Occasionally, the thyroid gland may not produce the correct amount of thyroid hormones. This can lead to either an excess or a deficiency of hormone production, resulting in an underactive metabolism (hypothyroidism) or an overactive metabolism (hyperthyroidism).
Symptoms of hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism
Both thyroid conditions are serious and necessitate medical intervention. Several symptoms overlap between the two, necessitating a blood test for an accurate diagnosis.
Two types of thyroid disease
Hyperthyroidism symptoms
- Weight loss
- Racing heart rate
- Nervousness
- Muscles weakness
- Tremors
- Missed menstrual periods
- Insomnia
- Eye problems
- Sensitive to heat and cold
Hypothyroidism symptoms
- Weight gain
- Too slow of heart rate
- Heavy menstrual periods
- Memory problems
- Dry skin
- Hair loss
- Hoarse voice
- Intolerance to cold
- Enlarged thyroid gland
Twenty red flags of thyroid disease
Do you experience these red flags?
1 – Fatigue may result from thyroid disease
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2 – You might have thyroid disease if you feel cold all the time
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3 – Weight fluctuations
If you observe an increase in your weight despite adhering to a diet and exercise regimen, do not disregard it. Unintentional weight fluctuations can be indicative of metabolic dysfunction.
4 – Your skin is a desert
If you're experiencing persistent itchy and dry skin, it could indicate a thyroid imbalance. The appearance of flaky, scaly skin, along with an increase in wrinkles on your face and neck, are indicative signs of metabolic issues. Should you find that regular application of body lotion fails to alleviate the dryness, it may suggest the onset of thyroid disease.
5 – Bald spots
If you find an unusual quantity of hair on your hairbrush or strands of hair on the sofa that aren't from your dog, it's possible you're experiencing hypothyroidism. Hair loss, including bald patches, is typical among individuals with thyroid imbalances.
6 – Forgetfulness
Have you misplaced your iPhone or car keys? Or perhaps you struggle to remember a colleague's name at work. These minor moments of forgetfulness can be both frustrating and embarrassing. If you find yourself experiencing these instances of mental cloudiness increasingly, it may indicate an imbalance in your thyroid. Hormones produced by a healthy thyroid instruct your brain to communicate with your body. However, if your thyroid is underactive and not producing sufficient hormones for your brain, you may notice a slowdown in cognitive function. Additionally, an inability to concentrate or think clearly is another warning sign to be aware of.
7 – Constipated or diarrhea
If you find yourself experiencing frequent constipation or bouts of diarrhea, it may signal that your thyroid is not functioning properly. Constipation often accompanies a sluggish thyroid, whereas diarrhea can be a symptom of an overactive thyroid gland.
8 – Swollen hand or feet
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9 – Thyroid disease can cause vocal changes
Experts indicate that even a mild dysfunction of the thyroid can alter your voice due to hormonal fluctuations. Hypothyroidism typically results in a deep, rough voice, and one may experience feelings of vocal fatigue or weakness. Hyperthyroidism can also affect the voice, although it is more commonly associated with hypothyroidism. Additional vocal symptoms arising from thyroid conditions may include:
- Loss of voice
- Hoarseness
- Trembling voice
- Breathing that you can hear
10 – Lost your libido
Have you been lacking that affectionate sentiment recently? This could be a warning sign indicating an imbalance in your thyroid levels. While a diminished libido is not typical, it can occasionally be an indicator of hypothyroidism.
11 – Feeling sad
Experiencing moodiness and sadness, among other symptoms, may indicate hypothyroidism. It is common for individuals battling depression and anxiety to also suffer from an underactive thyroid, a condition that is frequently overlooked by physicians. If you are feeling persistently sad, it is advisable to request a blood test from your doctor to determine if you have hypothyroidism.
12 – Miscarriage or other pregnancy problems
An untreated thyroid condition can hinder pregnancy or cause miscarriage. Imbalanced thyroid hormones impact fertility. During pregnancy, this imbalance may result in premature delivery or a baby with low birth weight.
13 – Taste buds not working
If you suffer from thyroid disease, you might notice that food tastes odd. It's easy to assume the issue lies with the food itself. However, it's actually the hormonal imbalances that are affecting your taste buds. This common issue often goes undetected, so it's important not to overlook this warning sign.
14 – Puffiness in your face
- Puffy under eyes
- Swollen feeling tongue
- Swollen eyelids
- Puffy lips
If you observe that your face appears abnormally swollen or filled out, it may indicate a thyroid issue. The swelling could result from additional fluid retention or weight increase. Additional indicators of hypothyroidism encompass:
15 – Vision problems
'A commonly misunderstood symptom of thyroid disease is vision impairment. Fluid accumulation around the eyes causes the eye muscles to enlarge, leading to a bulging appearance. This may result in difficulty focusing or experiencing double vision. Since eye doctors do not routinely screen for thyroid issues, it is important to discuss any concerns with your ophthalmologist.'
16 – Carpal tunnel disorder
Excess fluid in your body can impact your nerves, particularly those in your hands. This fluid buildup compresses the soft tissues in your wrist, leading to pain. Numbness and tingling are symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. Addressing your thyroid disorder will resolve these issues.
17 – High blood pressure
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If you possess an underactive thyroid, it may result in elevated blood pressure due to the inadequate function of thyroid hormones, exerting additional strain on your heart as it endeavors to circulate blood throughout your body. |
18 – Goiter
A goiter develops when the thyroid gland becomes swollen. This condition can arise from various causes, but it may result from an insufficient intake of iodine in one's diet. Since the body cannot produce iodine, it is essential to consume it through dietary sources. If left untreated, particularly in children, an iodine deficiency can lead to learning difficulties and hypothyroidism. To combat iodine deficiency, which was prevalent in the 1920s, iodized salt was introduced, effectively eradicating goiter. However, many regions around the world still lack access to iodine-rich foods. Iodine can be naturally obtained by consuming foods such as
- Beef liver
- Chicken
- Dairy foods
- Shellfish
- Seaweed
- Eggs
Don’t take iodine supplements unless you talk to your doctor first. Iodine won’t help if you have hypothyroidism. In fact, too much iodine can cause hypothyroidism.
19 – Trouble sleeping
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If you are experiencing chronic insomnia, do not dismiss the possibility of thyroid disease. Often overlooked, especially in women, this is a prevalent symptom of thyroid disorders. You may also feel hyperactivity and nervousness accompanying your insomnia. The presence of insomnia, along with these additional symptoms, should be considered a serious warning sign of a thyroid imbalance. |
20 – Your family members have thyroid disease
Thyroid disorders are hereditary. If a close relative such as a parent, sibling, grandparent, or uncle is affected by thyroid disease, you are at a higher genetic risk. Should you experience any related symptoms, consult your physician and request blood tests for confirmation. Diagnosing thyroid conditions can be challenging and may require multiple tests.
What are the treatment options for thyroid disorders that doctors can utilize?
Hypothyroidism is easily treatable with safe medications. In contrast, hyperthyroidism presents more challenges in treatment and management. Often, the optimal solution for a healthy life is to surgically remove the overactive thyroid gland. Post-surgery, you might require medication similar to that used for hypothyroidism.
