Many thyroid symptoms are nonspecific. Only a health professional can make an accurate diagnosis.
Thyroid or thyroid gland imbalances are more common than you might think.
Symptoms can be silent. It is, therefore, essential to be aware of the signs that could indicate thyroid problems.
We invite you to discover here which are the most frequent signs. If you think you have a problem with this gland, you should see a doctor as soon as possible.
What to know about the thyroid
The thyroid is a small gland located above the collarbone. It produces two vital hormones (T3 and T4).
These hormones are responsible for regulating growth, development, or metabolism, as well as body temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure.
If the gland isn’t working correctly, it can lead to two problems: hyperthyroidism (it produces more hormones than normal) and hypothyroidism (it doesn’t have enough).
Both occur due to an immune factor. That is to say that the antibodies generate dysfunction at the level of this organ.
Signs that may indicate thyroid dysfunction
Pay close attention to the signals the body sends. These can allow us to treat thyroid problems in time.
Sadness and depression
Mood can be altered because of the thyroid, as evidenced by this study. Sadness appears for no apparent reason.
When the gland produces the little hormone, serotonin levels decrease, resulting in negative feelings. On the contrary, if the thyroid creates more hormones, the mood is restless.
Weight changes
If you have exercised for a long time and followed a strict diet but cannot lose even one gram, it may be due to thyroid problems.
The reverse is also true. Metabolic alterations have a lot to do with imbalances in the thyroid gland.
Constipation
Constipation is one of the main signs of thyroid dysfunction.
If you suffer from continuous constipation and it causes abdominal swelling or intestinal pain, do not hesitate to consult a doctor.
Sleep Disorders
For no apparent reason, you can’t sleep or wake up in the middle of the night with a start. Problems falling asleep, recurrence of nightmares, and insomnia are linked to the thyroid gland, as evidenced by this study.
Increased need for sleep and difficulty getting up early are other symptoms. An underactive thyroid often slows bodily functions.
Joint pain
Joint pain can be caused by various medical conditions or daily habits, such as exercising or lifting too much weight.
According to this research, an underactive thyroid can also lead to joint pain, especially in the arms and legs. This could lead to fibromyalgia.
Skin dryness
No matter how many creams you apply, the skin is still dry and “flaky.” The legs and face are the two areas where this change can be most noticeable. The armpits and scalp are two others.
This is often due to lower-than-normal sweating and thyroid problems.
High cholesterol
Blood tests may show high cholesterol, even though you eat a healthy diet and consume almost no fat.
When a person suffers from hypothyroidism, the metabolism is slower, and it cannot burn fat properly. Because of this, cholesterol and triglycerides increase, as evidenced by this research.
Loss of libido
Lack of sexual interest can be linked to thyroid gland problems. Mood disorders, weight gain, and joint pain can make this loss of sex drive worse.
Discomfort in the neck
Moving the neck in specific directions causes pressure that makes swallowing difficult. Hoarseness is another symptom of thyroid disorders and is caused by gland enlargement.
Muscle pain
Making a move, you’re not used to can become a nightmare for days because the pain won’t subside.
If, in addition, certain parts of the body go numb quickly, you should go to the doctor for a general check-up.
Hair loss
Hair loss can be due to a dry scalp or metabolic problems related to the thyroid gland.
A little hair loss when bathing or brushing is not abnormal, but losing strands of hair when touching the head is. It’s also not usual to see a handful of hair on your pillow every morning.
There may also be hair loss in the eyebrows, leg hair, armpits, and pubic area. These hairs also take time to grow; they are skinny and fragile when they grow.
Palpitations
The heart beats so fast that you feel it even when lying down.
If you notice throbbing in your neck or wrists and haven’t exercised…it may be because your thyroid gland is producing too many hormones.
High Blood Pressure
Hypertension can be due to different reasons. That’s why doctors don’t immediately associate it with the thyroid gland.
However, when you are on medication to control this condition, or if you are eating a healthy diet and still have high blood pressure, the thyroid gland should be addressed, as this study suggests.
Appetite Changes
30 minutes can’t go by without you feeling hungry or craving fatty or sweet food.
Or else… Before, you ate 4 times a day, and now you only do it twice? All of these changes can be caused by alterations in the thyroid gland.
Now you know what the main signs of thyroid dysfunction are. If the situation could be difficult, see a specialist as soon as possible.
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