Thyroid Symptom Checker
Thyroid symptom checker: tick the symptoms you have to see whether they fit an underactive or overactive thyroid pattern, and when to ask for a TSH test.
Written by HealthSensibly Editorial TeamReviewed by the HealthSensibly editorial teamUpdated
Low vs high thyroid: how the symptoms differ
| Underactive (hypothyroidism) | Overactive (hyperthyroidism) |
|---|---|
| Fatigue, putting on weight | Losing weight, feeling hungry |
| Always feeling cold | Feeling hot and sweaty |
| Constipation | Loose or frequent stools |
| Dry skin, hair fall | Trembling hands, racing heart |
| Low mood | Anxiety, trouble sleeping |
| Heavy periods | Lighter or less frequent periods |
Women are especially prone to thyroid problems — particularly after having a baby and after 60 — and the signs can look a lot like stress, anaemia or menopause. Only a TSH blood test can tell them apart. This checker suggests which pattern your symptoms resemble and whether testing is worth asking about; it cannot diagnose a thyroid condition.
Already diagnosed? Read the thyroid-friendly diet plan. Feeling exhausted and pale? Try the anaemia checker as well.
Common questions
What blood test shows how my thyroid is working?
TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone), frequently alongside free T4. A high TSH usually points to an underactive gland and a low TSH to an overactive one.
Could my thyroid explain recent weight gain?
An underactive thyroid may add a few kilos, some of it water. Treatment usually helps, and the remainder tends to respond to normal eating and activity.
Is a thyroid test needed during pregnancy?
Many doctors test TSH early in pregnancy, particularly if you have an autoimmune condition, thyroid problems in the family or symptoms, since thyroid levels matter for the baby’s development.
Can stress cause the same symptoms?
Yes, tiredness, poor sleep and mood changes overlap a lot, so only a blood test can tell them apart.
Sources: American Thyroid Association: Hypothyroidism · NHS: Overactive thyroid
Checked against the sources listed. This is general guidance only and not a substitute for medical advice — please speak to your doctor about your own situation.
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