25th of May marks the World Thyroid Day this year. Let’s have a look on the common symptoms to be aware of.
According to American Thyroid Association, up to 60 percent of those with thyroid disease are unaware of the symptoms being present in them. The butterfly shaped gland located right in the base of the neck regulates many functions within the body, it is like a subtle character in a movie, affecting all the other characters (organs & processes).
The thyroid gland has a hormone, Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) which tells about the level of thyroid present. If the TSH is high, this typically indicates hypothyroidism, and if TSH is low, hyperthyroidism. There is no single or cluster of symptoms which can give a definitive result of the diagnosis. Also, these symptoms gradually occur in your body but affects largely, your body functions & organs.
Women are five to eight times more likely than men to have thyroid problems. The symptoms will start slow and then with time become more & more evident. On this World Thyroid Day, let’s have a look on the common signs & symptoms which should be verified with a doctor at the earliest.
- Unexplained Weight Change
Whether it is Hypothyroidism or Hyperthyroidism, one faces difficulty in gaining weight. It may be gaining weight, or failing to lose weight despite of controlled eating & exercise habits.
- Temperature Sensitivity
One slowed down circulation, because of the TSH levels, can cause the feeling of cold when everyone else feels perfectly warm, or you can be sensitive to heat and sweat a lot more than usually.
- Problems in Sleeping Pattern
Not getting enough night’s rest and constantly feeling the need of afternoon nap, is a complaint by people suffering with thyroid issues.
4.Abnormal Blood Pressure
The level of TSH regulates the beats of heart. In Hypothyroidism, heart rate will be slower than normal & in Hyperthyroidism it is opposite. The heart rate affects the other body organs & functions.
- Hair Loss
This is a common sign which one experiences on different levels of TSH. Both hypo & hyper can lead to hair loss, brittle & dry hair. The hair even gets weak & breaks easily.
- Improper Menstrual Cycle
If your periods are heavier than usual and pains more, this could be a sign of hypothyroidism. This can increase the risk of infertility. In hyperthyroidism there are shorter & lighter menstrual flow.
- Mood Swings
Many TSH level patients feel anxiety, panic attacks, and feeling related to it. It may lead to depression that doesn’t respond to antidepressants. One also experiences something called ‘brain fog’ or ‘mind fog’ where the brain suddenly has a subtle memory loss for a really short time.
- Tiredness
The thyroid hormone controls the energy balance. People with varied thyroid level feel exhausted, sluggish, unrested despite of sleeping extra.
- Upset Gastrointestinal Activity
One has digestive troubles, too. Frequent constipation could be a thyroid symptom. Hypothyroidism may serve a long-term constipation & Hyperthyroidism increase the bowel movement and may have diarrhea.
- Muscle & Joint Pain
Person suffering from Hypothyroidism and Hyperthyroidism suffer with muscle pain, cramping, stiffness & joint pain. The muscle strength decreases and leads to feeling weak.
