Early Warning Signs of Thyroid Problems You Shouldn’t Ignore

Early Symptoms of Thyroid Problems

Changes‍‌‍‍‌ in your body can be quite noticeable even when your thyroid hormone imbalance is mild. Knowing how to spot the very first signs of this condition can help you avoid serious complications and receive medical treatment on time.

1. Persistent Fatigue and Weakness

One of the very first signs of thyroid dysfunction is the feeling of being tired even after a good night’s rest.

• In Hypothyroidism: When hormone production is low, metabolism is slowed down, thus the body’s capability of producing energy is reduced. Typically, people feel lethargic, have difficulty concentrating, and are tired throughout the day.
• In Hyperthyroidism: The excessive amount of thyroid hormones can overstimulate the body which then reacts with restlessness and insomnia, thus fatigue occurs as a result of poor rest.

2. Unexplained Weight Changes

Sudden weight changes are most likely to be the first signs of thyroid irregularities.

• In Hypothyroidism: Weight gain is caused by a slow metabolism even if the diet is normal and a person exercises regularly.
• In Hyperthyroidism: A fast metabolism may result in a drastic weight loss even if the person has a high appetite or the food intake remains the same. If your weight changes are not in line with your lifestyle habits, you should have a thyroid function ‍‌‍‍‌test.

3.‍‌‍‍‌ Swelling or Lump in the Neck (Goiter)

Swelling at the base of the neck that is visible or the feeling of tightness can be signs of an enlarged thyroid called goiter.

• In Hypothyroidism: The thyroid size tends to grows in order to produce more hormones.
• In Hyperthyroidism: The gland may get bigger due to being overactive or inflamed by the immune system (for example in Graves’ disease). Besides that, the goiter can cause pain in the area, change the voice, or make it difficult to swallow.

4. Irregular Menstrual Cycles

Thyroid malfunction impairs hormonal balance and thus, menstrual health may be disturbed.

• In Hypothyroidism: Periods may become heavier, last longer, or occur more frequently due to a slowed metabolism affecting the breakdown of estrogen.
• In Hyperthyroidism: Periods may become very light or stop for a few months, the reason being that too many thyroid hormones disrupt the process of ovulation. Any changes in menstrual rhythm that cannot be explained should first be checked for thyroid-related ‍‌‍‍‌causes.

5.‍‌‍‍‌ Hair Thinning or Hair Loss

Thyroid hormones are the main factors that keep this process going for hair growth and hair renewal.

• In Hypothyroidism: A scarce hormone supply weakens the hair follicles, thus causing dryness, brittleness, and thinning of hair – especially hair thinning at the edges of the scalp.
• In Hyperthyroidism: An excessive amount of hormones usually speeds up the shedding of hairs, and sometimes this leads to diffuse hair loss all over the scalp. In case hair loss is accompanied by other symptoms such as tiredness and changes of mood, then most probably it is thyroid dysfunction.”

6. Changes in Skin Texture

Skin is the mirror of a person’s thyroid health.

• Hypothyroid: Lowered thyroid activity leads to a decrease in sebum secretion, which causes dry, rough, and scaly skin
• In Hyperthyroidism: An overproduction of hormones may result in the skin being warm, thin, and excessively sweaty. Persistent skin changes that are not due to the weather or skincare should be a reason for checking the thyroid ‍‌‍‍‌gland.
  
  

7.‍‌‍‍‌ Mood Swings and Emotional Changes

The thyroid gland changes physical health and emotional stability as well.

• In Hypothyroidism: Depressive states, lack of interest, or concentration difficulties may result from the slow brain activity due to less brain energy from the low thyroid hormone.
• In Hyperthyroidism: Excess hormone production leads to the overstimulation and excitation of the nervous system and results in the development of symptoms like anxiety, irritability, and restlessness. If changes in mood continue even though you lead a balanced lifestyle, this hormonal imbalance may be the cause.

8. Sensitivity to Cold or Heat

Thyroid hormones help maintain body temperature.

• In Hypothyroidism: Due to decreased heat production, the patients regularly feel very cold even in a hot environment.
• In Hyperthyroidism: The excessive secretion of the hormones elevates the body temperature, and as a result, the person may become intolerant to heat, may sweat excessively, and may experience discomfort. The severity of temperature hypersensitivity is what makes it a major clinical sign for medical examination of the thyroid.

9. Digestive Disturbances

The digestive system either slows down or becomes faster depending on the thyroid gland function.

• In Hypothyroidism: Due to the slow metabolism, constipation is a very common symptom together with bloating and digestion that feels slow.
• In Hyperthyroidism: The situation when the digestive system is very active may bring about diarrhea, frequent bowel movements, and stomachaches. Besides, some patients with hypothyroidism may also develop bacterial overgrowth in their small intestine (SIBO), which contributes to the occurrence of symptoms like nausea or gas.

10. Muscle and Joint Pain

Muscle strength and nerve function are also controlled by thyroid hormones.

• In Hypothyroidism: Some of the symptoms of thyroid hormone deficiency in hypothyroidism are muscle cramps, stiffness, or aching joints.
• In Hyperthyroidism: Overstimulation of hormone activities may result in muscle weakness, generally in arms and thighs. If it is that the pain continues without there being any injury or physical exertion, it would be a good idea to get your hormones ‍‌‍‍‌tested.