The thyroid is a small gland located in the neck, and it plays an important role in regulating your body’s metabolism. However, when it is not functioning properly, it can cause a range of symptoms that can be difficult to diagnose.
Here are 30 indications that your thyroid may not be functioning correctly.
1. Weight Gain or Weight Loss
A change in weight, whether gaining or losing, can be an indication of an underactive or overactive thyroid. The thyroid gland regulates metabolism, and when it is not functioning correctly, it can cause weight issues.
2. Fatigue
If you are consistently feeling tired or fatigued, it could be an indication of an underactive thyroid. When the thyroid hormone levels are too low, it can cause fatigue.
3. Hair Loss
The thyroid gland plays an essential role in hair growth. An underactive or overactive thyroid can lead to hair loss or thinning hair.
4. Dry Skin and Hair
An underactive thyroid can cause dry skin and hair. The thyroid hormone regulates the body’s metabolism, and when it is not functioning correctly, it can lead to dryness.
5. Irregular Menstrual Cycles
The thyroid gland plays a critical role in the menstrual cycle. When the thyroid is not functioning correctly, it can lead to irregular cycles, heavy or light bleeding, or even infertility.
6. Difficulty Sleeping
If you are having trouble sleeping, it can be an indication of an overactive thyroid. The thyroid hormones help regulate the body’s metabolism, and when they are too high, it can cause insomnia.
7. Mood Swings
An imbalance in thyroid hormones can lead to mood swings, anxiety, and depression.
8. Weakness or Tremors in Muscles
An overactive thyroid can cause muscle weakness or even tremors. It is because the thyroid hormone plays an important role in the proper functioning of muscles.
9. Constipation
An underactive thyroid can cause constipation. The thyroid hormone regulates digestion, and when it is low, it can slow down the digestive system.
10. Cold Intolerance
When the thyroid hormone levels are low, the body’s temperature regulation can be affected, making the person more sensitive to cold temperatures.
11. Heat Intolerance
On the other hand, an overactive thyroid can cause a person to be more sensitive to heat.
12. Heart Palpitations
An overactive thyroid can cause an increased heart rate or abnormal heart rhythms, leading to palpitations.
13. High Blood Pressure
An overactive thyroid can cause high blood pressure due to an increased heart rate and constriction of blood vessels.
14. Low Blood Pressure
Low thyroid hormone levels can cause the heart rate to slow down, leading to low blood pressure.
15. High Cholesterol
An underactive thyroid can cause high cholesterol levels and increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.
16. Weakened Immune System
The thyroid gland plays a crucial role in the functioning of the immune system. An underactive thyroid can weaken the immune system, making the person more susceptible to infections.
17. Infertility
Thyroid hormone imbalances can affect the menstrual cycle and cause infertility.
18. Muscle and Joint Pain
An underactive thyroid can cause muscle and joint pain and stiffness. It is because thyroid hormones play an important role in the proper functioning of muscles and joints.
19. Tingling or Numbness in Hands and Feet
An underactive thyroid can cause nerve damage, leading to tingling or numbness in the hands and feet.
20. Swollen Neck or Thyroid Gland
A swollen neck or thyroid gland can indicate an enlarged thyroid gland caused by an underactive or overactive thyroid.
21. Hoarseness
An enlarged thyroid gland can put pressure on the vocal cords, leading to hoarseness.
22. Memory Problems
Low thyroid hormone levels can affect the brain’s proper functioning, leading to memory problems and difficulty concentrating.
23. Dry Eyes
An underactive thyroid can cause dry eyes due to a decrease in tear production.
24. Brittle Nails
An underactive thyroid can cause brittle nails that easily break or split.
25. Slow Healing Wounds
Low thyroid hormone levels can slow down the body’s healing process, making wounds take longer to heal.
26. Changes in Appetite
An overactive thyroid can cause an increased appetite, while an underactive thyroid can decrease the appetite.
27. Brain Fog
Low thyroid hormone levels can affect the proper functioning of the brain, leading to brain fog or difficulty focusing.
28. Dry Mouth
An underactive thyroid can cause dry mouth due to a decrease in saliva production.
29. Poor Concentration
An overactive thyroid can cause poor concentration and difficulty focusing.
30. Hyperthyroidism or Hypothyroidism Diagnosis
A diagnosis of hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism is a clear indication that the thyroid gland is not functioning correctly.