10 signs signaling a thyroid problem

It’s amazing how much our life revolves on how well our thyroid gland is functioning.  When our thyroid functions normally, we rarely think about it. But when it malfunctions, suddenly unusual symptoms begin occurring disrupting our normal pattern. 

The thyroid is a 2-inch long butterfly shaped gland sitting at the base of your neck below the Adam’s apple and wrapped around the trachea (windpipe).  Its purpose is to release hormones that control metabolism – the way your body uses energy.  The hormones released help regulate vital body functions such as breathing, heart rate, body weight, muscle strength, menstrual cycles, body temperature, cholesterol levels, the rate at which food is converted into energy, and much more. 

Sometimes the thyroid may malfunction by becoming either overactive or underactive.  An overactive thyroid is called hyperthyroidism in which it produces too much hormone.  An underactive thyroid is called hypothyroidism where too little thyroid hormone is produced.  Either condition can have a serious impact on a person’s health and well-being making life more difficult. 

At least 30 million Americans have a thyroid disorder and half – about 15 million – are undiagnosed.  Women are as much as 10 times as likely as men to have a thyroid problem, especially over the age of 35. 

Here are 10 subtle signs possibly signaling thyroid problems which need to be checked out further with your doctor:

1.   Changes in body weight

Our metabolic rate or the rate at which we burn calories is closely regulated by the action of the thyroid.  If you notice sudden rapid weight gain with no changes in appetite, exercise routine or stress this could be symptomatic of hypothyroidism.  However if you experience rapid weight loss for no reason, it could be caused by excess thyroid production or hyperthyroidism. 

2.   Sleep pattern changes

Sleep patterns can be affected with changes in the thyroid.  You could notice either extreme sleepiness all the time or be very alert throughout the day.  If you feel sluggish or lethargic this would point towards hypothyroidism while hyperthyroidism produces excess energy leading to restlessness and anxiety which could keep you awake most of the night. 

3.   Thinning hair

Both hyper- and hypothyroidism can affect hair quality and growth.  Too little thyroid hormone causes hair to go into a “resting mode” leading to thinning of the hair and dry, brittle strands.  The hair loss can also occur on other parts of the body including, underarms, eyebrows, and limbs. Too much thyroid affects mainly just the scalp but hair loss will be more severe and noticeable. Once the thyroid problem is treated, full hair growth is restored.

4.   Low libido

Women with hypothyroidism often will experience a low sex drive. When low levels of thyroid hormone are being produced, metabolism slows down along with the adrenal glands which produce the sex hormones leading to a disinterest in sex.  Once medication is begun, libido does return.

5.   Difficulty concentrating or remembering things

A malfunctioning thyroid can cause altered mental capacity. If too much hormone is produced a person may find it hard to concentrate and be easily distracted.  When too little hormone is produced a person may notice brain fog, slow mental processing, and forgetfulness. 

6.   Goiter

A visible sign of a thyroid problem is a goiter which is a swelling in the neck.  A goiter can occur in either hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism.  Anytime a person notices a swelling in the neck, it must be checked out by a doctor.  This is to rule out the possibility of a cancerous or non-cancerous thyroid nodule. 

7.   Menstrual changes

The menstrual cycle can definitely be affected by thyroid changes.  In hypothyroidism women may have longer than normal bleeding while a woman with hyperthyroidism may have  a reduced flow which does not last as long as before. 

8.   Skin changes

If you notice changes such as drier skin than normal, brittle nails, cold skin or sensitivity to cold, these can be signs of hypothyroidism.  A result of hypothyroidism is a slowed metabolism which can reduce sweating.  Skin without enough can quickly become dry and flaky. 

9.  Feeling sad or depressed

It is not unusual at times to feel sad or depressed but it could also be a sign of hypothyroidism.  The reason is believed to be due to an underactive thyroid having an impact on levels of “feel good” serotonin in the brain.  This can cause your mood to be in the tank more so than usual. 

10.  Trouble getting pregnant

Anytime a couple has tried for at least a year to conceive but with no luck, it could be from having either an under- or over-active thyroid. Difficulty conceiving has been linked to a higher risk of undiagnosed thyroid problems.  The reason is both hypo- and hyperthyroidism can interfere with ovulation impairing fertility. 

Get your thyroid tested

Anyone with at least one or more of the above symptoms and suspects it might be their thyroid, should see their doctor asking for a thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) test, Free T3 and Free T4 tests.  Depending on the results along with a physical exam, a prescription of synthetic hormones can usually effectively treat a thyroid disorder.