The thyroid gland is an organ in the human body that secretes a hormone called thyroxine that helps maintain the metabolism of the body. I classify thyroid issues broadly into a hormone issue vs an anatomical issue.
For hormone issue, if the problem is that of “high levels” or Hyperthyroidism, patients present with symptoms of a “high metabolic state”, for example, unintentional weight loss, palpitations or sense of heart beating very fast, feels hot and perspires more than usual, anxiety or nervousness, tremors of their hands.
If the problem is that of “low levels” or Hypothyroidism, patients present with the reverse. They present with increased fatigue, weight gain, feels cold all the time, dry skin. If it is an anatomical issue, usually my patients come to me complaining of a neck swelling with no other symptoms. Unless the swelling is very huge, it can cause them difficulty in swallowing or talking.
