It has been estimated that about 25 million people in America are affected by symptoms of thyroid problems, but the real twist is in the fact that half of them are unaware of it. Hypothyroidism, which is yet another name for under-active thyroid glands accounts for about 90 percent of thyroid problems.

The thyroid is the name given to the butterfly-shaped glands at the center of the neck and is regarded as a master gland for metabolism.

But, how do you know if your body is showing symptoms of this disease? Take a look at the most common symptoms of thyroid below. If you’re experiencing them, check with your doctor and check your latest blood report to confirm.

Top symptoms of thyroid

Nervousness and tremor: These are some of the most common signs and may also include agitation which together indicates over-function of thyroid glands.

Lack of concentration: Mental problems can stem from both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. So, you have to discern between the two; while anxiety, depression, and sluggishness are often signs of hypothyroidism while hyperthyroidism leads to confusion and lack of concentration.

Changes in the menstrual cycle: Hypothyroid is a condition which has connections with an excessive and prolonged period of menstrual bleeding while hyperthyroidism leads to a reduction in menstrual discharges.

Bloating: Having an underactive thyroid gland is associated with fluid retention, and in case you are suffering from it, you should never ignore.

Fast heartbeat: Tachycardia or increased heart rate along with palpitations is the most common symptom of thyroid problems.

Pains and sprains: Sometimes, thyroid problems also lead to pain and aches in the muscles without any explanation. You may think that it is caused by physical exertion when it is actually caused by thyroid problems.

Weight gain or loss: You may have substantial weight gain despite regular exercise and diet control. This is mostly caused by thyroid problems occurring in the body. But sometimes, when your thyroid glands are underactive, you would not have a major weight gain. Even though hyperthyroidism leads to weight loss, it often increases appetite which can make you overeat. On the other hand, when it comes to hypothyroidism, you will not have any desire to eat which would result in weight loss.

Emotional turmoil: When your thyroid glands are overactive, it will lead to a manic effect on your emotions. Hyperthyroid is typically related to hyper emotionality and anxiety and also psychosis. An underactive thyroid can be a cause behind the feeling of depression and the desire to withdraw from social situations.

High cholesterol levels: In people with hypothyroidism, increase in blood cholesterol levels is quite common.

Intolerance of heat: When the thyroid glands become overactive, the affected individual fails to tolerate high temperatures altogether. When your thyroid glands are overactive, it will speed up your body processes, and as you burn faster, you will have a higher metabolic rate which will make you feel hotter. People suffering from hyperthyroidism tend to wake up with sweats at night owing to rapid heartbeat and increase in energy burning.

Feeling cold: Conversely, people with under-functioning thyroid glands may suffer from coldness even when others are feeling hot. This is because the metabolic rate has slowed down making you reach for some more clothing and comforter at night.

The roughness of skin: The thyroid aids in controlling the rate at which you shed the skin. If you have an overactive thyroid gland, your skin will shed a bit faster making them smooth and thin. But when the glands are underactive, it slows down the skin turnover, and the skin feels rough. Other symptoms of thyroid problems include skin feels moist and warm, increased redness of the hands and face. Some people have a yellowish-orange tint in the skin owing to the carotenemia which is the gland’s failure to convert carotene to vitamin A.

Fatigue and lack of energy: Hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism are completely different in the way the body can expound energy. When you are suffering from hypothyroidism, you will lack the energy required for making the slightest movements while hyperthyroidism can spike your metabolism to about 100 every day which results in severe energy crashes. It increases the heart rate and makes you feel exasperated with excessive energy.

It is crucial to keep in mind that none of these symptoms of thyroid problems can be specific for thyroid disease only. This indicates that people suffering from other ailments too may have similar symptoms for which they tend to rule out thyroid easily. Your healthcare professional may ask you to take some laboratory tests for evaluating the functions of thyroid glands if you are troubled by these symptoms.