Signs You Have a Thyroid Disorder
Thyroid disorders are more common than you might think, and the symptoms can sneak up on you. Whether it’s hypothyroidism, where your thyroid is underactive, or hyperthyroidism, where it’s overactive, your body sends you signals. The tricky part is that these symptoms are often vague and can be easily mistaken for other health issues. So, what should you look for? Scroll down to know the telltale signs that might point to a thyroid problem.
When your energy levels are constantly low, that could be a red flag
Fatigue is a major symptom of hypothyroidism. If you’re getting enough sleep but still feel exhausted during the day, this could be your body’s way of telling you that your thyroid isn’t producing enough hormones. Your thyroid regulates your metabolism, and when it’s not doing its job, your energy levels can drop significantly.
On the flip side, with hyperthyroidism, you might feel the opposite—like your engine is revved up and running too fast. Even with enough rest, you could feel jittery, anxious, or like you can’t sit still.
If your weight suddenly changes without explanation, check your thyroid
One of the most common signs of a thyroid disorder is unexplained weight changes. With hypothyroidism, you may notice that you’re gaining weight despite eating the same amount or even cutting calories. This happens because your metabolism has slowed down, making it harder for your body to burn calories.
In contrast, hyperthyroidism often leads to weight loss without any changes to your diet or exercise routine. Your metabolism is in overdrive, so your body is burning through energy faster than you can replenish it.
Dry skin, thinning hair, and brittle nails might be thyroid-related
Your thyroid plays a role in regulating skin, hair, and nail health. If you’re dealing with dry, flaky skin that just doesn’t improve with moisturizers, this could be due to hypothyroidism. A sluggish thyroid slows the regeneration of skin cells, leading to rough patches and irritation.
Hair thinning or hair loss is another common sign. If your thyroid isn’t producing enough hormones, it can disrupt the growth cycle of your hair, thereby leading to thinning on your scalp and even your eyebrows. Brittle nails that break easily might also indicate a thyroid issue, as your body’s ability to produce strong, healthy cells is compromised.
If you’re always feeling too hot or too cold, your thyroid might be off
Temperature sensitivity is another clue that your thyroid could be out of balance. Hypothyroidism can leave you feeling cold all the time, even when it’s warm outside. That’s because your body isn’t generating enough heat due to a slower metabolism.
Meanwhile, hyperthyroidism can have you feeling uncomfortably warm or even sweaty when everyone else is fine. This condition speeds up your body’s processes, generating more heat than usual and making you more sensitive to warmth.
Your mood swings might not just be stress; they could be a thyroid issue
Mental health changes, particularly mood swings, anxiety, or depression, can be linked to thyroid disorders. Hypothyroidism often causes people to feel down or depressed. Your brain depends on the right balance of hormones to function properly, and when thyroid hormones are lacking, it can affect your mood and mental clarity.
On the other hand, hyperthyroidism can lead to feelings of anxiety, nervousness, and restlessness. People with this condition often describe feeling “on edge” all the time, and these mood swings can be tough to control.
Digestive issues, like constipation or diarrhea, might be thyroid-related
Hypothyroidism can slow down digestion, leading to chronic constipation. When your metabolism slows, so does everything else in your body, including your digestive system.
On the flip side, hyperthyroidism can cause your digestive system to speed up, which may lead to diarrhea or more frequent bowel movements. If you notice consistent changes in your digestive health that don’t seem to be connected to your diet, it might be time to have your thyroid checked.
If your periods are irregular or heavy, your thyroid might be to blame
For women, irregular periods or changes in menstrual flow are common signs of a thyroid disorder. Hypothyroidism can lead to heavier, more prolonged periods, while hyperthyroidism may cause lighter or even absent periods. Thyroid hormones play a key role in regulating your menstrual cycle, so when they’re out of balance, your periods might be, too.
Feeling forgetful or struggling to concentrate could point to a thyroid issue
Brain fog and forgetfulness are frequently associated with hypothyroidism. People often describe feeling like they can’t think as clearly or quickly as they used to. This is because your brain, like the rest of your body, slows down when your thyroid is underactive.
On the other hand, hyperthyroidism can lead to difficulty concentrating, but it’s often due to the fact that you feel anxious or restless. You’re always thinking about ten things at once, and focusing on one task becomes nearly impossible.
If your heart is racing or slowing down, your thyroid could be the reason
Your thyroid has a big influence on your heart rate. With hypothyroidism, your heart rate may slow down, leaving you feeling sluggish or easily fatigued during physical activity. This slower heart rate happens because your metabolism is slowing down as well.
Hyperthyroidism, on the other hand, can cause your heart to race, even when you’re at rest. You might feel palpitations or notice that your heart is beating irregularly. This is because an overactive thyroid gland pumps out hormones that can increase your heart rate and make it work harder than necessary.
If you have trouble sleeping or are always tired, your thyroid could be out of balance
Sleep disturbances are another common sign of a thyroid disorder. People with hyperthyroidism often struggle to fall asleep or stay asleep because their bodies are in overdrive. It’s like your brain is wired to stay awake, even when you’re exhausted.
In contrast, hypothyroidism can leave you feeling tired all the time, no matter how much rest you get. It’s a fatigue that sleep doesn’t fix because your body isn’t getting the energy it needs from your thyroid hormones.
If your neck feels swollen or you have a lump, it’s time to get checked out
One of the most visible signs of a thyroid disorder is a goiter, which is a swelling at the base of the neck. If you notice a lump or swelling in this area, it’s essential to see your doctor. This could be a sign of an enlarged thyroid, often associated with either hypo- or hyperthyroidism.
A goiter isn’t always painful, but it can make swallowing or breathing difficult if it gets too large. Sometimes, the swelling might not be visible, but you could still feel pressure or tightness in your throat.
The Takeaway
If you’ve noticed several of these symptoms, it might be time to talk to your doctor about your thyroid health. Thyroid disorders are highly treatable, but they often go undiagnosed because the symptoms can be mistaken for other conditions. A simple blood test can check your thyroid hormone levels and help your doctor figure out the best treatment plan for you.
