8%
191 votes
Excessive sweating
9%
199 votes
Changes in bowel patterns, especially more frequent bowel movements
4%
99 votes
An enlarged thyroid gland (goiter), which may appear as a swelling at the base of your neck
2%
43 votes
Fine, brittle hair
5%
118 votes
Skin thinning
5%
112 votes
Difficulty sleeping
18%
408 votes
Actually have all of these symptoms
2%
36 votes
None of these
48%
1092 votes
Have been diagnosed with hyperthyroidism
13%
296 votes
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