Signs You May Have A Thyroid Problem

by // // 36 Comments

Yikes; I am so glad that I read this article. I think I may in fact have a thyroid problem. I do suffer from muscle and joint pain, as well bowel problems. Think a visit to my doc in the next day or two is in my future. Glad I found this info:

thyroid signs

It’s estimated that as many as 59 million Americans have a thyroid problem, but the majority don’t know it yet. The thyroid, a butterfly-shaped gland located in the neck, is the master gland of metabolism. When the thyroid doesn’t function, it can affect every aspect of your health, particularly weight, depression, and energy levels.

Since undiagnosed thyroid problems can dramatically increase risk of obesity, heart disease, depression, anxiety, hair loss, hormonal dysfunction, infertility, as well as a host of other symptoms and health problems, it’s important that it doesn’t go undiagnosed. You don’t need to have all of these symptoms in order to have a thyroid problem, but here are some of the most common signs that you may have a thyroid condition:

 

10. Muscle and Joint Pains, Carpal Tunnel/Tendonitis Problems
Aches and pains in your muscles and joints, weakness in the arms and a tendency to develop carpal tunnel in the arms/hands, tarsal tunnel in the legs, and plantars fasciitis in the feet can all be symptoms of undiagnosed thyroid problems.

9. Neck Discomfort/Enlargement
A feeling of swelling in the neck, discomfort with turtlenecks or neckties, a hoarse voice or a visibly enlarged thyroid can all be signs of a goiter, an enlarged thyroid gland that is a symptom of thyroid disease.

8. Hair/Skin Changes
Hair and skin are particularly vulnerable to thyroid conditions, and in particular, hair loss is frequently associated with thyroid problems. With hypothyroidism, hair frequently becomes brittle, coarse, and dry, while breaking off and falling out easily. Skin can become coarse, thick, dry,and scaly. In hypothyroidism, there is often an unusual loss of hair in the outer edge of the eyebrow. With hyperthyroidism, severe hair loss can also occur, and skin can become fragile and thin.

7. Bowel Problems
Severe or long-term constipation is frequently associated with hypothyroidism, while diarrhea or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is associated with hyperthyroidism.

6. Menstrual Irregularities and Fertility Problems
Heavier, more frequent, and more painful periods are frequently associated with hypothyroidism, and shorter, lighter, or infrequent menstruation can be associated with hyperthyroidism. Infertility can also be associated with undiagnosed thyroid conditions.

5. Family History
If you have a family history of thyroid problems, you are at a higher risk of having a thyroid condition yourself. You may not always be aware of thyroid problems in your family, though, because among older people, it is often referred to as ‘gland trouble’ or ‘goiter,’ so pay attention to any discussions of glandular conditions or goiter or weight gain due to ‘a glandular problem,’ as these may be indirect ways of referring to thyroid conditions.

 

4. Cholesterol Issues
High cholesterol, especially when it is not responsive to diet, exercise, or cholesterol-lowering medication, can be a sign of undiagnosed hypothyroidism. Unusually low cholesterol levels may be a sign of hyperthyroidism.

3. Depression and Anxiety
Depression or anxiety – including sudden onset of panic disorder – can be symptoms of thyroid disease. Hypothyroidism is most typically associated with depression, while hyperthyroidism is more commonly associated with anxiety or panic attacks. Depression that does not respond to antidepressants may also be a sign of an undiagnosed thyroid disorder.

2. Weight Changes.
You may be on a low-fat, low-calorie diet with a rigorous exercise program, but are failing to lose or gain any weight. Or you may have joined a diet program or support group, such as Weight Watchers, and you are the only one who isn’t losing any weight. Difficulty losing weight can be a sign of hypothyroidism. You may be losing weight while eating the same amount of food as usual – or even losing while eating more than normal. Unexplained weight changes and issues can be signs of both hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.

1. Fatigue.
Feeling exhausted when you wake up, feeling as if 8 or 10 hours of sleep a night is insufficient or being unable to function all day without a nap can all be signs of thyroid problems. (With hyperthyroidism, you may also have nighttime insomnia that leaves you exhausted during the day.)

Disclaimer: This article is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice

Article has been copied from Positivemed.com with their permission  .

About the author

Dr. Shei
Dr. Nima Shei is a medical doctor who believes in the amazing healing powers of nature. He writes for various health journals such as PositiveMed, PositiveFoodie and PositiveDrugs.com.

36 comments

  6. Lizelle says:

    I was diagnosed with palpillary thyroid carcenoma in Sept 2013. It measured 2.2 cm on the left and was there for 3 years. I had my daughter in that 3 yrs as well. I did not feel it until i couldnt swallow anymore. It was removem March this year. I am now in remution. Not a nice place to be. Cancer never just goes away…
    Look after youself…

    Reply
  12. Ossie Weldon says:

    I wish I could have read this cause this is some very good information.I suffered with thyroid problems about 20 years ago and have had the surgery this information can be helpful to others.

    Reply
  14. rina cilliers says:

    I have underactive thyroid do struggle my weight skin musscle pain my y hair get thinner I can not drink eltroxin the prescripe tertroxin 20mg per day? They did see my don’t now what call in English? I did go for sonar scan but they say to dangers ro take it out because I can never speak or lost to much blood if they rake that glands ourt! They say mine not cancer! So please give me advise I sometimes tired pain and my throught pain a lot sometimes by my neck by thyroid! Can go on like this I am 64 years or what!

    Reply
  15. Jola MARYNOWSKA says:

    My thyroid level is a bit high . I become overweight , will I loose the waight whan I start treatment,
    can thyroid problem be ralated to alkohol abuse?

    REGARDS
    JOLANTA

    Reply
  19. RANI NAIDU says:

    I have severe bleeding and blood cloths that looks like liver pieces and craves disease which caused me a lot of depression its two years now and I was coming right I am on treatment for the thyroid, its two days now and I have started with the cloths again I feel so depressed. my son is 23 years old and is suffering with weakness, and is very fatigue

    Reply
  20. Marie Stieger says:

    Please send me more info to my email address because I suffer a lot with depression and weight gain.
    Many thanks
    Marie

    Reply
  23. zaheera says:

    Hi there ive read up on the signs n symptoms of thyroid ..i have the swollen gland only ive noticed it comes and goes during a month ive had the thyroid test done n and fna n all was clear …what else could i do to solve this…pls inform zaheera

    Reply
  25. Rosalinda says:

    I was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism. I am taking Levothyroxine every morning. I have noticed aa lot of hair loss which I need to let my doctor know.

    Reply
  26. Madelain says:

    I sometimes feel anxiety attacks coming, throbbing in my throat and almost like someone closing my throat. Swetting and also irritability. Struggling to loose weight.

    Reply
  28. Sissy Madlala says:

    I have thyroid as well I like to know about it?how can I get help and get over it?im scared and neverous,I need help please,thank you!

    Reply
  29. ansie says:

    I have thyroid cancer went for cemo and rediaration want to know will I stay with it or will it heal I feel sick and num somedays get a lot of pain feel like preser on my head and my hands let every thing I hold felled out of my hands and my feets is painfull and swallen somedays

    Reply

Leave a Reply