The thyroid is a gland that performs very important functions for the body, especially with regard to hormonal balance. Fortunately, the human body gives several signals when the thyroid is not working properly and here you will know what are the main symptoms of altered thyroid.
Knowing how to recognize these signs is important to identify thyroid problems and prevent hormonal imbalances from impairing the functioning of the entire body.
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Know now what are the symptoms that indicate that it is time to make an appointment with an endocrinologist so that thyroid exams can be ordered and you get the appropriate treatment.
Index of this article:
Altered Thyroid
The thyroid can suffer 2 types of changes: it can work less than expected or more than it should.
The condition in which the thyroid gland produces excess hormones is known as hyperthyroidism. The opposite is hypothyroidism, characterized by insufficient production of thyroid hormones.
In addition to the change in the levels of hormones produced or released by the gland, tumors in the thyroid can also appear that cause the enlargement of the gland or the formation of nodules in the thyroid .
All of these possible thyroid changes can cause characteristic symptoms. Next, you will know the main symptoms that something is not going well with your thyroid.
Main Symptoms of Altered Thyroid
1. Fatigue and tiredness
Hypothyroidism can cause symptoms such as extreme tiredness and fatigue. Low levels of thyroid hormones in the bloodstream can cause the muscles to not receive all the necessary stimuli, resulting in fatigue.
Feeling very sleepy and tired even after sleeping through the night is a warning sign that you may have one of your thyroid symptoms.
2. Changes in body weight and appetite
Changes in weight can be a sign of abnormal thyroid function. Low levels of thyroid hormones can result in weight gain. High levels can cause unexplained weight loss.
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Appetite can also change and loss of appetite does not always translate into weight loss and vice versa.
A person who has an increased appetite, for example, may experience weight loss. This usually occurs in cases of hyperthyroidism in which the metabolism becomes more accelerated because of the excess of hormones and ends up making you feel hungry all the time. But still, the person loses weight – or the weight remains – because the accelerated metabolism compensates for the intake of extra calories.
In hypothyroidism, slowing down metabolism can facilitate weight gain, even without eating more than usual.
3. Anxiety, changes in sleep and changes in mood
Thyroid disease directly affects our energy levels in addition to interfering with emotions and mood.
Hypothyroidism, for example, can cause symptoms such as mental sluggishness and depressive symptoms because low hormone levels can interfere with levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter responsible for regulating mood and sleep, for example. Thyroid underactivity can cause excessive sleep.
Hyperthyroidism is related to sleep difficulties, irritability, restlessness, nervousness and anxiety. People with symptoms like these have a hard time relaxing and concentrating on daily activities.
4. Cognitive changes
Cognitive functions can change significantly when the thyroid is not working properly.
Excess hormones, for example, result in difficulty concentrating and a lack of them can cause symptoms such as memory problems and mental confusion.
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5. Cardiac disorders and high cholesterol
Hormonal changes in the thyroid also affect the heart. When hormone production is low, slower heartbeats can occur, while excess hormones generally speed up heartbeats and can cause other changes such as arrhythmia and palpitations.
There are also reports that high levels of LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) that do not respond to treatment with diets, exercise and medication are related to an underactive thyroid. High cholesterol can contribute to heart problems like increased heart size and heart failure.
6. High blood pressure
Blood pressure can also change because of thyroid problems.
Experts say that people who suffer from hypothyroidism are 2 to 3 times more likely to develop hypertension than other people. That’s because a slow heartbeat can interfere with the pumping and flexibility of the blood vessel wall, which can result in increased pressure.
7. Dry skin
Dry, itchy skin and irritation may indicate hypothyroidism. If your skin is naturally dry, there is nothing to worry about. But if, suddenly, the texture and appearance of the skin starts to change, it’s time to turn on the warning signal.
Insufficient production of hormones by the thyroid slows down the metabolism, which can reduce sweating, which reduces humidity and leaves the skin dry and scaly. Nails can also become brittle.
8. Intestinal changes
Some people with hypothyroidism can suffer from constipation due to slow metabolism that slows down digestive processes.
People with excessive production of thyroid hormones may experience the opposite effect and experience more frequent bowel movements or diarrhea.
9. Changes in the menstrual cycle
Women may experience changes in menstrual periods. Hypothyroidism can cause symptoms such as increased flow and severe menstrual cramps. When bleeding is very heavy, women can also have anemia.
High levels of thyroid hormones have the opposite effect: shorter menstrual cycles, with low intensity flows or irregular periods.
10. Muscle pain or tingling in the extremities of the body
Feeling muscle pain without exercising is not normal. Symptoms such as pain or tingling or numbness in your arms, hands, legs or feet can indicate hypothyroidism.
Low thyroid hormone production is one of the thyroid symptoms that can damage nerves in the long run, which explains the strange sensations at the ends of the body.
11. Feeling of cold or extreme heat
Thyroid hormones regulate our body temperature. Thus, low or high levels of these hormones can alter feelings of cold and heat.
Those who suffer from hypothyroidism report a sensation of cold beyond the normal that has to do with less energy being burned by the cells and less heat being generated for the organism. Those with hyperthyroidism may have an aversion to heat and excessive sweating because the cells are producing too much energy.
12. Swelling in the neck
The swelling in the neck , also called goiter is observed when the thyroid increases in size. This can be the result of a cyst, a lump or a tumor in the gland.
In addition to the swelling, your voice may be hoarse or you may feel a lump in your throat at times.
13. Weak and brittle hair
Hair loss is a common symptom in people who have thyroid problems. Both high and low levels of thyroid hormones can lead to hair loss or loss.
When few thyroid hormones are being produced, the hair growth cycle can be interrupted, causing hair to become weak and start to fall, even on other parts of the body besides the head. In hyperthyroidism, hair loss is concentrated on the scalp.
Fortunately, the problem is temporary and the hair grows back and becomes strong as soon as the thyroid is treated.
14. Fertility problems
Thyroid problems can make it difficult to get pregnant. Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can interfere with a woman’s ovulation, impairing fertility.
Once the problem is detected and treated, the hormonal balance is restored and it is possible to get pregnant more easily.
How to diagnose thyroid changes?
It is important to see a doctor not only when you notice one or more of the above symptoms, but also as a preventive health measure.
Testing the thyroid annually is very simple and is extremely important for people with a family history of thyroid problems or medical history of autoimmune diseases.
Just ask your doctor to include the request for an assessment of thyroid hormone levels such as THS, T3 and T4 in your blood test.
Changes in blood levels of these hormones can help diagnose a thyroid problem early, which facilitates treatment and prevents the development of health complications. Early diagnosis and treatment can even prevent symptoms from appearing, causing much less discomfort to the patient.
