🦋 Common Thyroid Symptoms

Thyroid issues can affect almost every part of your body.

Because the thyroid controls your metabolism, problems often show up as changes in energy, mood, weight, and body functions.

This page explains the most common symptoms in a simple way.

⚖️ Two Main Directions Symptoms Can Go 

Thyroid problems usually fall into one of two categories:

• Hypothyroidism – thyroid is too slow
  
  

• Hyperthyroidism – thyroid is too fast
  
  

The symptoms are often opposites of each other.

🐢 Symptoms of a Slow Thyroid (Hypothyroidism) 

When the thyroid is underactive, everything in the body tends to slow down. 

Hypothyroidism Most Common Symptoms

🐇 Symptoms of a Fast Thyroid (Hyperthyroidism) 

😴 Subtle or Confusing Symptoms 

👩‍🦰 Symptoms Can Be Different for Everyone 

Two people with the same thyroid condition can feel very different.

For example:

• One person may mainly feel tired
  
  

• Another may mainly gain weight
  
  

• Someone else may mostly have mood changes
  
  

There is no single symptom that proves you have a thyroid problem.

🩺 Physical Signs Doctors Look For 

Sometimes thyroid issues cause visible or measurable signs:

• Swelling in the neck (goiter)
  
  

• A small lump or nodule in the thyroid
  
  

• Changes in heart rate
  
  

• Changes in blood pressure
  
  

• Dry or thinning hair
  
  

• Skin changes
  
  

• Eye changes (especially in Graves’ disease)

🧪 Symptoms Alone Don’t Diagnose 

It’s important to remember:

Feeling tired or anxious does not automatically mean you have a thyroid problem.

Many other conditions can cause similar symptoms.

That’s why blood tests are so important.

👶 Symptoms in Children and Teens 

Thyroid problems can also happen in younger people.

Signs may include:

• Trouble concentrating
  
  

• Slow growth
  
  

• Delayed puberty
  
  

• Mood changes
  
  

• Tiredness
  
  

• Weight changes
  
  

• School difficulties

👵 Symptoms in Older Adults 

In older adults, thyroid symptoms can be more subtle:

• Memory problems
  
  

• Depression
  
  

• Weakness
  
  

• Balance issues
  
  

• Heart rhythm changes
  
  

Sometimes they are mistaken for normal aging.

❗ When Symptoms Need Urgent Attention 

Seek medical help more urgently if you have:

• Chest pain
  
  

• Fainting
  
  

• Severe shortness of breath
  
  

• Extremely fast heartbeat
  
  

• Sudden confusion
  
  

These can be signs of serious thyroid complications.

🧭 What Usually Happens Next 

If you have ongoing symptoms, the usual next steps are:

1. A visit with your doctor
   
   

2. Basic thyroid blood tests
   
   

3. Discussion of results
   
   

4. Possible further testing if needed
   
   

The most common first test is the TSH blood test, which we’ll explain next.

🔎 Big Picture Takeaway 

Thyroid symptoms can be very broad

They often mimic other conditions

Blood tests are needed to know for sure

Most thyroid problems are very treatable

Coming Up Next 

The next page will help you understand the most important thyroid test:

➡ TSH Test Explained