Did you know that an estimated 20 million Americans have some form of thyroid disorder? And yet, up to 60% of those with thyroid problems are undiagnosed. The reason for this is that the symptoms of thyroid disorders can be very subtle and easily mistaken for other medical issues.
Here are 10 signs that you might have a thyroid problem:
- Fatigue
One of the most common symptoms of thyroid problems is fatigue. If you’re constantly feeling tired, even after a good night’s sleep, it could be a sign that your thyroid isn’t functioning properly. This is because the thyroid is responsible for regulating your body’s energy levels.
- Weight changes
Unexplained weight gain or weight loss can also be a sign of a thyroid problem. If you’re gaining weight even though you’re eating the same amount of food and not exercising any more than usual, it could be a sign that your thyroid is underactive. On the other hand, if you’re losing weight even though you’re eating the same amount of food and not exercising any less than usual, it could be a sign that your thyroid is overactive.
- Mood changes
Another common symptom of thyroid problems is moodiness. If you’re feeling more anxious, irritable, or depressed than usual, it could be a sign that your thyroid is out of balance. Not all thyroid patients will experience mood changes, but it is a common symptom.
- Sleep problems
The thyroid can also affect your sleep patterns. If you’re having trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, it could be a sign that your thyroid is out of balance. When the thyroid is overactive, patients often experience insomnia. When the thyroid is underactive, patients often experience fatigue and need more sleep than usual.
- Digestive problems
Digestive problems, such as constipation or diarrhea, can also be a sign of a thyroid problem. This is because the thyroid is responsible for regulating your body’s metabolism, which can impact your digestive system. If you’re having persistent digestive problems, it’s important to see your doctor to rule out a thyroid problem.
- Hair changes
Changes in your hair, such as thinning hair or dry hair, can also be a sign of a thyroid problem. Women with thyroid problems often experience thinning hair, while men with thyroid problems often experience balding. If you’re experiencing changes in your hair, it’s important to see your doctor to rule out a thyroid problem.
- Skin changes
Changes in your skin, such as dry skin or yellowing skin, can also be a sign of a thyroid problem. When the thyroid is out of balance, it can impact the health of your skin. This happens because the thyroid is responsible for regulating your body’s metabolism, which can result in changes in your skin.
- Muscle weakness
If you’re feeling weaker or more tired than usual, it could be a sign that your thyroid is out of balance. Muscle weakness is a common symptom of hypothyroidism, which is an underactive thyroid.
- Elevated blood pressure
Having elevated blood pressure can also be a sign of a thyroid problem. Of course, there are many other causes of high blood pressure, so this is not a definitive sign that you have a thyroid problem. However, if you have other symptoms of a thyroid problem and your blood pressure is elevated, it’s worth seeing your doctor to rule out a thyroid disorder.
- Pregnancy problems
If you’re having trouble getting pregnant or you’ve had a miscarriage, it could be a sign that your thyroid is out of balance. This is because the thyroid is responsible for regulating your body’s hormone levels, which can impact fertility. If you’re having trouble conceiving, it’s important to see your doctor to rule out a thyroid problem.
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to see your doctor to rule out a thyroid problem. Thyroid problems can be easily treated with medication, but they need to be diagnosed first. So if you think you might have a thyroid problem, don’t wait to see your doctor. The sooner you get diagnosed, the sooner you can start treatment and feel better.
Do you think you might have a thyroid problem? Have you been diagnosed with a thyroid disorder? Let us know in the comments below.
