The thyroid gland plays a crucial role in maintaining the metabolism in our body. It is a mighty gland situated just below the larynx at the bottom of your neck. It is an indispensable part of the endocrine system and is responsible for carrying out many crucial functions in our body. Not everyone is blessed to have a normal thyroid gland. Many people all over the world suffer from thyroid malfunctions. These disorders are responsible for either overproduction or underproduction of hormones. Many research studies have shown that almost 20 million Americans are suffering from thyroid problems, and 60 percent of these issues remain undiagnosed. In this blog, we will cover the early warning signs of thyroid problems along with when you should see the doctor.
Bookmark these Early Warning Signs of Thyroid Problems
Two types of thyroid problems can occur in the human body. Your thyroid glands can become hyperactive or underactive. In medical terms, these medical conditions are termed hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. We should identify thyroid issues as soon as they occur in your body and take preventive measures to avert them.
1) Fatigue
As per the American Thyroid Association, fatigue is one of the most common symptoms of thyroid issues. Even after relaxing and getting a full night’s sleep, you will feel that your body is extremely tired. It will show some continuous signs of fatigue, and this condition is quite evident in hypothyroidism.
2) Excessive increase in Weight
If you suffer from thyroid dysfunction, your body will become bulky. The thyroid gland plays an important role in improving the metabolism of your body. In case of a disorder, your body weight will increase tremendously. If your body is showing such signs, you must undergo some medical tests to diagnose the problem.
Weight gain is an evident sign of an underactive thyroid. As against it, in the case of an overactive thyroid, you will lose weight. When you are suffering from thyroid disease, your body does not gain extra weight due to fat; instead, it gains weight by retaining salt and water in your body.
3) Fluctuations in heart rate
The continuous fluctuations in the heart rate is a probable sign of thyroid gland malfunctioning. In the case of hypothyroidism, your heart rate will become quite slow. In some cases, you can also experience dizziness, and breathing problems as well. As against it, during hyperthyroidism when your body produces too many hormones, you can experience increased heart rates. Sometimes, patients with Hyperthyroidism can also have high blood pressure. If you experience such signs, you must confirm a booking with your doctor as soon as possible.
4) Memory issues and Depression
Another early warning signs of thyroid problems is related to memory issues and depression. Hypothyroidism results in a lack of energy which further causes mood swings leading to depression and anxiety. It also results in memory loss as due to this situation, you may find it hard to focus on things and difficult to remember so many things. Thyroid glands play a crucial role in the proper functioning of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, and dopamine. Hypothyroidism leads to an imbalance of neurotransmitters that affects mood and cognitive function.
5) Gastrointestinal problems
Hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism can often result in gastrointestinal issues. People often suffer from stomach and digestive issues in these cases. Underactive thyroid issues are also accountable for overgrowth or low bacteria production in the stomach. Hence, if you suffer from gastrointestinal issues, you should consult a doctor as it can be early warning signs of thyroid problems.
6) Excessive Sweating and Heat issues
Your body will not feel comfortable if you are suffering from hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. The proper functioning of the thyroid gland produces 65 percent heat and 35 percent heat. As against it, in the case of hypothyroidism, your body struggles to maintain adequate warmth, and during hyperthyroidism, the condition becomes worse as you struggle with sensitivity to heat. Either your body cells will produce too much thyroxine or not enough thyroxine.
In hypothyroid conditions, a person will feel excessively cold feet or hands. The person can feel a cold sensation even when the temperature is warm outside or in the room. Hyperthyroidism will lead to abnormal sweating and anxiety due to excessive heat.
7) Skin and Hair transformation
If your body suffers from a thyroid disorder, you can experience skin and hair transformation as well. This happens because thyroid glands control your skin and hair cells. Therefore, in case of abnormal functioning of these thyroid glands, you will see a change in your hair colour or skin tone. In case of underactive thyroid problems, your skin will become dry.
The dry skin during hypothyroidism is also confirmed by a study published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine. The report states that out of all the participants, 74% who were suffering from hypothyroidism had dry skin. In hypothyroidism, the growth of new hair also gets affected as your hair faces difficulty in the formation of new roots. In such medical conditions, people tend to lose different strands of hair from time to time. Some people also experience brittle nails and struggle to maintain a proper nail finish.
When Should You Visit a Doctor in Case of Thyroid Problems?
As soon as these early warning signs of thyroid problems are evident to you, you should make an appointment with your doctor and visit them. They will suggest certain tests to know if you are suffering from thyroid issues or not. Some of these tests are blood tests, imagining tests, and other such identification tests. Blood tests are done by taking blood from your veins.
Conclusion
Early warning signs of thyroid problems can make you feel perturbed. However, these signs are a direct indication that something is going wrong with your body and you should consult a doctor. In some cases, thyroid problems are not visible and these issues can happen without any signs. Therefore, we advise you to consult with your family doctor from time to time.
FAQ
1) What are certain red flags of thyroid problems?
There are certain red flags of thyroid issues such as sensitivity to cold, excessive weight gain or weight loss, lack of sleep and other signs.
2) What are the two types of thyroid issues?
When thyroid glands are underactive, you will experience hypothyroidism, and when they are overactive, you are suffering from hyperthyroidism.
3) Does thyroid problems occur at a specific age?
No, thyroid problems do not occur at a specific age. Instead, even an infant can be born with thyroid issues. People who have a family history of thyroid disease can also experience this disease. This problem can be encountered by both males and females irrespective of their age.
4) Are there any tests to diagnose thyroid issues?
Yes, you can diagnose thyroid issues by some tests like blood tests, imaging test etc.
Hi, This is Bharat Divya, a post-graduate in English. Found a natural flair for writing from the very beginning. Divya loved giving voice to the natural inclination towards writing. Joined the content writing industry and explored her passion in diverse ways. Her passion for weaving thoughts into words is innate and gives wings to her imagination. She loves to pen down writing in different niches like fashion, beauty, food, celebrity lifestyles, and many more.
