Ten Signs of Thyroid
A butterfly-shaped gland
located in the neck, is the master gland of metabolism. When your thyroid
doesn't function, it can affect every aspect of your health, and in particular,
weight, depression and energy levels.
Since undiagnosed thyroid
problems can dramatically increase your risk of obesity, heart disease,
depression, anxiety, hair loss, sexual dysfunction, infertility and a host of
other symptoms and health problems, it's important that you don't go
undiagnosed.
You don't need to have
all of these symptoms in order to have a thyroid problem, but here are some of
the most common signs that you may have a thyroid condition:
10. Muscle and Joint
Pains, Carpal Tunnel/Tendonitis Problems.
Aches and pains in your
muscles and joints, weakness in the arms and a tendency to develop carpal
tunnel in the arms/hands and tarsal tunnel in the legs, can all be symptoms of
undiagnosed thyroid problems.
9. Neck
Discomfort/Enlargement.
A feeling of swelling in
the neck, discomfort with turtlenecks or neckties, a hoarse voice or a visibly
enlarged thyroid can all be symptoms of thyroid disease.
To help find out if your
thyroid may be enlarged, try a simple "Thyroid Neck Check" test at
home.
8. Hair/Skin Changes.
Hair and skin are
particularly vulnerable to thyroid conditions, and in particular, hair
loss is frequently associated with thyroid problems. With hypothyroidism, hair
frequently becomes brittle, coarse and dry, while breaking off and falling out
easily. Skin can become coarse, thick, dry,and scaly. In hypothyroidism, there
is often an unusual loss of hair in the outer edge of the eyebrow. With
hyperthyroidism, severe hair loss can also occur, and skin can become fragile
and thin.
7. Bowel Problems.
Severe or long-term
constipation is frequently associated with hypothyroidism, while diarrhea or
irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is associated with hyperthyroidism.
6. Menstrual
Irregularities and Fertility Problems.
Heavier, more frequent
and more painful periods are frequently associated with hypothyroidism, and
shorter, lighter or infrequent menstruation can be associated with
hyperthyroidism. Infertility can also be associated with undiagnosed thyroid
conditions.
5. Family History.
If you have a family
history of thyroid problems, you are at a higher risk of having a thyroid
condition yourself. You may not always be aware of thyroid problems in your
family, though, because among older people, it is often referred to as
"gland trouble" or "goiter." So pay attention to any
discussions of glandular conditions or goiter or weight gain due to "a
glandular problem," as these may be indirect ways of referring to thyroid
conditions.
4. Cholesterol Issues
High cholesterol,
especially when it is not responsive to diet, exercise or cholesterol-lowering
medication, can be a sign of undiagnosed hypothyroidism. Unusually low
cholesterol levels may be a sign of hyperthyroidism.
3. Depression and
Anxiety.
Depression or anxiety —
including sudden onset of panic disorder — can be symptoms of thyroid disease.
Hypothyroidism is most typically associated with depression, while
hyperthyroidism is more commonly associated with anxiety or panic attacks.
Depression that does not respond to antidepressants may also be a sign of an
undiagnosed thyroid disorder.
2. Weight Changes.
You may be on a low-fat,
low-calorie diet with a rigorous exercise program, but are failing to lose or
gain any weight. Or you may have joined a diet program or support group, such
as Weight Watchers, and you are the only one who isn't losing any weight.
Difficulty losing weight can be a sign of hypothyroidism. You may be losing
weight while eating the same amount of food as usual — or even losing while
eating more than normal. Unexplained weight changes and issues can be signs of
both hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism
1. Fatigue.
Feeling exhausted when
you wake up, feeling as if 8 or 10 hours of sleep a night is insufficient or
being unable to function all day without a nap can all be signs of thyroid
problems. (With hyperthyroidism, you may also have nighttime insomnia that
leaves you exhausted during the day.
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