The thyroid gland plays an extremely important role within the body. If this gland begins to malfunction, or stops functioning, many different processes within the body can start to show negative side effects. A malfunctioning thyroid can lead to problems from depression to weight gain, along with many others.
There are millions of people out there who suffer from thyroid problems, many of whom do not even realize that this is happening. If they receive thyroid treatment, many of the health issues that they have been experiencing could be addressed at once.
If you are worried that your thyroid may be malfunctioning, consider whether or not you are showing any of the following signs or symptoms:
1. Poor Skin/Hair Health
Thyroid disorders can cause the hair to become brittle and the skin to become dry and flaky. It is not unusual for people suffering from these problems to experience considerable hair loss.
2. High or Low Cholesterol
Your diet choices may not be the only reason that your cholesterol levels are abnormally high. High cholesterol has been linked to hypothyroidism. Conversely, if you are suffering from undiagnosed hyperthyroidism, your cholesterol levels may be lower than where they rightfully should be.
3. Depression and Anxiety
An overactive or underactive thyroid gland may not only affect your health, but also your mood. If you are suffering from depression, and you are not showing improvement with medications, this is a sign that you may have undiagnosed hypothyroidism. Hyperthyroidism is associated more frequently with anxiety issues, including panic disorders.
4. Lack of Energy or Inability to Sleep
The performance of your thyroid gland can also affect your energy levels. Hypothyroidism can cause you to feel run down and fatigued, even if you were able to get plenty of sleep the night before. Hyperthyroidism can also cause you to have less energy through insomnia, keeping you from getting a good night’s rest.
5. Aches and Pains
Your thyroid gland can also affect the health and performance of your muscles and joints. If you are feeling aches and pains in these areas, or suffer from carpal tunnel or tarsal tunnel, a thyroid problem could be to blame.
6. Changes in Weight
One of the most well known problems associated with thyroid disorders is change in weight. Some people go to a lot of trouble to diet and exercise, even joining programs to get extra support, but do not see any results. They might even continue to gain weight. This could be because of hypothyroidism.
With hyperthyroidism, you might not change your routine at all, or perhaps you even start eating even more than usual, but you keep losing unexpected amounts of weight. While this might sound like an okay problem to have, it can lead to serious, adverse health effects.
Showing Multiple Signs of Thyroid Problems
Most people who suffer from a thyroid disorder, like hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, do not simply suffer from just one of the issues listed above. They tend to show multiple signs, even through some may be more evident than others.
If you are experiencing one or more of the signs that are described above, there is a chance that your thyroid gland is not functioning as it should. Fortunately, you can find out for sure if you have a thyroid problem by seeing a specialist and having simple, non-invasive tests performed.
By receiving treatment for your thyroid problem, you can see your health improve in ways that might surprise you, and you can prevent serious health problems from developing.
If you have concerns regarding a potential problem with your thyroid gland make an appointment to see a thyroid specialist.
