Your thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of the neck. Thyroid problems can cause real issues, and symptoms can be insomnia, constipation and hair loss. Some people may also get symptoms such as fluid retention, fatigue and temperature intolerance. Your heart function and menstrual cycle can also be affected.
Coming up in this guide:
- Signs of thyroid issues.
- Do thyroid issues affect your heart?
- When should you need to visit the thyroid specialist?
Signs Of Thyroid Issues
Although thyroid issues may have several signs, we will cover the main signs that need to be noticed:
1. Fatigue
Fatigue is one of the most common signs of thyroid issues. If you are feeling extremely tired even after a good sleep or rest, then notice this thing. This can be a sign of underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism). Your thyroid gland regulates energy levels by controlling metabolism, so if it is not working properly, the body starts feeling tired or working slowly.
People with thyroid issues may feel exhausted constantly. They may feel sleepy throughout the day and struggle to get out of bed. They may find it difficult to perform normal activities.
2. Wight Fluctuation
Unexplained weight gain or loss can signal a thyroid issue. If you are not on a diet or exercise but are still losing weight constantly, or if you are on a diet or exercise but are still consistently gaining weight you need to visit for specialist advice.
Hypothyroidism, when the thyroid is underactive, often makes you gain weight. The reason behind this weight gain is slow metabolism. On the other hand, an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) can lead to lose weight because the metabolism has sped up. It will lead to energy burn faster than normal.
3. Dry Skin
You will get noticeable changes in your skin and hair because of thyroid issues. Hypothyroidism can cause skin to become dry, rough and flaky. You can feel hair thinning or brittle hair and more hair fall. The reason behind this is the thyroid hormone regulates many functions of your body, including skin and hair health.
4. Constipation
Your thyroid plays an important role in regulating metabolism and when it does not produce enough thyroid hormones, various functions of your body slow down, including the digestive system. This slowdown often results in constipation.
Delayed movement of food and waste through the digestive tract is the result of the thyroid issue. People with hypothyroidism often experience constipation that does not even respond to changes in diet or exercise.
Do Thyroid Issues Affect Your Heart?
Yes, thyroid issues like hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can affect your heart. Hyperthyroidism, an overactive thyroid can lead to a fast heartbeat, irregular heartbeat and heart palpitations. The blood volume will also increase and venous return, which can lead to congestive heart failure. On the other hand, hypothyroidism can cause elevated diastolic blood pressure and impaired ventricular relaxation.
Symptoms that thyroid issues are affecting your heart are:
- Nervousness
- Anxiety and irritability
- Sweating
- Increased hunger
- Loss of weight
- Tremor, a small trembling in the hands and fingers
When Should You Need To Visit A Thyroid Specialist?
Some symptoms like fatigue or insomnia are so non-specific that one finds it hard to tell if they are suffering from any issue or not but some symptoms are noticeable. In case, if you have a family history of thyroid issues and notice visible results of thyroid problems then you must consider visiting a thyroid specialist.
Some symptoms that can lead you to make a call to your doctor are:
Postpartum Thyroiditis
This typically occurs in the first 12 months after delivery. The symptoms at the beginning can be hyper and gradually go to extremes. It is very common and in the majority of cases, it gets better on its own. Still, a regular checkup after pregnancy is important to make sure you are safe.
Thyroid Nodules
You must have heard this name more often, right? Because they are also common. Unless they are large, they are usually not visible and are often caught on scans. Medication can help manage thyroid nodules and the doctor will suggest further tests.
Menstrual Irregularities
Take note of your cycles, heavy flow or periods that are too frequent or too far apart and need attention from a specialist.
Arrhythmia
If you find anything unusual about your heartbeat need a second opinion. Your heart rhythm may be indicating a thyroid issue that needs expert attention. Too fast or too slow a heartbeat should not left unnoticed.
Conclusion
Thyroid issues do have noticeable or obvious signs but sometimes getting advice from a thyroid specialist is not bad. Fast or slow heartbeat, constipation, fatigue or irregular menstrual cycles are the common symptoms of thyroid issues.
