Signs of a Thyroid Problem: How to Identify Common Symptoms

Have you been experiencing unusual shifts in energy levels, mood swings, irregular heartbeats, or changes in your skin and hair? These seemingly unrelated symptoms might say a lot about your thyroid health. Thyroid disorders affect over 10% of people in the U.S., with women being at a higher risk than men. Just because you don’t have apparent symptoms of a thyroid issue doesn’t mean everything is fine. The general population frequently develops thyroid nodules (small lumps in the thyroid gland).  

Still, they’re not always as easy to spot as hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. Sometimes, people feel a lump on their neck, or a doctor might catch it during a routine check-up. However, since these nodules don’t always cause symptoms, they often go unnoticed until they appear on imaging tests like CT scans or MRIs done for entirely different reasons. Catching a thyroid nodule can lower the risk of developing an overactive thyroid. More importantly, early detection can help identify and treat severe conditions like thyroid cancer before they become a bigger problem.

What Does the Thyroid Do?  

The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland in the neck that helps regulate the hormones responsible for metabolism, energy production, and overall bodily functions. Suppose it produces too many hormones (hyperthyroidism) or too few (hypothyroidism). In that case, it can significantly impact your health and make you more prone to certain diseases.

Understanding the Major Factors Contributing to Thyroid Disorders

Several factors impact the functioning of the thyroid gland and result in thyroid issues and problems. Gender is one factor; autoimmune diseases are more common in women, which increases the risk of thyroid issues, particularly during pregnancy and menopause. Another factor is age; research indicates that as the thyroid gland naturally changes with age, the risk of developing hypothyroidism rises. Due to a genetic predisposition, a family history of thyroid disorders may also raise the risk. Furthermore, thyroid problems can recur in people who have already had them. Another established risk factor for thyroid disease is radiation exposure, especially at high levels. An imbalance in iodine intake can significantly impact thyroid function, whether too much or too little. Lithium is one medication that may also have an impact on thyroid health.  

Symptoms of hyperthyroidism or an overactive thyroid

When the thyroid gland overproduces hormones, the body’s functions accelerate, leading to hyperthyroidism. The following ten hyperthyroidism symptoms are listed below.

• Thyroid hormone overproduction can overstimulate the nervous system, leading to constant anxiety, racing thoughts, and sudden mood swings that feel hard to control.
• An overactive thyroid may cause a pounding or erratic heartbeat, lightheadedness, or palpitations.
• Suppose you find yourself sweating more than usual. In that case, your thyroid might produce excess hormones even when you’re not physically active.
• Despite eating normally, a sudden decrease in weight may be a sign of hyperthyroidism-induced rapid metabolism.
• Thyroid hormone imbalances may cause abrupt changes in digestive patterns or frequent bowel movements.
• Persistent cough, hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, or sore throat can all be symptoms of an enlarged thyroid.
• Excess hormones can cause rapid hair and nail growth, making them weak, brittle, or prone to breaking.
• Unusual rashes, dry, irritated skin, or swelling in places like the face and fingers can all be symptoms of hyperthyroidism.
• Thyroid overactivity can cause sleep problems, such as restless sleep or insomnia, making it difficult to unwind at night.
• A disrupted menstrual cycle, including lighter, shorter, or delayed periods, may be linked to an overactive thyroid.

“I discovered I had thyroid disease by accident. My son was having some health concerns, and as I filled out his patient history, I noticed I had a lot of similar symptoms. I mentioned it to the doctor, and he ran blood work and finally a thyroid ultrasound.”

Kim Alexis

Is It Possible to Have Hyperthyroidism and Hypothyroidism?  

Indeed, certain conditions can cause the thyroid to fluctuate between being overactive (hyperthyroidism) and underactive (hypothyroidism). Thyroiditis (inflammation of the thyroid gland) is one such ailment. Initially causing hyperthyroidism, this inflammation can subsequently result in hypothyroidism. Postpartum thyroiditis, a temporary thyroid condition that some people experience after giving birth, is another example. An overactive thyroid is usually the first sign, and it gradually slows down. It’s critical to monitor your thyroid health if you have several risk factors and to see a doctor if you notice any symptoms.  

A doctor may perform several diagnostic tests to determine if you have a thyroid disorder, including TSH, T3, and T4. Doctors also perform physical examination tests to look for signs such as swelling or an enlarged thyroid (goiter). Additionally, imaging tests like ultrasounds or scans help detect abnormalities in the thyroid gland. These tests enable healthcare providers to accurately diagnose thyroid conditions and develop the most suitable treatment plan.