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January is Thyroid Awareness Month
Surprising Signs You Might Have a Thyroid Problem
Thyroid disease is common, and many people don’t know they have it. That may be in part because some of the symptoms are surprising. About 30 million people suffer from thyroid dysfunction. More than half don’t know they have a problem, says the American Association of Clinical Endocrinology.
Because many of the signs are subtle, come on slowly and can seem like other problems, many people are not diagnosed and treated.
Common signs of thyroid disease are unexplained weight gain or loss, fatigue, insomnia, and depression or anxiety. But some symptoms of thyroid problems may not seem like they would have anything to do with a thyroid problem:
- Shaking and nervousness
- Fast heart rate
- Changes in memory or ability to concentrate
- Muscle weakness or aches
- Joint pain or stiffness
- Puffy face
- Dry skin
- Hoarse voice
- Trouble swallowing or breathing
- Changes in menstrual patterns
The thyroid is a gland in the front of your neck responsible for making hormones that impact almost all parts of your body. It affects the work of many of the body’s most vital organs, including the heart, brain, liver, kidneys and skin. Keeping the thyroid gland healthy and working the right way is vital to the whole body.
Along with unexplained weight gain, people with an underactive thyroid may experience hair loss, fatigue, dry skin, and joint pain. This condition, called hypothyroidism, is the most common thyroid disorder. Many people just feel "off," with no clear signs of being truly sick. Sometimes, the thyroid makes too much hormone. This is called hyperthyroidism. Some signs involve nervousness, sweating, rapid heartbeat, shaking hands, sleeping problems and weight loss.
Think You Might Have Thyroid Troubles?
- Talk to your doctor. A blood test can measure the amount of thyroid hormone you have. Your doctor will use the results to see if you need to be treated for thyroid disease.
- Check your neck. A lump or enlargement of the small gland in the lower front part of your neck can be a sign that there’s a problem. Thyroid lumps, or nodules, are common. Most are not cancerous. But if you notice one, it’s important to be checked by your doctor.
The American Thyroid Association offers links to patient education materials.
Left untreated, thyroid disease can raise the risk for serious health problems. Getting care prevents long-term harm. If you think you may have signs of a thyroid problem, talk to your doctor.
For information about Thyroid disease and its symptoms, visit here.
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