Could You Have Thyroid Gland Problems
And Not Know It?
Millions of people across the globe are walking around with thyroid gland problems
and they don’t even know it!
Some are senior citizens who blame
symptoms on aging. Others realize they don’t feel “right”, but keep moving through their life simply because they have jobs that need to be done and families to take care of everyday.
Many of us have been told by our doctors that nothing is wrong and we are just tired, depressed or stressed out when in fact the little butterfly shaped gland in our neck is wreaking havoc with our entire body.
When your thyroid gland does not function properly, all
aspects of your health and body systems can be affected.
Some Of The Common Symptoms Are:
Unexplained Weight Changes
Many women with hyperthyroidism lose weight without even trying.
Those with Hypothyroidism seem to gain weight if they look at food. If
your weight is fluctuating out of control, consider getting a thyroid
blood test.
Fatigue/Feeling Jittery
Women who have developed Hyperthyroidism usually feel hyper or
jittery. Seeing double or if one of both of your eyes seem to be bulging it could signal Grave’s Disease.
Feeling exhausted all day and waking up tired sounds like fatigue, which is one of the most common symptoms of Hypothyroidism.
Skin Changes
Dry skin that flakes off and resists your moisturizing efforts is
consistent with Hypothyroidism. Skin that is frequently warm and sweaty
is associated with Hyperthyroidism.
In the event of Grave’s Disease, edema of the lower legs is common and skin may feel thicker or get darker.
Hair Changes
Hyperthyroidism and Hypothyroidism can change the texture of your
hair, cause thinning hair or even hair loss. With proper treatment, this
symptom can be reversed.
Temperature Changes
Sometimes menopause isn’t the culprit behind hot flashes. Overactive
thyroid glands can cause heat intolerance. On the other hand, an
under active thyroid can cause you to feel colder than usual.This can show up as cold hands and feet.
Anxiety and Depression
Crying jags, feeling blue and trouble sleeping is often catalogued
under stress rather than thyroid symptoms. Anxiety, panic attacks and
depression that aren’t responding to medication could be a indicator of thyroid gland problems.
Brain Fog
If you feel like a cloud has descended over your brain so that you
forget things, misplace things and lack clarity in general, it could be thyroid gland problems. With an overactive thyroid, your thoughts might race; with underactive thyroid your thought process could be listless.
Brain fog is also a common symptom of Fibromyalgia, one of the conditions that thyroid gland problems can mimic.
Aching Joints and Muscle Pain
Unusual achy joints and muscular pain can point to an underactive
thyroid. Muscle weakness in the arms and legs could point to an
overactive thyroid gland. Some people demonstrate with carpal tunnel
syndrome in their hands or tarsal tunnel in their legs.
Joint diseases can also cause these types of pain.
Self-Testing for Thyroid Gland Problems
If you have several of the above symptoms, you can self-test your
temperature at home. Take your temperature every morning, before getting
out of bed, for three weeks. Keep an ongoing temperature chart.
At the end of three weeks, compute your average awakening
temperature. If your awakening temperature is below normal 97.8-98.2,
you may have low thyroid functioning. If your average waking temperature
is above normal, you may have Hyperthyroidism.
If your temperature test shows potential thyroid problems, call your doctor for a consultation.
It’s scary to find out that you have thyroid gland problems, but not knowing can negatively impact your health so be your own advocate and insist on being tested for thyroid problems.