Common Symptoms of Thyroid Problems
When symptoms of thyroid problems
remain undiagnosed, you may become chronically fatigued, experience
unexplained weight gain/loss and/or suffer ongoing depression. If your thyroid is not functioning normally so many other aspects of your health can be affected.
Let’s take a look at some of the many symptoms of thyroid disease that many patients and doctors miss.
Fatigue and Unexplained Weight Gain or Loss
These two symptoms are some of the more classic symptoms of thyroid disease. Many us feel tired or run down occasionally however when you feel tired all the time…I’m talking exhausted and you are gaining weight this may be a huge red flag.
Maybe you eat less or more to compensate. Exercise becomes
yesterday’s news, as it’s all you can do to pick one foot up and put in
front of the other. You’re on a downward spiral and don’t know how to
pick yourself up.
If you can’t seem to lose weight, even by cutting calories, this could be a sign of Hypothyroidism. If you’re eating like a small horse, but can’t put on a single pound, this could signal Hyperthyroidism.
If you wake up every day drop-dead tired, you could be experiencing a thyroid problem such as Hypothyroidism or Hashimotos Disease.
Ongoing Depression, Panic Attacks and Anxiety
Feeling anxious most of the time, getting depressed for no obvious
reasons or suddenly experiencing panic attacks could be triggered by
thyroid disease. With Hypothyroidism, it's more common to have
depression that doesn't resolve with antidepressants. Hyperthyroidism
may bring on panic attacks or anxiety due to the excess thyroid hormones coursing through your body,
These in my opinion, are some of the most insidious symptoms. In fact there are too many stories written regarding undiagnosed thyroid patients that are put on antidepressants, given lithium and even admitted into medical institutions when in fact they really have a thyroid disorder that has been undiagnosed and untreated.
Changes in Skin/Hair
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Are you shedding hair all over the house? Clumps of hair on your brush or hair that keeps falling out are common symptoms of thyroid problems. At one point I was losing a ton of hair in the shower everyday. But I thought it was stress not my undiagnosed thyroid disease. Undiagnosed Hypothyroidism can show up as dry, brittle hair and coarse, even scaly skin. Hyperthyroidism can also cause excessive hair loss. Skin can start getting thinner as well and lose it's elasticity. |
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Goiter or Lump in the Neck
A goiter or neck lump is often the first significant trigger of thyroid disease symptoms. You may feel an uncomfortable feeling when you are wearing turtlenecks or scarves around your neck. Your neck may feel swollen or tight.
In fact many lumps are found first by general practitioners during a routine physical. It's always a good idea to do your own self neck check and see if you can feel any lumps or bumps that seem out of the ordinary. If you do don't ignore this. Get in to see a doctor ASAP!
Muscular/Joint Pains
Muscular and/or joint pains, carpal/tarsal tunnel syndrome and/or weakness in arms can point to thyroid problems. By itself, this is not an indicator of thyroid dysfunction however it can be common symptom.
Let's look at specifics
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism, or underactive thyroid, can result following thyroidectomy (surgical removal of thyroid), from a birth defect or when the thyroid gland is unable to produce the correct amounts of thyroid hormone.
Hashimoto's Disease, an autoimmune disease, frequently leads to Hypothyroidism. Certain antibodies attack the thyroid and terminate the thyroid's capability of hormone production by attacking the tissues of the gland.
With Hypothyroidism comes a sluggish metabolism, which can lead to thyroid disease symptoms including unexplained weight gain, depression and fatigue.
Hyperthyroidism
The overactive thyroid gland produces excess hormones with hyperthyroidism. Grave's Disease, an autoimmune disease is a common precursor to Hyperthyroidism.
All of the symptoms above point to pieces of the puzzle of your health. They are all symptoms of thyroid disease and you may have all of them or just a few. In any event if the list above sounds all to familiar grap a pen and start making a list to take to your doctor. Our body is constantly sending clues to us that something is off..... We just need to be able to start listening.