Symptoms of thyroid diseases vary, depending on the type of disease. However, in some diseases the nodules may remain asymptomatic without causing any discomfort. The symptoms may vary based on the characteristic of the underlying disease.

The various thyroid diseases and their symptoms are:

Grave’s disease
Grave’s disease is an immune system disorder which causes hyperthyroidism leading to high levels of thyroid hormone production. Hyperthyroidism causes some of the following symptoms:

• High levels of thyroid hormone causes rapid or irregular heartbeat, high pulse rate, nervousness, and anxiety.
• Hyperthyroidism may also cause excessive sweating.
• Tremors may occur in the hands and legs.
• Some people experience an increase in their appetite, which is abnormal.
• Unexplained weight loss may also be seen.
• Increased levels of thyroid hormone may cause clammy skin, irritability, and sleeplessness.
• Bulging of the eyes is a typical symptom of Grave’s disease as well.
• Diarrhea or frequent bowel movements are also symptoms of hyperthyroidism.
• Altered menstrual cycle may be experienced by women with high levels of thyroid hormone.
• Goiter is also caused by hyperthyroidism.

Hashimoto’s disease
Hashimoto’s disease is an autoimmune disease which leads to the gradual destruction of the thyroid gland, causing hypothyroidism. This condition restricts the production of thyroid hormone. This disease may not have early manifesting symptoms.

The symptoms of hypothyroidism include:

• Enlargement of thyroid which forms a painless goiter
• Feeling of fatigue
• Unexplained weight gain
• Excessive hair loss
• Dry skin and brittle nails
• Intolerance to cold
• Constipation
• Memory loss in certain cases
• Depression
• Feeling weak
• Slow heart rate
• Decreased appetite
• A change in menstrual cycle
• Loss of sex drive
• Muscle aches
• Puffiness around the eyes

A mild case of Hashimoto’s disease may not show symptoms of thyroid disease. It may remain stable for many years. The symptoms, such as fatigue, dry and brittle skin and hair, mild weight gain, and intolerance to cold may not be clear symptoms to indicate thyroid disease.

Goiter
Enlarged thyroid gland causes goiter. These goiters are often harmless and are asymptomatic. However, swelling may show up in the form of a lump on the outside of the throat. Some symptoms that are associated with goiter may include:

• Swelling in the throat
• Coughing and wheezing may occur in certain cases
• Symptoms may include throat tightness
• Breathing problems may also manifest
• Hoarseness of voice may be another symptom

Thyroid cancer
Lumps in the thyroid are usually benign and not life-threatening. However, it is important to get the lumps or nodules diagnosed to dismiss the possibility of thyroid cancer. Further diagnosis can also reveal whether cancer relates to thyroid or other parts of the neck. This is important to facilitate proper treatment. Some of the symptoms of thyroid cancer may include:

• A lump in the neck which grows rapidly and quickly
• Swelling in the neck
• Pain in the front of the neck, sometimes in the ears
• Hoarseness or other voice changes that is peculiar
• Trouble swallowing food or saliva
• Trouble breathing
• A lump in the throat
• A constant cough