Hypothyroidism in Adults

• Hypothyroidism is a thyroid condition that causes an insufficient amount of thyroid hormone to be produced and distributed throughout the body. This lack of thyroid hormone can cause unexplained weight gain and hair loss (especially the eyebrows) and possibly abdominal bloating. You might also start to feel hypersensitivity to cold and pain in your joints or muscles, begin to experience bouts of depression or notice your sex drive beginning to wane.
  
  

Hypothyroidism in Infants and Children

• Many of the symptoms of hypothyroidism in children are similar to the ones that show up in adults. In addition, because of the lack of mental focus and coordination, children may show a decreased performance in school.
  
  

Hyperthyroidism in Adults

• Hyperthyroidism is a condition that causes too much thyroid hormone to be produced and distributed throughout the body. Some of the symptoms associated with hyperthyroidism include heart palpitations or other forms of a quickened and irregular heartbeat, a noticeable weight loss that comes with an unexplained increase in appetite, and a feeling of nervousness or anxiety for no reason. You also may experience bouts of insomnia or other sleeping problems, such as waking in the middle of the night. You may begin to experience a hypersensitivity to heat or suffer from unexplained tremors.
  
  

Hyperthyroidism in Infants and Children

• Infants with hyperthyroidism may become easily irritated, and they may be difficult to get to calm down or take a nap. Children with hyperthyroidism may show an inability to focus, and there may be complaints from teachers at school about your child's inability to pay attention in class. Your child may show signs similar to attention deficit disorder in that they may seem restless or unable to listen for more than a few minutes.
  
  

Thyroid Storm

• The thyroid storm is a series of symptoms that may appear in older patients who are experiencing an imbalance in their thyroid hormone. The thyroid storm includes symptoms similar to hypertension or high blood pressure, a high fever and eventually heart failure. You may also notice mental symptoms, such as confusion or dementia.