What are some symptoms of thyroid problems?

Thyroid is an endocrine gland located in the front of the neck. The thyroid absorbs iodine from the blood and uses it to make the active hormones thyroxine, also called tetraiodothyronine, and triiodothyronine.  These hormones control the body's cell metabolism.  Thyroid hormones released into the bloodstream, cells increase the rate at which they convert oxygen and nutrients into energy and heat for the body's use. Thyroid hormones also stimulates mental activity and increases the activity of the other hormone-producing glands.

Common problem associated with thyroid are under active thyroid, called hypothyroidism, and overactive thyroid, called hyperthyroidism. Hypothyroidism results in a reduced production of thyroid hormones.  causing an overall decrease in both physical and mental activity.  Symptoms of hypothyroidism appear in almost every organ system of the body.  These include the skin becoming dry and puffy, thinning of  hair which also become brittle,  slow speech, slow reflexes, poor memory, constipation, and fatigue.

Hyperthyroidism, results in an overproduction of thyroid hormones, causing an increase in the rate of most biological reactions.  Symptoms of hyperthyroidism include sweating, excessive nervousness, insomnia, and diarrhoea.