Thyroid disorders are exceedingly common, and statistics show that about 12% of people in their lifespan experience some form of thyroid-related problem. The thyroid is a small gland located below Adam’s apple, along the front of the neck. Although this butterfly-shaped gland is small, its effects on the body are tremendous. Even a mild case of thyroid can result in significant health problems like infertility, heart disease, obesity, and much more. The treatments of thyroid problems are slow and work best when the problem is identified at an early stage. This is why it is essential to know the early signs of thyroid problems.
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10 Signs of Thyroid Problems
Our body is like a well-designed machine; even the slightest problem can change the body’s functioning. As a machine shows signs of internal malfunctions, our body provides us with ample signs and indications.
High Heart Rate
When the thyroid gland produces too much hormone (hyperthyroidism), it increases blood pressure, leading to an elevated heart rate. Reading your heart rate without heart palpations can be quite hard. Fortunately, many health apps can be accessed easily on a smartphone and used for such readings. A heart rate between 60 and 100 is considered normal, and however, if the reading is constantly above 80 beats per minute, it is worth vising a doctor.
Digestive Issues
People who suffer from hypothyroidism often complain about constipation issues. Whereas those suffering from hyperthyroidism commonly experience loose stools and other such bowel problems.
A change in digestive habits can also be caused due to hormone changes occurring in the body. However, it is also important to mention that there may be other factors causing digestive issues, but hormonal changes are a possibility that must be considered.
Body Shakes
Body shakes aren’t limited to thyroid cases. Numerous other issues may lead to body shakes. However, high blood pressure is a common thyroid symptom that can lead to trembling as a sign of nervousness and difficulty relaxing. In most cases, shaky hands are dismissed as a sign of nerves, but if you find it happening often, it would be wise to get thyroid testing.
Excessive Tiredness
Hyperthyroidism leads to a high heart rate, whereas hypothyroidism leads to a slow heart rate and blood pressure. A slower heart rate and blood pressure can lead to excessive exhaustion, a common sign of thyroid issues.
Excessive sleep, tiredness, difficulties in waking up are all signs of thyroid troubles and should be taken seriously, primarily with other thyroid symptoms.
Weight Loss Or Gain
Another easily recognized and tell-tale sign of thyroid issues is weight loss or gain. Rapid weight gain is a sign of low thyroid functions. When the thyroid function is low, the body does not have enough energy to burn the extra calories required to maintain a healthy weight.
Alternatively, in the cases of hyperthyroidism, the body has excess energy production, which leads the body’s metabolism to work too rapidly. This leads to high weight loss, as the body burns excess calories. Weight loss may sound like a good idea, but weight loss related to thyroid issues has severe effects, and it does not stop at your desired weight. If you notice that you are losing weight at high speed without any explanation, you need medical assistance.
Feeling Chilly Or Overheated
Our body’s blood pressure is directly linked to our circulation. When a person suffers from low blood circulation, they will start having chilly episodes. The person might find themselves reaching out for a blanket or sweater even in average temperatures. Feeling cold in normal temperatures is a sign of hypothyroidism. A case of hyperthyroidism presents itself in precisely the opposite manner. This causes you to feel too hot and experience excessive sweating in average temperatures.
Hair Loss
Hair loss is also a common symptom experienced by those dealing with thyroid issues. Some hair loss is a typical scenario and nothing to freak over. However, it is concerning if the average hair loss gradually has transformed into excessive hair loss, leading to bald spots. Although there are other reasons for excessive hair loss, hyperthyroid is also a good possibility.
Growth On The Neck
The most apparent sign of thyroid issue is growth in the neck, also known as goiters. Goiters are a sign of extreme thyroid disorder and are caused due to the swelling of the thyroid gland, located at the front of the neck. Swelling of the gland is a case of extreme thyroid case and needs immediate medical examination.
Medication
Several prescription drugs are used in treating thyroid issues, such as hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. Most medications are taken in pill or capsule form; however, other options include injections.
Surgery
In some cases, the thyroid can also be dealt with through medical procedures. For example, in some cases of thyroid issues such as hyperthyroidism, the effect of the medication isn’t quite much, and the issue is resistant to the medications. In such cases, surgery is an approach taken by medical experts.
In Conclusion
There you have eight significant signs and symptoms of thyroid issues. These, of course, are not the only symptoms but are, however, the most common signs of thyroid problems. Depending on the diagnosis, the doctor prescribes medication or, in severe cases, can also use the surgery approach. However, these signs and symptoms are given to detect thyroid issues early to be quickly dealt with. So, take a read and note down the signs for better remembrance. Plus, if any of the symptoms may seem familiar to you and you suffer from, it is best to get a thyroid test.
