2007-11-16 00:58:14 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Women's Health
By a blood test.
2007-11-16 01:00:54 · answer #1 · answered by J B 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You start getting symptoms, then its confirmed by a morning blood test. I'm not sure if you want to know about an overactive or an underactive thyroid, so below are symptoms for both. Basicaly the longer the condtion goes undiagnosed, the worst the symptoms get
underactive symptoms include; weight gain, difficulty losing weight, constipation, dry skin, dry thinning hair, low body temp, cold feet and/or hands, slow heart rate, low blood pressure, fertility problems, fatigue, depression, mood changes, brain fog, headaches, ridged fingernails, deepened voice, goiter, increased cholesterol, and muscle and joint aches.
Overactive symptoms include, weight loss, diarrhea, headache, anxiety, increased sweating, fast heart rate, and nervousness.
2007-11-17 13:22:43 · answer #2 · answered by DNA 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First, you only have one thyroid gland. It is right below the adams apple in your throat. And second, it depends on what 'messed up' means. An underactive one (hypo) would cause fatigue, weight gain, hair changes, sore muscles, itchy face and skin, constipation, and/or menstrual changes (heavier flow). Hyper (overactive) causes weight loss that is unexplained, sweating, excessive thirst, hair changes, and/or insomnia. Depends on which you are talking about what symptoms you have. A simple blood test by the doc will tell you whether yours is functioning properly. You should get it checked every few annual exams anyway.
2007-11-16 01:04:46 · answer #3 · answered by Jules, E, and Liam :) 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Ultimately you need bloodwork, but somtimes you notice hair falling out, your weight changes, you become lethargic, there are lots of generic symptoms of a thyroid problem which is why a blood test is needed.
2007-11-16 01:34:04 · answer #4 · answered by Roland'sMommy 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A simple test will do the trick. If you have excessive weight gain and can not lose it even with trying very hard or excessive weight loss and trying to gain it is probably relaed to thyroid.
2007-11-16 01:11:33 · answer #5 · answered by Snuffy Smith 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As someone else stated, you have only one thyroid gland.
Here is a link that will help...
http://thyroid.about.com/od/symptomsrisks/a/symptomsrisks.htm
I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism (underactive) back in 1988 and take Synthroid.
2007-11-16 01:14:31 · answer #6 · answered by AV 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You have to go to your doctor and get blood work done.
2007-11-16 01:02:24 · answer #7 · answered by Riley's Mommy 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋