Hypothyroidism and Hyperthyroidism 101 from the University of Michigan Health Management

Symptoms of thyroid disease

When thyroid levels are too low, cells don’t get enough of the thyroid hormones and the body’s processes start to slow down. Symptoms of hypothyroidism aren’t always apparent but may include:

• Cold intolerance

• Fatigue

• Dry skin

• Forgetfulness

• Constipation

• Depressive mood swings

In contrast, hyperthyroidism causes the body’s processes to speed up and functions quicken, leading to symptoms like:

• Nervousness or anxiety

• Irritability

• Increased sweating

• Increased heart rate or hand tremors

• Difficulty sleeping

• Skin thinning

• Frequent bowel movements

• Fine, brittle hair

• Muscle weakness

• Weight loss

• Lighter, less frequent menstrual periods

• Lack of energy and fatigue

“The symptoms can be variable and non-specific, so the only way to definitively diagnose a thyroid condition is with a simple blood test,” says Papaleontiou, a member of the University of Michigan Institute for Healthcare Policy & Innovation.