Last Updated on March 25, 2024 by Jawad Ali
Thyroid Disorders are often difficult to recognize by themselves. This is because they could be misinterpreted as other health issues like menopausal issues or cognitive impairments. However, there are symptoms of thyroid problems that you need to know about.
7 early warning signs for thyroid issues are:
- Fatigue
- The weight gain
- Weight loss
- Heart rate slowed
- Heart rate increase
- The sensitivity of heat
- Cold Sensitivity
Although these signs could indicate an issue with your thyroid only a physician can determine the diagnosis beyond a shadow doubt. We have a team of board-certified doctors who can help identify your thyroid condition and devise a treatment plan to improve your health.
1. Fatigue
It’s easy to refer to tired as well as tired in the same way, but the fatigue that sufferers experience suffering from hypothyroidism or other thyroid conditions is quite different. Although fatigue can be remedied with a great night’s sleep, that’s not enough to eliminate fatigue caused by thyroid diseases.
It can be difficult to recognize for women in middle age as fatigue is a frequent sign of menopausal symptoms. Yet, millions of women suffer from menopausal-like symptoms that are not resolved regardless of taking estrogen. Based on the AACE American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE) the symptoms could be an indication of undiagnosed thyroid disease.
2. Weight Gain
The thyroid plays an essential part in weight control since it controls your metabolism. Thyroid issues can cause your metabolism to stop functioning as it should and may influence the weight of your body.
One of the most effective ways to determine if you suffer from thyroid problems was to determine the individual’s BMR, also known as the basal metabolic rate. Through this thyroid test, your metabolism is measured by assessing the amount of oxygen your body consumes during a specific amount of time. In this instance, an abnormal BMR score could indicate hypothyroidism.
In the majority of cases who suffer from hypothyroidism, it will cause some weight gain, which can be without notice. In contrast, severe hypothyroidism could result in a greater weight gain and the addition of 5 to 10 pounds. The reason for this weight gain isn’t necessarily caused by gaining weight. It could be due to the retention of salt and water in the body.
3. Weight Loss
Troubles with your thyroid may cause weight loss. In contrast to hypothyroidism, which is the thyroid gland being underperforming, hyperthyroidism is when your thyroid is hyperactive. In such cases, the BMR results will be significantly more than normal.
Like weight loss and weight loss, the amount you lose due to an active thyroid is contingent on how severe your problem is. The thyroid that is extremely active produces more calories than an underperforming or healthy thyroid. The inability to feed your newly increased energy requirements could eventually cause weight loss.
However hyperthyroidism can also increase the appetite, and some people gain weight despite the fact that they have an overactive thyroid. This goes to show how complex the thyroid is and the roles that it has in weight gain and metabolism. Other factors contribute to weight, however, the condition of your thyroid is a vital indicator.
4. Slowed Heart Rate
The condition of your thyroid could affect your cardiovascular health. Hypothyroidism, for instance, results in a deficiency of thyroid hormone, which can lead to a slowing of your heart rate.
This could affect more than your heartbeat. In time, low thyroid hormone levels can cause your blood vessels to become less elastic and lead to hypertension due to it taking longer for the circulation of blood. The higher cholesterol levels could also result from hypothyroidism.
5. Increased Heart Rate
People with hyperthyroidism have an increase in heart rate than one that decreased. If excess thyroid hormone is created and your heartbeats are erratic, you may experience heartbeats that are more rapid or harder and happen at irregular times.
This can lead to:
- Atrial fibrillation is a condition in which irregular heartbeats occur in the heart’s upper chambers.
- Heart palpitations are the moment you suddenly realize that your heartbeat
Similar to hypothyroidism patients, those who suffer from hyperthyroidism may also experience hypertension. There is also the possibility of experiencing chest angina or pains due to an imbalance of blood pressure, and the arteries are blocked or stiff.
6. Sensitivity to Heat
The sensitivity to heat is a typical symptom of having an overactive thyroid. In the same way, as we discussed when you lose weight hyperthyroidism can cause your metabolism to kick into high gear and burn more calories. This isn’t just affecting your weight, but. A high amount of thyroid hormone, also known as Thyroxine may make you more susceptible to temperature.
The feeling of heat sensitivity, also known as intolerant to heat is more than having the appearance of being “hot-natured.” People dealing with a heightened sensitivity to heat can feel hot even when other people feel relaxed or cold. It can lead people suffering from hyperthyroidism to experience unusual sweating, and anxiety because of being hot.
7. Sensitivity to Cold
Hypothyroid sufferers often experience cold feet and hands. It is also common in places in which everyone else is hot. It is because your body isn’t producing enough thyroxine and causing your metabolism to decrease. In the end, hypothyroidism hinders your body’s ability to create energy to keep you warm, which makes you very sensitive to temperatures that are cold.
Thyroid issues are a source of discomfort in a variety of ways, sometimes even in different ways, depending on the kind of disorder you’re suffering from. These include weight, energy levels, and heart rate as well as the way you react to cold and heat. Although these signs could point to thyroid issues it is important to consult with a physician for a thorough diagnosis and the best treatment program.