Fatigue: 10 - Fatigue is one of the most common and pronounced symptoms of an underactive thyroid.
Weight gain or difficulty losing weight: 10 - Slowed metabolism due to reduced thyroid hormone can lead to weight gain.
Depression or mood swings: 8 - While also common in perimenopause, mood disturbances can be indicative of hypothyroidism.
Hair thinning or hair loss: 9 - A distinctive symptom, especially when it's more generalized and not just on the scalp.
Dry skin and brittle nails: 9 - These skin changes are common with decreased metabolic rate.
Feeling cold or unusually sensitive to cold: 10 - This is characteristic of an underactive thyroid due to lowered metabolic heat generation.
Muscle weakness or joint pain: 8 - Reduced muscle strength and joint aches can be seen in hypothyroidism.
Memory lapses or difficulty concentrating: 7 - "Brain fog" can occur in hypothyroidism but also overlaps with perimenopausal symptoms.
Constipation: 9 - Slowed gut motility is common with an underactive thyroid.
Hyperthyroidism (Overactive Thyroid):
Rapid heartbeat or palpitations: 10 - One of the most distinguishing symptoms of hyperthyroidism due to an increased metabolic rate.
Excessive sweating or feeling unusually hot: 10 - Increased metabolic rate can lead to overheating.
Weight loss or increased appetite: 9 - The metabolism speeds up, often causing unintentional weight loss.
Tremors (usually fine shaking): 9 - Another characteristic sign.
Anxiety or irritability: 8 - Mood disturbances can be pronounced in hyperthyroidism.
Insomnia or difficulty sleeping: 8 - The increased metabolic activity can interfere with sleep patterns.
Frequent bowel movements or diarrhea: 8 - Increased gut motility can be seen in hyperthyroidism.
Thinning skin or fine brittle hair: 7 - Due to accelerated metabolism and changes in skin/hair turnover.
Muscle weakness, especially in the thighs and upper arms: 8 - Different from the generalized weakness seen in hypothyroidism; it's more focused on the large muscles.
When assessing these symptoms, it's crucial to remember that many of them can overlap with other conditions or life stages, like perimenopause. Thus, clinical assessment, along with blood tests, are essential to confirm a thyroid imbalance.
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