Common symptoms of hypothyroidism are:
Fatigue or lack of energy
Weight gain
Feeling cold
Dry skin and hair
Heavy menstrual periods
Constipation
Slowed thinking

DIAGNOSIS of hypothyroidism is usually straightforward, once it is suspected. Patients with hypothyroidism due to Hashimoto's thyroiditis have an elevated level of serum TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone). However, the rare patient with hypothyroidism due to a pituitary or hypothalamic condition may have a normal or low serum TSH.
TREATMENT of hypothyroidism consists of taking thyroid hormone in pill form on a daily basis. Symptoms of hypothyroidism should clear up within a few months of starting treatment. Adjustment of the dose of thyroid pills is based upon measurements of serum TSH. Most patients need to take thyroid hormone for life.


Common symptoms of hyperthyroidism are:
Jitteriness, shaking, increased nervousness, irritability
Rapid heart beat or palpitations
Feeling hot
Weight loss
Fatigue, feeling exhausted
More frequent bowel movements
Shorter or lighter menstrual periods

In addition to symptoms of hyperthyroidism, some patients with Graves' disease develop eye symptoms such as a stare, eye irritation, bulging of the eyes and, occasionally, double vision or loss of vision. Involvement of the eyes is called Graves' Ophthalmopathy.
DIAGNOSIS is straightforward if suspected. However, patients are sometimes evaluated for other conditions, such as cancer or heart problems, if the doctor doesn't think of hyperthyroidism. The diagnosis is best made by finding an elevated level of Free T4 and low level of TSH in the blood. A thyroid scan should then be performed to determine whether the hyperthyroidism is due to Graves' disease or another condition such as toxic multinodular goiter, hot nodule, subacute thyroiditis, or silent thyroiditis. There are other, rare, cases of hyperthyroidism that usually require the expertise of an endocrinologist for diagnosis.
Several methods of TREATMENT are available for hyperthyroidism. The most popular method is radioactive iodine.Because the thyroid is the only organ in the body that takes up and uses iodine, when a dose of radioactive iodine is given the radiation enters the thyroid and destroys part of it. The main side effect is the development of an underactive thyroid which is treated as discussed above. Medications can also be used for treatment. These drugs slow down the working of thyroid and restore normal levels. However, they usually need to be taken for 6-12 months and 60-80% of patients have a relapse when they stop taking them. These drugs are associated with serious side effects in a small percentage of patients taking them. Surgical removal of part of the thyroid is occasionally used as a treatment. Consultation with a thyroid specialist is highly recommended to determine which treatment is best for you!

common signs of hyperthyroidism based on my experience are: rapid weight loss, heat intolerance, fatigue, nervousness, insomnia, heavy sweating, rapid heartbeat or tacychardia, trembling hands, muscle weakness, warm moist skin, limp hair and i easily get upset too... that's why i seek a medical doctor to consult.

fatigue, depression, trouble losing weight are some of the signs of hypothyroidism...that is based on my friend experience, who has hypothyroid