Health and Lifestyle

Subtle Signs of a Thyroid Problem

Dr. Veena Madhankumar

Jun 11, 2021 — 3 min read

Thyroid disease is a chronic illness that prevents your thyroid gland from making the right amount of hormones. It nearly affects 200 million people worldwide, and it is more prevalent in women than in men. Based on the reports from the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, about half remain undiagnosed. How to know if you have a thyroid problem? Thyroid problems can be traced with certain signs. Here is a brief about some subtle signs of a thyroid problem.

gif1

1) Irregular Menstruation

Your thyroid helps to maintain your menstrual cycle. Hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism (overactive or underactive thyroid gland) can cause changes in your menstrual cycle. Women with thyroid problems may have lighter, heavier, or missed periods and may also have trouble getting pregnant.

2) Sudden Weight Loss or Gain

An unexplained and sudden change in weight can be one of the first indicators of any thyroid problem. If suddenly you have gained weight, your thyroid is not working properly, and in case if you have suddenly lost weight, your thyroid may be overactive.

3) Thinning Hair

Hair fall is one indicator that thyroid hormones may be out of balance. An underactive or overactive thyroid can cause thinning of hair and may result in hair fall. Mostly you can notice the thinning of hair in the eyebrows and crown area. However, in several cases, hair can grow back once the thyroid problem gets treated.

4) Mood Changes

Thyroid problems can have a considerable impact on your energy level and cause changes in your mood. An underactive thyroid can make you feel tired, sluggish, and depressed. In the case of overactive thyroid, you may feel anxious, and you may have problems sleeping, restlessness, and irritability. Imbalance in the thyroid hormone can also cause mood swings.

5) Problems with Sleep

When you start to experience problems with sleep, your thyroid could be to blame. Despite causing fatigue during the daytime by slowing down the metabolism, it can also cause some sleep disorders. Some people with an underactive thyroid can experience insomnia (lack of sleep). In the case of overactive thyroid, it can overstimulate your system and can keep you awake the whole night.

6) Irregular Heart Rate

Insufficient thyroid hormones can slow down your heart rate and can raise your blood pressure. The opposite happens in the case of hyperthyroidism. It can cause palpitations and sudden awareness of your heartbeat. People with hyperthyroidism can also have high blood pressure.

The earlier you address the problem and get it treated, the more likely you are to prevent any irreversible damage. When the problems are left without treatment, it can lead to other health problems. So if you have any of the symptoms, consult a doctor online and get your thyroid levels checked.

gif2

Also Read

Long COVID: When Recovery Feels Out of Reach

Ah, it still feels like one of the worst nightmares. For a few of us, surviving COVID-19 felt like a relief. But for so many of them, the journey still continues. Long COVID is that unwelcomed guest to the party – draining our energy, making us easily fatigued, bringing in clouds

Coping with Winter Depression

A bright sunny day stimulates our internal clock, uplifts our mood, and makes us feel active and energetic to start the day. On the other hand, long, dark winter days with less sunlight can cause restlessness, lethargy, or disinterest in work, which we usually enjoy. This may even lead to

Processed Foods: What Is Really Happening to Your Health?

Processed foods range from minimally processed, like washed and cut fruits and vegetables, to highly processed, such as ready-to-eat meals and snack foods. 1. What Are Processed Foods? * When we think of "processed foods," instant noodles, frozen pizzas, and sugary cereals might come to mind, but processing actually

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy: Speed Up Your Recovery!

1. What Is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy? Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a diverse approach that involves inhaling 100% pure and fresh oxygen in a pressurized room or chamber. The chamber creates a high-pressure environment that allows your respiratory system to take in oxygen more efficiently than it would at normal air