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Your thyroid.
Its a small (but mighty!)
When its working regularly, you dont think much about this tiny gland.
But over time, they can take a toll on your health and your quality of life.
So what signs should you be watching for?
Heres a look at some of the most common early signs of thyroid issues.
board-certified physician and founder ofAMMD
Plus, how you could manage them.
When that happens, you’ve got the option to end up with a thyroid disorder.
Weight changes
Unexplained weight gain or trouble losing weight can be a warning sign of hypothyroidism or Hashimotos disease.
On the other hand, unexplained weightlossor trouble keeping weight on could signal hyperthyroidism or Graves disease.
With hyperthyroidism or Graves disease, you might feel unusually sensitive to warm temperatures or get facial flushing.
Your nails might appear brittle or cracked, too.
Brain fog and mood changes
An underactive thyroid can make it harder to remember things or think clearly.
You might feel inexplicably sad or depressed, too.
And if your thyroid is overactive, you might feel anxious, nervous, or irritable.
board-certified physician and founder ofAMMD
Trembling
Hyperthyroidism or Graves disease can make your hands shaky or jittery.
You might have some muscle weakness, too.
Eye issues are also a common symptom of Graves disease.
GI issues
Yourthyroid and gut healthare closely connected, which means fluctuating thyroid hormones can mess with your stomach.
If your thyroid is underactive, you might feel constipated or bloated.
If its overactive, you might get bouts of diarrhea.
People with an underactive thyroid might notice their heart rate is slower than normal.
Its Amazing How Its All Connected.
KEEP IN MIND
Not everyone who gets these symptoms necessarily has a thyroid issue.
One or two of the above symptoms on their own may be triggered by a different health condition.
If you have a thyroid issue, youll likely have many of these symptoms happening at the same time.
When in doubt, see your doctor.
Are thyroid symptoms different between men and women?
Women are five to eight times more likely to develop thyroid disease, Dr. Myers says.
So ifwomen do get thyroid problems, they may have more (and morespecific) symptoms than men.
Menstrual cycle problems are at the top of that list.
In some cases, your periods might stop altogether until your thyroid problem is treated.
Untreated thyroid conditions can also cause menopause-like symptoms.
Alongside period changes, you could havehot flashesor adecreased sex drive, Dr. Myers notes.
There can be challenges related to pregnancy, too.
Whether you need medication will depend on thetypeof thyroid problem you have and how severe it is.
Surgery
In severe cases of hyperthyroidism, your doctor might recommend removing your thyroid gland.
This means, if youre having symptoms that you think are thyroid-related, let your doctor know.
A simple blood test can determine your thyroid function, and help your doctor properly diagnose you.
FAQ
Whats the main cause of thyroid problems?
At what age do thyroid problems start?
How can I boost my thyroid naturally?
Lifestyle changes like a well-balanced diet, regular exercise, and adequate sleep may help support healthy thyroid levels.
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