The thyroid gland is a small gland located in the neck that produces hormones that regulate metabolism, growth, and development. When the thyroid gland is not working properly, it can cause a variety of symptoms that can impact your overall health.
Here are 30 signs of thyroid malfunctioning that you should be aware of:.
1. Fatigue and Weakness
When your thyroid gland is underactive and not producing enough hormones, you may feel fatigued and weak. This is because your body is not getting enough energy to function properly.
2. Weight Gain
Thyroid malfunctioning can disrupt your body’s metabolism, leading to weight gain that is difficult to lose even with exercise and diet changes.
3. Cold Intolerance
The thyroid gland plays a role in regulating body temperature. When it’s not functioning properly, you may feel cold all the time, even when it’s warm outside.
4. Dry Skin and Hair
The thyroid gland helps regulate skin and hair health. When it’s not working properly, you may experience dry skin and hair that is brittle and prone to breakage.
5. Constipation
Thyroid hormones help regulate the digestive system. When you have an underactive thyroid, your digestive system may slow down leading to constipation.
6. Muscle Cramps and Aches
When the thyroid gland is not functioning properly, it can lead to muscle cramps, aches, and stiffness.
7. Depression and Mood Swings
Thyroid hormones play a role in regulating mood. When your thyroid gland is not producing enough hormones, you may experience depression and mood swings.
8. Memory and Concentration Problems
Thyroid hormones also help regulate brain function. When your thyroid gland is not producing enough hormones, you may experience memory and concentration problems.
9. Heavy or Irregular Menstrual Periods
Thyroid hormones also play a role in regulating the menstrual cycle. When your thyroid gland is not functioning properly, it can lead to heavy or irregular periods.
10. Hair Loss
Thyroid hormones help regulate hair growth. When your thyroid gland is not functioning properly, you may experience hair loss.
11. High Cholesterol Levels
Thyroid malfunctioning can lead to high cholesterol levels in the blood, which can increase the risk of heart disease.
12. Slow Heart Rate
When your thyroid gland is underactive, it can lead to a slow heart rate, which can cause fatigue and shortness of breath.
13. High Blood Pressure
In some cases, thyroid malfunctioning can also lead to high blood pressure.
14. Joint Pain and Stiffness
Thyroid hormones help regulate joint health. When they’re not functioning properly, you may experience joint pain and stiffness.
15. Tingling or Numbness in Hands and Feet
Thyroid malfunctioning can also lead to nerve problems, which can cause tingling or numbness in the hands and feet.
16. Hoarse Voice
The thyroid gland plays a role in regulating the voice. When it’s not functioning properly, you may experience a hoarse voice.
17. Dry Eyes and Mouth
Thyroid hormones help regulate tear and saliva production. When they’re not functioning properly, you may experience dry eyes and mouth.
18. Swelling in the Neck
In some cases, thyroid malfunctioning can lead to swelling in the neck, known as a goiter.
19. Brittle and Weak Nails
Thyroid hormones help regulate nail health. When they’re not functioning properly, you may experience brittle and weak nails that break easily.
20. Infertility
Thyroid hormones also play a role in fertility. When your thyroid gland is not functioning properly, it can lead to infertility.
21. Difficulty Swallowing
Thyroid malfunctioning can lead to difficulty swallowing or a feeling of something stuck in your throat.
22. Increased Sensitivity to Medications
When your thyroid gland is not functioning properly, it can impact how your body processes medications, leading to increased sensitivity.
23. Insomnia
Thyroid hormones help regulate sleep. When they’re not functioning properly, you may experience insomnia or difficulty staying asleep.
24. Anxiety and Nervousness
Thyroid hormones play a role in regulating the nervous system. When they’re not functioning properly, you may experience anxiety and nervousness.
25. Increased Sweating
Thyroid malfunctioning can also lead to increased sweating and body odor.
26. Rapid Heartbeat
When your thyroid gland is overactive, it can lead to a rapid heartbeat or palpitations.
27. Bulging Eyes
In rare cases, thyroid malfunctioning can lead to bulging eyes or a condition known as Graves’ disease.
28. Heat Intolerance
The thyroid gland helps regulate body temperature. When it’s overactive, you may feel hot and sweat excessively even in cool or normal temperatures.
29. Irritability
Thyroid hormones play a role in regulating mood. When they’re overactive, you may experience irritability and restlessness.
30. Restless Leg Syndrome
Thyroid malfunctioning can also lead to restless leg syndrome, a condition characterized by uncomfortable sensations in the legs and an uncontrollable urge to move them.
Conclusion
Thyroid malfunctioning can lead to a variety of symptoms that can affect your overall health and well-being. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to talk to your doctor.
With proper diagnosis and treatment, many of these symptoms can be managed and even resolved.