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How Do You Know If You Have A Thyroid Problem?

Take Dr. Donnica's Decisionnaire ™. Check off all the points that apply to you on the list of symptoms below and take this list with you when you consult your physician. If you have fatigue, plus two or more of these symptoms, or a family history of thyroid problems, see your physician sooner rather than later and ask if you should be tested. Your symptomatic and long-term treatment will be much more successful if started early. If you have any one of the symptoms indicated by an asterisk, call your doctor today. There are many causes for these symptoms other than thyroid disease, but in any case, they need prompt medical attention.

Hypothyroidism:

___   Fatigue
___   Mood swings
___   Unexplained weight gain
___   Decreased appetite
___   Menstrual irregularities
___   Infertility
___   Forgetfulness
___   Dry coarse hair & skin
___   Hoarse voice
___   Cold intolerance
___   *Difficulty swallowing
___   Lack of energy
___   Muscle cramps/stiffness
___   Constipation
___   Hair loss
___   *Depression

Hyperthyroidism:

___   Irritability/nervousness
___   Muscle weakness/tremors
___   Unexplained weight loss
___   Increased appetite
___   Menstrual irregularities
___   Mood swings
___   Sleep disturbances/insomnia
___   *Enlarged thyroid (goiter)
___   Heat intolerance
___   *Palpitations
___   *Difficulty swallowing
___   *Visual changes
___   *Protruding eyes
___   Increased bowel movements
___   *Shortness of breath
___   Infertility
___   *Chest pain

A characteristic sign of hyperthyroidism (especially Graves' disease) is "exopthalmos". This is a swelling of the tissues behind the eyes, which produces a characteristic protruding or bulging of the eyes. If you have this, see your doctor immediately. Hyperthyroid patients are also at increased risk for osteoporosis, or thinning of the bones, which in turn increases one's risk of fractures.

If hypothyroidism remains untreated, a cluster of symptoms called "myxedema" may appear. This includes a dull, expressionless face; thin hair; puffiness around the eyes; enlarged tongue; and thick skin that feels cool and doughy

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Created: 9/22/2000  -  Donnica Moore, M.D.



 If you have fatigue, plus two or more of these symptoms, or a family history of thyroid problems, see your physician sooner rather than later and ask if you should be tested. 


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