Signs and Symptoms of A Thyroid Disorder
The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland at the base of your throat that hugs the esophagus. This little gland is responsible for many critical functions in the body. When it malfunctions, it can cause big problems. Thyroid disorders are at an all-time high with an estimated 10% of the American population living with an un-diagnosed thyroid disorder. Undiagnosed and un- or undertreated thyroid disorders can have serious health implications in the short and long term, so it is important to recognize the signs and symptoms of thyroid disorder.
What is a Thyroid Disorder?
The two most common thyroid disorders are hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. Hyperthyroidism is the result of an over-active thyroid gland that is producing too much of the thyroid hormones needed. Hypothyroidism is the result of an under-active thyroid gland that does not produce enough thyroid hormones for the body to function optimally.
Signs & Symptoms of a Thyroid Disorder
1. Difficulty Maintaining a Healthy Weight
The thyroid plays a significant role in regulating our metabolism. Both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism can cause problems with maintaining a healthy weight. Hyperthyroidism often results in a voracious appetite with excessive weight loss or difficulty keeping enough weight on. Conversely, hypothyroidism often results in unwanted weight gain and difficulty losing stubborn excess weight.
2. Digestive Disturbances
Thyroid hormones affect nearly every aspect of our digestion. When the thyroid is not functioning properly, this can manifest as digestive disturbances. A sign of hyperthyroidism is unusually loose or frequent bowel movements for no other clear reason. Constipation is a frequent complication of hypothyroidism,especially if other measures like increasing water or fiber intake do not appear to help.
3. Temperature Sensitivity
Another function of our metabolism, new or unusual changes in temperature sensitivity can indicate a thyroid disorder. Hyperthyroidism frequently causes excessive sweating, which goes along with increased heat intolerance often experienced by those with this type of thyroid disorder.Those suffering from hypothyroidism often experience cold hands and feet along with an excessive cold intolerance.
4. Mood Disturbances and Impaired Mental Function
Our thyroid gland also has a significant effect on our mood and mental functions. Anxiety or depression are a very common symptoms of thyroid dysfunction. Hyperthyroidism can additionally cause irritability, nervousness, and poor concentration. Hypothyroidism canal so be responsible for excessive brain fog, memory problems, and decreased libido.
5. Changes in Hair and Skin
While we expect changes to our hair and skin as we age, they could also be the result of a thyroid disorder. Hyperthyroidism often results in thinning skin and exceptionally brittle hair that breaks easily. Hypothyroidism can cause exceptionally dry skin and excessive hair loss resulting in thinning hair and possibly balding. Low thyroid function can also result in brittle and easily-broken fingernails.
What to Do if You Think You Have a Thyroid Disorder
If you suspect you have a thyroid disorder, talk to your doctor as soon as possible. Your doctor will be able to order lab tests to evaluate the function of your thyroid. Some tests to consider are TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone), free and total T3 and T4, reverse T3, and TPO antibody, TSI antibody,and TiG antibody screenings. Your doctor may refer you to an endocrinologist to help you manage your thyroid disorder. You can also consider strategies to help manage your thyroid disorder naturally through taking natural supplements, like Selenex GSH, that can help support healthy thyroid function.
