These are the 10 Thyroid-related Symptoms That You Should Never Underestimate
Do you often feel drowsy, excessively hungry, or lack appetite? You may not know it, but you may be suffering from thyroid-related disorders. Discover all the symptoms and pathologies related to it.
Symptoms of thyroid problems
If you’ve been experiencing unusual symptoms and haven’t been feeling your best lately, it’s important to pay attention. These could be signs that your thyroid isn’t functioning correctly.
Some common symptoms and conditions associated with thyroid malfunction, a small butterfly-shaped gland located in the front part of the neck, include:
- Tachycardia
- Increased hunger or lack of appetite
- Anxiety and nervousness
- Fatigue
- Lack of libido
- Dryness of the skin
- Hair loss
- Sadness and a bad mood
- Cold chills or hot flashes
- Irregular menstrual cycle
These symptoms can indicate that your thyroid may be overactive (hyperthyroidism) or underactive (hypothyroidism). There may also be ongoing inflammation, which can be chronic (Hashimoto’s thyroiditis) or temporary (Hashitoxicosis).
To distinguish and confirm whether these symptoms are indeed related to thyroid issues, it’s advisable to consult an endocrinologist who will conduct specific tests and assessments, including:
- TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone)
- T3 (triiodothyronine)
- T4 (thyroxine)
- Anti-TG (antithyroglobulin antibodies)
- Anti-TPO (anti-thyroperoxidase antibodies)
- Ultrasound of the head and neck
Hashymoto’s thyroiditis, hashitoxicosis, hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is a chronic autoimmune disease. Thyroid disorders can vary, and treatment can differ. Some individuals may have a condition called euthyroid, where the thyroid functions properly and doesn’t require treatment. Others may need therapy involving synthetic hormones. These conditions are often associated with diabetes and celiac disease. Symptoms of these disorders may include:
- Fatigue
- Paleness
- Poor tolerance to cold
- Constipation
- Weight gain
Is your thyroid acting up? Hashitoxicosis and primary hypothyroidism might be the culprits.
Hashitoxicosis is the initial phase of hypothyroidism and initially presents symptoms commonly associated with hyperthyroidism, such as:
- Heat
- Hypertension
- Weight loss
- Irritability
- Tachycardia
- Urticaria
- Amenorrhea
Hypothyroidism occurs when there is insufficient production of thyroid hormones and a high production of TSH. The most common symptoms resulting from a slowing down of the metabolism are:
- Bradycardia
- Brittle hair
- Weight gain
- Poor appetite
- Constipation
- Hoarseness
Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism involves a condition of hypermetabolism, where the thyroid produces too many hormones and suppresses TSH. Treatment is needed to bring these hormone levels down and restore balance. Symptoms of this condition include:
- Hunger
- Weight loss
- Tachycardia
- Diarrhea
- Sweating
- Fatigue
