Located in the central part of the neck, the thyroid gland produces hormones that are involved in the regulation of metabolism and the functioning of vital organs, including the heart, brain, liver, kidneys and skin. Your overall health is at risk if your thyroid starts to malfunction. Thyroid problems are among the most common in our time.
These include: hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, goiter, thyroiditis, and thyroid cancer. The most common of these are hypo- and hyperthyroidism. By what signs such violations can be recognized, estet-portal.com will tell in this article.
Why is it important to recognize thyroid problems in time
Because the two most common thyroid problems – hypothyroidism (underactivity) and hyperthyroidism (increased activity) – lead to various hormonal, emotional and physical changes in the body, it is important not only to visit the endocrinologist regularly for scheduled check-ups, but also to navigate the symptoms characteristic of such diseases.
Many people tend to ignore the signs of thyroid problems, which is why these conditions often go undiagnosed.
Many people tend to ignore the signs of thyroid problems, which is why these diseases often go undiagnosed. And without proper treatment, it will not be possible to eliminate the problems caused by impaired thyroid function.
What symptoms appear in case of thyroid problems
If you notice any of the following symptoms, estet-portal.com recommends contacting an endocrinologist – your thyroid may not be working properly.
- Persistent fatigue
Although lack of sleep is the most common cause of fatigue, persistent fatigue for no apparent reason can be a symptom of thyroid problems. This sign is typical for women, and for men, and for children.
In the case of hyperthyroidism, there may be problems with sleep, which also lead to increased fatigue throughout the day. With hypothyroidism, there is a lack of energy even after quality and long sleep.
- Sudden weight gain or weight loss
If your eating habits and physical activity level have not changed, but you are gaining or losing weight rapidly, check to see if everything is in order with the thyroid gland.
Permanent unreasonable weight gain may indicate a low level of thyroid hormones and, accordingly, hypothyroidism. And too active work of the thyroid gland – hyperthyroidism – often leads to rapid weight loss.
- Depression and anxiety
Panic disorders, depression and anxiety can also be caused by thyroid problems. At the same time, hypothyroidism can cause depression, and hyperthyroidism – panic attacks and anxiety.
- Menstrual irregularities
This symptom of thyroid problems in women is quite common: irregular menstruation, cycle irregularities, longer, more frequent or painful periods than usual, may, among other things, be a consequence of hypothyroidism.
Irregular menstruation or menstrual patterns may indicate hypo- or hyperthyroidism.
Hyperthyroidism may cause menstruation to be faster, less frequent, or intermittently absent. Remember that changes in the menstrual cycle – a serious reason to make an appointment with a gynecologist.
- Hair loss
Unexplained hair loss may be due to a disruption in the hair growth cycle due to low levels of thyroid hormones. In addition, the hair can become dry and brittle, including on the eyebrows and eyelashes.
In the case of hyperthyroidism, dryness of the scalp and thinning of the hair may occur.
- Persistent feeling of cold or heat
If you are constantly cold or hot for no apparent reason, remember that changes in thyroid hormone levels can affect the body's ability to regulate temperature.
Constantly cold extremities – possible symptom of hypothyroidism. People who are constantly hot may have hyperthyroidism in this way.
- Hoarse voice and neck discomfort
Thyroid problems in men, women, and children can be manifested by hoarseness, snoring, and discomfort in the neck.
An inflammation of the thyroid gland or a goiter, in which the thyroid gland becomes enlarged, can cause these sensations. Therefore, estet-portal.com recommends regularly checking the thyroid gland yourself.
- Digestive problems
Constipation, diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome are also among the possible symptoms of thyroid disease. Thyroid hormones can interfere with the body's ability to digest food and eliminate waste.
If you're eating enough fiber, but you're still constantly constipated, this could indicate hypothyroidism. Irritable bowel syndrome or frequent diarrhea may indicate hyperthyroidism.
- Excessive dry skin
Lack of water in the body and improper seasonal skin care are most often the causes of dry skin.
However, if the skin lacks moisture despite proper nutrition and care, hypothyroidism may be the cause of dryness. In addition, this disease can lead to the following skin problems:
- skin discoloration;
- pallor of the skin;
- skin peeling;
- appearance of wrinkles;
- nail brittleness;
- eczema.
- Pain in muscles and joints
An underactive thyroid can lead to weakness in the limbs, muscle and joint pain, and seizures.
An overactive thyroid can cause muscle weakness and fatigue – often patients have difficulty climbing stairs or holding their arms above their heads.
The presence of one of the above symptoms does not mean that you have problems with the thyroid gland, since such signs are also characteristic of a number of other diseases. But if you have not visited an endocrinologist for a long time and noticed such changes, estet-portal.com recommends making an appointment with a doctor and undergoing an examination.
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