Hypothyroidism is the condition where you have an underactive thyroid. All forms of hypothyroidism can be caused by viral infections, radiation damage, some medications, pregnancy, and other rarer causes. Symptoms of an underactive thyroid include:Severe and constant fatigue
Changes in the menstrual cycle
Constipation
Depression
Dry, coarse hair
Hair loss
Dry skin
Disturbed sleep cycle, such as wanting to sleep all the time
Intolerance to cold
Decreased heart rate
Muscle weakness
Unexplained weight gain or difficulty losing weight;
, Hyperthyroidism is the condition where you have an overactive thyroid. This condition can be a result of Grave’s disease, tumors, thyroiditis (inflammation), thyroid nodules, and some medications.Symptoms of an overactive thyroid include:Rapid heart rate or palpitations
Increased respiratory rate
Frequent and loose bowel movements or diarrhea
Fine hair that may be falling out
Unexplained weight loss
Nervousness, irritability, a feeling of high energy
Anxiety or panic attacks
Psychosis
Moodiness
Intolerance to heat
Sweatiness
Reddish skin which may be itchy

, Remember that many of these symptoms are not specific to thyroid disease. Determine if you have multiple symptoms, or just a few. If you are unsure, go to your physician for tests.For example, gaining weight may be due to eating more or exercising less, and not due to thyroid disease. Feeling nervous or anxious may be due to a new job or an underlying mental health issue. Skin dryness can be due to low humidity or not enough healthy fats in the diet. Constipation can be due to not enough fiber in your diet or a number of digestive conditions while diarrhea can be due to digestive conditions or food sensitivities.
 Use a mirror to check the base of your neck. Focus the mirror on the lower part of your neck, between your voice box and collarbone. Tilt your head back and take a sip of water.If there is any swelling, tenderness, or bumps/lumps or nodules at the base of the neck, call your physician and let her know you are concerned about the finding and if you should be checked for thyroid disease.


Make sure the lighting is good enough so that you can see clearly.
 Look for symptoms that last longer than two to three weeks. If your symptoms revolve around your monthly cycle, look for symptoms that continue longer than two to three cycles.For example, you may be constantly tired with no good explanation for it because you seem to sleep long enough and get enough rest.


Being tired alone is not enough to indicate a thyroid problem, as tiredness and fatigue can be caused by many things.
 Use a large calendar on the fridge or a large notebook to record how many hours you slept and if you felt rested, when you get your periods, if you feel too cold or too warm, if you have gained weight or lost weight, or if you feel like your heart or breath is racing. Record what you were doing when you had that sensation. If you feel nervous or anxious, take a few minutes to assess if it seems to be because of events in your life or if it seems to be unexplainable.Thyroid disorders can be silent for a long time. The body has a number of mechanisms to compensate for thyroid dysfunction; however, don’t hesitate to ask your physician to run tests if you are concerned about your thyroid function.
 The best way to check your thyroid is to get your doctor to test your blood. Your doctor can check for the levels of Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH). You should also consider asking that your levels of T3 and free T4 be checked as well, because differences in these levels can give you more information about the condition of the thyroid.Since the thyroid is controlled via TSH from the pituitary, sometimes what looks like thyroid disease may actually be due to pituitary problems, though this is rare.
Low TSH may indicate an overactive thyroid, while high TSH may indicate an underactive thyroid. High levels of free T4 or T3 may point to a hyperactive thyroid, while low levels may point to a hypoactive thyroid. Your doctor will be able to interpret your results and let you know where your TSH levels fall.
 Since pituitary conditions may be the underlying cause of thyroid problems, your doctor may order additional tests to look for other conditions. Depending on your specific situation, other tests may be ordered to determine a final diagnosis.These additional tests include: an iodine uptake scan, thyroid ultrasound, measurement of thyroid antibodies, or a thyroid needle biopsy if nodules are detected.
Monitor for symptoms of hypothyroidism.
Watch for symptoms of hyperthyroidism.
Understand the symptoms may be due to another condition.
Examine your neck.
Check for long-lasting symptoms.
Keep track of your symptoms.
Have your blood checked by your doctor.
Be prepared for additional tests.
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