Thyroid Symptoms You Need To Know About

As mentioned above, there are two main types of thyroid disease: hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. Let’s take a look at symptoms that may be associated with each of these conditions:

Hyperthyroidism:

Anxiety And Irritability

Anxiety and irritability are common signs and symptoms of hyperthyroidism. People with hyperthyroidism often experience sudden outbursts of anger, have difficulty concentrating, and report feeling overwhelmed or worried all the time. These psychological changes can directly affect one’s mood, leading to depression and insomnia.

Anxiety is also a very real physical symptom – those with the disorder may feel their heart rate and blood pressure increase dramatically in reaction to perceived stressors. It’s vital for those suffering from hyperthyroidism to seek professional help if they feel their emotions are impacting their day-to-day life. With proper treatment, it is possible to restore balance in the body and establish emotional equilibrium as well.

Trouble Sleeping

Trouble sleeping is a common symptom of hyperthyroidism. Though it can be challenging to identify an underlying cause immediately, if you have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep for long periods, it may be worth consulting a doctor about the possibility of having the condition.

Hyperthyroidism can cause insomnia due to resulting mental and physical changes. As the body becomes overactive and stressed from producing excessive hormones, it may be difficult for those with hyperthyroidism to relax at night.

Muscle Weakness And Weight Loss

Hyperthyroidism is commonly characterized by unexplained weight loss and muscle weakness due to an overactive thyroid gland. It is believed that the excess hormone production by the thyroid can result in a breakdown of skeletal muscle, leading to muscle weakness. Additionally, the heightened levels of hormones cause the body to spend energy faster than usual which can lead to rapid weight loss.

These signs should be monitored as if neglected; hyperthyroidism can significantly impair physical performance and quality of life.

Vision Problems

Vision problems are an often overlooked symptom of hyperthyroidism. When the thyroid is overactive, it can cause the regulation of eye muscles to become unbalanced and lead to various vision issues. Many people suffering from hyperthyroidism experience blurred or double vision, eye fatigue, light sensitivity, and difficulty maintaining focus on one point. It can also cause dry eyes, which leads to discomfort and itching.

While these vision issues can be frustrating and inconvenient to deal with, they usually have simple treatments, such as the use of glasses. However, a doctor should still monitor them since they can also indicate that the underlying hyperthyroidism is more severe than expected.

Hypothyroidism:

Fatigue

For those suffering from hypothyroidism, fatigue is one of the most common and earliest symptoms to look out for. Feeling excessively tired and exhausted can be debilitating, making it difficult to carry out even day-to-day tasks. People may lack the energy to do anything, from engaging in physical activity or even focusing on work or school.

Furthermore, people might also find that their mental faculties and thinking process slows significantly. It is essential for individuals who feel severe fatigue and other symptoms associated with hypothyroidism to contact a doctor to obtain the necessary medical attention to treat them.

Weight Gain

Symptoms of hypothyroidism widely vary from person to person, and one of the most common signs is unexplained weight gain. An underactive thyroid is unable to metabolize food properly, resulting in an increase in fat storage and a decrease in caloric burn, which can even occur when following a strict diet and exercise regimen; if you believe your symptoms are due to an underlying condition like hypothyroidism, it’s essential to seek medical attention.

If caught early, this condition can often be treated successfully with the proper hormones to help restore balance in your body and put the brakes on any unwanted pounds.

Intolerance To Cold Temperatures

Hypothyroidism is a complex condition that can manifest in diverse symptoms, including intolerance to cold temperatures, mainly due to the thyroid gland’s role as the regulator of an individual’s metabolism and ability to produce energy from consumed food. An imbalance in the production of thyroid hormones affects how the body produces heat, and thus, an intolerance to cold temperatures can appear.

This symptom can range from feeling cold even in warm environments, severe chills when exposed to colder temperatures, or always feeling ‘cold’ more often than before. Though some individuals may feel mildly uncomfortable with very mild physical manifestations, hypothyroidism should still be considered as one of the possibilities if this symptom persists over a long period.

Dry And Coarse Hair

When the thyroid doesn’t produce enough hormones to regulate metabolic processes, it can affect its ability to nourish hair follicles, causing the hair to become dry and coarse. Dry and coarse hair is one of the common symptoms of hypothyroidism. It’s often accompanied by hair loss, making it even more noticeable.

Another consequence of this lack of hormonal balance is reduced scalp blood circulation, leading to weakened hair strands. The best way for hypothyroid patients to take care of their dry and coarse hair is through hydration—conditioners and moisturizing masks help return softness and shine. Eating foods high in biotin or taking supplements might also improve the quality and look of the hair and promote better health overall.

How Does Thyroid Disease Get Diagnosed?

Finding a diagnosis for individuals struggling with mysterious symptoms can seem like an endless process. When it comes to thyroid disease, this can be especially true due to the various and often complex ways in which it presents itself.

Though there is no one-size-fits-all approach to diagnosing thyroid disease, medical professionals often focus on a combination of physical examinations, blood tests — such as TSH and antibodies — and a patient’s full medical history. Ultimately, combining these elements allows doctors to pinpoint a diagnosis and develop an appropriate treatment plan for the individual.

Treatment

Treatment for thyroid disease generally involves taking medication to restore proper hormone balance. Depending on the patient’s condition, they may be prescribed hormones such as thyroxine or combinations of drugs, including synthetic thyroid hormones. Surgery is also an option, typically when the patient has symptoms of hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid) caused by benign growths in the gland. The surgery involves removing all or part of the gland and is usually recommended if medical treatments aren’t effective.

Nutraceuticals, supplement therapies, and lifestyle modifications such as increased exercise can help patients manage their symptoms alongside medical interventions. Thyroid disease is a chronic condition that requires lifelong management and working with your physician to find the right treatment plan is key to successful outcomes.

These Are The Many Thyroid Symptoms You Need To Know About

In conclusion, thyroid disease can manifest in many symptoms, including weight loss, intolerance to cold temperatures, and various others.

If you are experiencing any thyroid-related symptoms, it is essential to consult with your doctor or other medical professional so that they can help you find the proper diagnosis and treatment plan for your condition.