The human body is amazing and there are some very small parts of the human body that have a huge role they play in our overall health. When we feel anything unusual, we often tend to blame it on a better-known part of the human body but sometimes, it is actually something taking place below the surface.
The most important reasons to pay attention to what your body is telling you is because of the thyroid gland. This gland is a relatively small part of the human body that is located in the throat. And may be small in size but the thyroid hormones that are produced are some of the most important in the body. As a matter of fact, it is responsible for controlling many of our body functions, including our metabolism and our heartbeat.
When our thyroid hormone suddenly shows symptoms of a problem, there are two different issues that tend to occur. The thyroid can slow down and not produce enough thyroid hormone or it may speed up and produce too much of it. When you spot the early warning signs of thyroid problems, the best thing you can do is seek proper treatment. Here are some of the warning symptoms.
Introducing the Thyroid Gland
In the area of the front of the neck is a small gland that is butterfly shaped. It is known as the thyroid gland.
When your thyroid is underactive, it is known as hypothyroidism and your thyroid does not produce enough thyroid hormone.
When you have an overactive thyroid and it produces too much thyroid hormone, it is known as hyperthyroidism.
Here are some of the symptoms of thyroid problems.
Depression – depression can be a symptom of both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. The Mayo Clinic states that the thyroid gland can affect serotonin in the brain by the amount of hormone it is producing. Depression is often one of the first signs of hypothyroidism.
2. Constipation – occasional constipation is not uncommon but if you seem to have constipation that doesn’t go away, your thyroid hormone production may be disrupted. The thyroid hormone regulates the digestive process and a lack of the hormone can slow down your digestion.
3. Sleeping – When you don’t sleep enough, it can be a sign of a thyroid problem. According to Dr. Robin Miller, when you’re unable to get out of bed in the morning, it should be a wake-up call that the thyroid is not firing properly.
4. Dry skin and hair loss – It isn’t unusual to have dry skin at certain times of the year but when you have hypothyroidism, it is an ongoing problem. The metabolism is slowing down and sweating is reduced.
You may also find that your hair and nails feel brittle and dry. This may be a lack of thyroid hormone causing the problem and your hair may even fall out. When the hormone is lacking, it can disrupt your hair growth cycle, leading to hair loss. Some women even lose their eyebrows.
Dr. Miller says that many people who come to see her are sent by their hairdresser.
5. Weight gain – admittedly, this problem can occur for a number of reasons but if you have unexplained and sudden weight gain, it could be a cause of concern. Dr. Miller says that many people show up in her office because of the weight gain. They may diet and exercise, but nothing helps.
6. Low libido – When your thyroid hormone is reduced, it could drop your interest in sex. Other issues of thyroid problems, such as weight gain, may also reduce your libido.
7. Muscle pain – pain is a natural signal of the body to let us know that something is wrong. We can often attribute pain to something specific but when our thyroid hormone levels are off, we may begin to experience numbness, tightness in the extremities and random pain.
Dr. Miller says that your low thyroid hormone level can damage the nerves that signal the brain.
8. Heart flutters – the thyroid is responsible for regulating your heartbeat so any disruption in thyroid hormone may make it feel as if your heart is skipping a beat.
9. Fuzzy head – many people who have problems with their thyroid experience brain fog. If you have hypothyroidism, it could make it difficult to concentrate and lead to forgetfulness.
10. Hypertension – it is not uncommon for high blood pressure to occur in those who have thyroid problems.
11. Appetite – When you have hyperthyroidism, you often overeat but don’t gain weight. When you have hypothyroidism, you often gain weight and it doesn’t matter how much you eat.
12. Throat discomfort – If you have a discomfort in the front of your throat, it could be a sign of a thyroid problem. It may also be accompanied by a goiter or lump in the area.
Look in the mirror to see if there is a noticeable swelling and take a drink of water to watch while you swallow. If there are bulges in the area of the thyroid when you swallow, your doctor should be notified right away.
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