Your face is puffy, you’re tired all of the time, and you can’t stop snapping at your partner. Sound familiar? You might have a problem with your thyroid.
Your body is ruled by hormones. When these are thrown out of whack, you face serious side effects.
Keep reading for signs your thyroid is in trouble.
What is Your Thyroid?
Your thyroid is a small gland found in your throat. It secretes necessary hormones. Another gland in your skull called the pituitary releases TSH.
TSH is a stimulating hormone that affects your thyroid. Your body needs TSH to function.
Hypothyroidism
If your TSH level is too low, you can develop hypothyroidism. There are two forms. In primary hypothyroidism, your thyroid stops responding to TSH signals. The problem is with the thyroid itself.
In secondary hypothyroidism, your TSH level dips dangerously low.
Hyperthyroidism
If your thyroid produces an excess of thyroxine, hyperthyroidism occurs. Your body’s metabolism is revved up.
Thyroid problems can be managed with medication. You can check thyroid medication prices online.
Here are the thyroid signs you need to watch out for.
1. You Sleep Too Much
Are you exhausted all of the time despite getting enough sleep? Do you find yourself craving mid-day naps?
Your thyroid controls your energy level by releasing hormones you need to function. If you can’t produce enough hormones, your body will feel tired and sluggish.
Unfortunately, this type of exhaustion can’t be cured with rest. You can sleep for 10 hours straight and still feel tired when you wake up.
If you feel sleepy during the day and you can’t figure out why, it could be a sign you’re suffering from hypothyroidism.
2. You’re Cold
A poorly functioning thyroid can make you feel cold. You gain heat by burning calories. However, when you have hypothyroidism, your metabolism is sluggish and doesn’t work as well as it should.
The result is that you feel cold even in warm environments. Air-conditioning makes you uncomfortable.
3. You’re Gaining Weight
Hypothyroidism is associated with weight gain. Your metabolism is slow. You feel hungry and don’t want to move.
Gaining weight is so common that people often don’t look for a cause. They assume that it’s a natural part of life, not realizing that something is medically wrong.
If you’re gaining weight despite exercising and following a diet plan, it’s worth talking to a doctor.
4. You’re Annoyed
Both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism can lead to irritableness. Your hormones aren’t at the right level and your body is suffering the consequences. It makes sense that your mood isn’t going to go be great.
Irritableness becomes a problem when it’s constant and unexplained. It can start to seriously affect the quality of your life.
Listen to the people around you. Your loved ones may be able to spot your poor mood before you do.
5. You’re Losing Weight
Are you losing weight despite eating the same foods? Hyperthyroidism causes your metabolism to accelerate. This leads to unintended weight loss.
Everyone’s weight can bounce around within a few pounds. The problem occurs when you’re steadily losing weight.
Start recording your weight at least once a week and pay attention to what you eat. You’ll be able to tell if your weight loss is a fluke or part of a trend. Save the data for your doctor.
6. You’re Sweating
If you’re constantly sweating, it could be because your hormone levels aren’t balanced. Night sweats are particularly common.
Sweating is linked to hyperthyroidism. You can be covered in sweat while sitting quietly in an air-conditioned room.
There isn’t a lot that you can do to control this symptom beyond getting your thyroid under control. Wearing extra-strength deodorant can at least help with the smell.
7. Your Hair is Brittle
If your thyroid doesn’t secrete enough hormones, it could lead to thinning, brittle hair. Your hair follicles need your thyroid to function properly.
Studies have found that your hair is very sensitive to changes in your thyroid function. This is another symptom that can be hard to spot because everyone’s hair naturally thins as they age.
If your hair loss is extreme, or if it comes with other symptoms, it’s a strong sign that there’s something wrong.
8. Your Muscles Are Weak
If you’re suffering from hypothyroidism, your body may begin burning muscle for fuel. This is called catabolism.
When you’re in a catabolic state, your muscles feel weaker. They may even hurt.
It’s natural to experience muscle weakness after strenuous exercise. You should start to feel worried if you feel that way all of the time regardless of your physical activity level.
9. You’re Not Sleeping Enough
A hormone imbalance could lead to sleep too or too little. Insomnia is very difficult to deal with. You might struggle to fall asleep or you might wake up often in the night.
Trouble sleeping is one of the most common reasons people with thyroid problems end up at the doctor.
Hyperthyroidism usually leads to insomnia-like problems while hypothyroidism is more likely to lead to oversleeping and extreme fatigue.
10. General Malaise
If you have a general sense that something is not right, it’s time to see your doctor. You may be suffering from multiple symptoms on this list, or your case may be more unique.
Thyroid problems are often missed because the patient doesn’t go to the doctor. There isn’t a flaming, urgent symptom that sends them to the emergency room. Instead, thyroid problems are chronic and hard to detect.
You might feel tired because of your thyroid or it could be because you’re stressed out or possibly your diet has changed. That’s why you need to get tested if you suspect something is wrong.
Testing Your Thyroid
You won’t know if there’s a problem with your thyroid unless you go to the doctor. Explain your symptoms and ask the doctor if testing is necessary. Many of the symptoms associated with poor thyroid function can also be signs of other maladies.
Read this blog to stay up-to-date on important health information. You need a source you can rely on.
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