Your doctor will ask about your medical history and look for symptoms including a swollen thyroid , a fast pulse , moist skin , and shaking in your hands or fingers. Hyperthyroidism can mimic other health problems, which can make it difficult for your doctor to diagnose. Symptoms of hyperthyroidism arise from the elevated levels of thyroid hormones produced by the overactive thyroid gland.
Excessive intake of thyroid hormones can produce these symptoms as well. Characteristic symptoms include a rapid heart rate, excessive sweating, intolerance to heat, tremor, nervousness, or agitation. Hypothyroidism signs and symptoms may include: Fatigue.
Increased sensitivity to cold. Elevated blood cholesterol level. Muscle aches , tenderness and stiffness. Pain , stiffness or swelling in your joints.
People with very large thyroid glands and in those who have symptoms stemming from compression of tissues adjacent to the thyroi such as difficulty swallowing, hoarseness, and shortness of breath. Partial thyroidectomy (removal of a portion of the thyroid gland) was once a common treatment for hyperthyroidism.
