From trouble sleeping to weight gain, an imbalanced thyroid can significantly impact your overall health.
Think you may have a thyroid imbalance?
In this blog post, we’re going to discuss the early warning signs of thyroid problems that you should look out for as well as the next steps for minimizing your symptoms.
As always, seek professional medical help from a trusted healthcare provider if you’re experiencing any of these symptoms.
Ready? Let’s get started!
What Is the Thyroid?
The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located on the front of the neck and is responsible for the release of hormones in men and women.
What is its function in the body?
The thyroid primarily controls your metabolism, or in other words, it determines how your body converts the food you eat into energy.
A slow metabolism means your body doesn’t convert food into energy fast enough, potentially resulting in weight gain and low energy levels. On the other hand, a fast metabolism converts energy too quickly and can result in unhealthy weight loss.
However, an imbalanced thyroid can go beyond the metabolism, resulting in a when thyroid a whole-body effect. Other than your metabolism, here’s what else your thyroid impacts:
- Heart rate
- Breathing
- Weight
- Water retention
- Digestion
- Mood
Who Is Affected by Thyroid Issues?
Men and women of all ages can be affected by thyroid issues.
However, research shows that women are more susceptible to thyroid conditions. Some are acquired through lifestyle, while others depend on genetic factors.
For women, thyroid issues typically arise later in life during perimenopause and menopause, when hormone changes and imbalances typically begin. But this doesn’t mean that men and women of all ages can experience thyroid problems.
No matter your age, it’s still important that you get your thyroid checked by your doctor, especially if you have a family history of thyroid issues.
Now, let’s take a look at the different types of thyroid-related disorders.
Types of Thyroid Dysfunctions, Diseases, and Problems
The term “thyroid disease” is a general umbrella phrase used to describe any thyroid-related problem.
However, the two main types of thyroid disease are hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, both of which are typically treated with medication and/or lifestyle changes.
Let’s take a closer look at the characteristics of each:
Hypothyroidism (underactive)
Hypothyroidism occurs when your thyroid is underactive and doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormones. This can cause:
- Weight gain
- Dry or flaky skin
- Puffy face
- Sensitivity to cold
- Hair loss
- Slow heart rate
- Change in mood
- Issues sleeping
- Heavy or irregular periods
- & more
Hyperthyroidism (overactive)
Hyperthyroidism occurs when your thyroid is overactive, producing too much thyroid hormones. This can lead to:
- Weight loss
- Increased anxiety & nervousness
- Increased and/or irregular heart rate
- Sensitivity to heat
- Change in mood
- Bulging eyes
- Muscle weakness
- Issues sleeping
- Heavy or irregular periods
- & More
At this point you may be wondering, “But what causes an underactive or overactive thyroid?”
The answer can vary for each individual.
First, let’s start with potential causes of hyperthyroidism:
- Graves’ Disease: An autoimmune disorder that causes the thyroid to produce too many hormones and is the most common cause of an overactive thyroid.
- Thyroid nodules: Noncancerous growths found on the thyroid that can affect thyroid hormone production.
- Iodine intake: Excessive iodine consumption can lead to hyperthyroidism.
The following conditions can cause hypothyroidism:
- Hashimoto’s thyroiditis: Hashimoto’s is an autoimmune disease and the leading cause of hypothyroidism.
- Iodine intake: Iodine deficiencies can lead to hypothyroidism.
- Thyroid nodules: Noncancerous growths found on the thyroid that can affect thyroid hormone production.
Additionally, here are other conditions that may cause both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism:
- Pregnancy
- Medications
- Surgery
- Radiation treatment
- Congenital (birth) defects
It’s important to note that genetics can play a role in thyroid disease. Autoimmune diseases such as Graves’ disease and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis may be caused by different genetic factors.
Additionally, studies suggested that nearly 70% of thyroid hormones and TSH levels are determined by your genetics.
Thyroid Disease vs. Thyroid Cancer
Thyroid cancer occurs when there is an under or overproduction of thyroid hormones.
However, individuals with thyroid cancer have abnormal growths, or nodules, on the thyroid. This can lead to the same symptoms as thyroid disease but also include:
- Hoarseness
- Issues swallowing
- Lump on the neck
- Swollen lymph nodes
Thyroid cancer is commonly treated by removing the entire thyroid, or part of the thyroid. Radioactive iodine therapy, chemotherapy, and hormone therapy are other treatments a doctor may suggest.
What Are the Early Warning Signs of Thyroid Problems?
Think you or a loved one may be exhibiting signs of thyroid disease or cancer?
It’s important to educate yourself on the symptoms of hormone imbalances and be aware of the early warning signs of thyroid problems.
Keep in mind that you don’t need to be experiencing all of the following symptoms to have a thyroid disease.
The best way to determine if you have a thyroid-related issue is to speak with your provider. He or she can run additional bloodwork and tests to determine your thyroid levels or if any other issues are present.
Let’s take a look at some of the most common signs of thyroid issues:
1. Fatigue
You experience excessive tiredness and fatigue throughout the day, even if you get enough sleep at night.
2. Weight change
Fluctuations in weight, especially weight gain, and difficulty keeping weight off (hypothyroidism issue) can be signs of thyroid issues.
3. Gut Issues
Gastrointestinal problems and gut health/bacteria imbalances can be a sign of thyroid issues.
For example, Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) is commonly found in individuals with hypothyroidism.
Other gut issues can include:
- Stomach pain
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Bloating
- Irregular bowel movements
4. Vision Issues
Vision problems can be a tell-tale sign of hormone imbalances. Individuals with Graves’ disease typically experience bulging eyes. Additionally, an over or underactive thyroid can cause:
- Increased sensitivity to light
- Blurred or double vision
- Pain in the eye(s)
- Issues moving your eyes
5. Difficulty sleeping
Difficulties falling asleep or staying asleep can both be a result of thyroid disorders. Sleep is essential for your overall well-being, but can be hard to achieve adequate rest when you’re experiencing a hormone imbalance.
6. Mood swings
Feeling irritable and don’t know why? Your hormones could be at fault. Thyroid-related issues can affect your mood, resulting in mood swings ranging from increased irritability to depression.
7. Sensitivity to temperature changes
A sensitivity to cold or heat can be indicative of a thyroid disease. If you feel like you have to bundle up when everyone else around you is warm or vice versa, then make sure to mention your temperature sensitivity to your provider.
8. Low sex drive & low libido
Thyroid imbalances can also affect your libido, resulting in a lowered sex drive. Always talk with your provider if you’re experiencing changes in your sex drive.
If you’re experiencing any of the above symptoms, it’s important to take action.
Let’s discuss next steps.
When to See a Doctor
Don’t panic–If you’re experiencing one more of the eight symptoms we discussed, it doesn’t necessarily mean you have a thyroid disease.
Always leave professional medical diagnosis up to a trusted healthcare provider.
The next step to determining if you have imbalanced thyroid hormones is to schedule an appointment with your primary care provider and express your concerns.
What to Expect During Your Appointment
Your provider will discuss your symptoms, medical history, family history, and any other information they feel is relevant for a diagnosis. They will also feel your neck to check for an enlarged thyroid or lumps.
Likely, your provider will also run bloodwork to test your TSH and other thyroid hormone levels.
If they determine that a thyroid disease is present they will discuss treatment options customized to your unique situation. From medication to dietary changes, they will work with you to improve your thyroid health and minimize symptoms.
Start Balancing Your Hormones with Synergistiq Wellness
Looking for a trusted healthcare provider?
At Synergistiq Wellness, Dr. Deep Verma MD, helps patients balance their hormones and take back their health with integrative medicine.
Call our Clearwater, FL office today (727) 754-2936 or visit our website to book your first appointment.