Discover the signs that you may have a thyroid problem. Check out the article we found over at Top 10 Home Remedies.
The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located in the center of the neck, which makes thyroid hormones.
Although relatively small, it is considered the master gland of metabolism and plays a key role in the functioning of many important organs, including the heart, brain, liver, kidneys and skin. For your body’s overall health, it is essential for the thyroid gland to stay healthy and function properly.
Thyroid problems are common and include hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, goiters, thyroid nodules, thyroiditis and thyroid cancer. Of these, hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) and hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) are the most common and can cause many hormonal, emotional and physical changes in the body.
It is believed that as many as 59 million Americans have a thyroid problem, but many people are not even aware of it.
According to The American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, millions of people are silent sufferers of undiagnosed thyroid problems. This happens because many of the signs and symptoms are so common that they are often ignored or even misdiagnosed. Plus, they tend to vary from one person to another.
By recognizing the signs and symptoms of a potential problem, you can ask your doctor to test your thyroid and discuss treatment options.
Here are the top 10 signs that you may have a thyroid problem.
1. Feeling Fatigued
Feeling fatigued, exhausted, tired and having little or no energy during the day are common issues often associated with thyroid problems.
Some people may not be able to carry out daily activities without a nap or short breaks. These can all be signs of thyroid trouble, especially if it is quite different from your past level of fitness or energy.
With hyperthyroidism, you may not be able to sleep well at night, leaving you exhausted during the day. With hypothyroidism, you may sleep at night but still feel tired in the morning or even all day.
If you feel tired all the time, it’s time to consult your doctor for proper diagnosis.
2. Sudden Change in Body Weight
Unexplained weight gain and even weight loss can be a warning sign of a thyroid disorder. Weight gain even after following a strict diet and rigorous exercise plan may indicate low levels of thyroid hormones or hypothyroidism.
In contrast, if the thyroid produces more hormones than the body needs, you may experience sudden weight loss.
If you have unexplained weight changes, get your thyroid checked.
3. Depression and Anxiety
If you have symptoms of depression, anxiety and panic disorder that do not respond to medicines and therapies, they can be signs of an underlying thyroid disorder – hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.
While depression is linked with hypothyroidism, anxiety and panic attacks indicate a problem of hyperthyroidism.
Reduced thyroid hormone production has a direct impact on the level of “feel good” serotonin in the brain. Due to this, a person may go through mood swings, mild to severe depression, or have panic attacks without any reason.
Although depression or anxiety can indicate thyroid disease, these symptoms alone are not enough to conclude that you are suffering from a thyroid disorder.
4. Menstrual Problems
Women with thyroid problems suffer from many menstrual problems. In fact, thyroid problems can be a cause of early or delayed puberty and menstruation. Plus, any change in menstrual patterns or irregular periods can be due to an underlying thyroid problem.
Heavier, more frequent, prolonged and more painful periods are usually linked with hypothyroidism. On the other hand, shorter, lighter, infrequent or absent periods are linked with hyperthyroidism. Infertility can also be due to undiagnosed thyroid conditions.
If you notice a sudden change in your menstrual cycle, it may be a symptom of a thyroid condition. Also, girls who have either very early or very late menstruation may have a potential thyroid problem. So, it is advisable to consult a gynecologist.
Next Article: 8 Herbs That Help Stabilize And Boost Thyroid Function
Read full article: 10 Signs You May Have a Thyroid Problem
Recent Comments