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Thyroid health is crucial for your overall well-being. Your thyroid, a small organ in your neck, secretes hormones that influence several bodily processes.
These hormones regulate everything from energy levels to heart rate. Even so, at times, this organ can get out of whack. Surprisingly, in the US, thyroid issues are quite common. According to the University of Kentucky, about 20 million Americans have some type of thyroid issue.
Moreover, close to 50% of Americans possess thyroid nodes, yet only 5% of these tumors are cancerous. You can easily test your thyroid using an ultrasound followed by a biopsy. Identifying these discomforts early can mean timely treatment.
So, what warnings should you watch out for? Let’s dive in and look at the seven key warning signs that indicate it’s time to get your thyroid checked.
1. Unexplained Weight Changes
Your thyroid regulates your metabolism. This influences how your body uses energy. If you notice sudden weight gain or weight loss despite your routine, your thyroid might be to blame.
Hypothyroidism, an underactive thyroid, can slow your metabolism, leading to weight gain. Conversely, hyperthyroidism, an overactive thyroid, accelerates metabolism, causing weight loss. Pay attention to these changes and consult your doctor if they persist.
While weight fluctuations alone don’t diagnose a thyroid issue, they warrant further investigation, especially when combined with other symptoms.
2. Persistent Fatigue
Feeling tired after a long day is normal. However, if you’re experiencing constant fatigue despite getting enough sleep, it could be a thyroid issue. Extreme fatigue is a hallmark of hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. Thyroid hormones serve a key purpose in energy synthesis.
Low levels can make you feel drained and sluggish, while high levels can cause restlessness. You also might find it difficult to concentrate, feel weak, or get through your usual activities. If this is the case and a good night’s sleep doesn’t help, your thyroid could be the culprit. However, it’s important to understand that fatigue doesn’t always mean thyroid dysfunction.
In rare cases, it can be a side effect of Thyroid disorder treatment. For instance, certain medications like Tepezza have been associated with adverse effects. This medication is used to treat Graves’ disease, a type of hyperthyroidism. Unfortunately, severe side effects like mood swings, dry skin, and hearing loss have led to legal action like the Tepezza hearing loss lawsuit.
According to TorHoerman Law, the lawsuits allege Tepezza’s manufacturer, Horizon Therapeutics, knew of the risks and failed to warn the patients. If you have been given Tepezza and have suffered hearing loss, you may be able to sue.
3. Mood Swings and Mental Health Issues
Thyroid hormones significantly impact your brain’s chemistry. These chemicals play a key role in brain functioning and development and mood regulation.
An underactive thyroid can bring about depression, bad mood, and difficulty concentrating. Whereas, an overactive thyroid can cause anxiety, irritability, and even mood swings. These signs are often misidentified as other mental health issues. All this can take a toll on your relationships and overall well-being.
4. Hair and Skin Changes
Thyroid hormones affect hair growth and skin health. Hypothyroidism can cause hair to become dry and brittle, and you might notice more hair falling out than usual.
Moreover, it can also cause skin dryness, making your skin rough and pale. Hyperthyroidism, on the other hand, can make your nails soft and cause skin and hair thinning. These changes might be subtle, so it’s easy to dismiss them as normal aging.
Yet, they could indicate a thyroid problem, so pay attention to any gradual shifts in your hair and skin texture.
5. Temperature Sensitivity
Your thyroid regulates your body temperature. If you have a low-functioning thyroid, you may always feel cold, even in warm weather. This could be a sign of hypothyroidism.
Conversely, an overactive thyroid can make you feel hot and sweaty, even in cooler temperatures. This might be hyperthyroidism. These temperature sensitivities can disturb your daily life and affect your comfort. If you’re constantly adjusting the thermostat or layering up, it might be worth checking your thyroid.
6. Neck Swelling or Discomfort
A goiter, or enlarged thyroid gland, is a common symptom of thyroid disorders. They appear in around 5% of the American population. People over 40 are particularly vulnerable.
The most prominent diagnosis of goiters is iodine deficiency. It impacts over 2 billion people worldwide. You might notice swelling in your neck or experience discomfort, difficulty swallowing, or even trouble breathing. This is often a visible sign that something’s amiss with your thyroid.
7. Heartbeat Fluctuations
Thyroid hormones influence your heart’s function. An underactive thyroid can slow your heart rate, while an overactive thyroid can increase it, causing palpitations or a rapid heartbeat.
Hypothyroidism can lower the heart rate by 10 to 20 beats per minute. These changes can make you feel dizzy, lightheaded, or short of breath. If you feel any irregularities in your heartbeat, seek immediate medical help. Untreated thyroid issues can cause fatal heart and anxiety issues.
Synthroid (levothyroxine) is often prescribed to treat hypothyroid patients. However, the Yale School of Medicine believes that about 90% of these prescriptions might be unnecessary. Moreover, over 20 million Americans take levothyroxine, making it among the most sought-after medications in the country.
People Also Ask
Q1. Can Thyroid Issues Be Treated?
Yes, most thyroid disorders can be treated. Treatment options include drug therapies, radioactive iodine therapy, surgery, or lifestyle adjustments per the underlying condition. With timely and targeted medical care, most people with thyroid conditions can live regular, healthy lives.
Q2. How Often Should I Test My Thyroid?
There’s no definitive answer. The frequency of thyroid screenings depends on individual risk factors and medical history. However, if you’re experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned in this article, don’t wait for your next routine checkup. Schedule an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible to discuss your concerns.
Q3. What Are Some Common Tests for Diagnosing Thyroid Issues?
Common tests for diagnosing thyroid issues include blood tests and imaging tests. Blood tests measure thyroid hormone levels like TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone), T3 (triiodothyronine), T4 (thyroxine), Free T4, Free T3, and thyroid antibodies. Likewise, imaging tests help detect structural abnormalities. These tests help pinpoint the type and severity of thyroid disorders.
In conclusion
The thyroid plays a vital role in your health. Recognizing your body’s red flags can help you seek timely medical advice.
If you’re facing any or all of these symptoms, don’t ignore them. Book a consultation with your physician to discuss your concerns and check your thyroid health. Early detection and treatment of thyroid disorders are key to maintaining a healthy thyroid. Remember, your body is constantly signaling you. All you need to do is be attentive and react accordingly.
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