Recognising thyroid disorder symptoms early is crucial for effective management. Symptoms like unexplained weight changes, fatigue, mood swings, skin issues, and temperature sensitivity should prompt a visit to an endocrinologist for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Thyroid disorders are often subtle in their early stages, and many people overlook the signs or attribute them to other causes. The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland in the neck, but its effects are far-reaching. It produces hormones that control vital body functions like metabolism, heart rate, temperature, and energy level. If this gland doesn’t work properly, it can cause a variety of symptoms, some of which may be confused with other conditions. Early recognition of these signs can help you get proper treatment and manage thyroid-related health issues better.
This article will discuss the 5 most common signs of thyroid disorders, the types of thyroid disorders, and why you should consult one of the best endocrinologists for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Contents
1. Unexplained Weight Changes
Weight fluctuations are a common sign of thyroid dysfunction, but they are often overlooked or blamed on lifestyle changes, stress, or diet.
Hypothyroidism (Underactive Thyroid): This happens when the thyroid gland doesn’t make enough thyroid hormones. People with hypothyroidism may gain weight for no reason, even when they consume a normal diet. The reason for this weight gain is usually a slow metabolism and fluid retention.
Hyperthyroidism (Overactive Thyroid): On the other hand, people with hyperthyroidism (when the thyroid produces excess hormones) can start to lose weight for unexplained reasons. This occurs because the body’s metabolism increases and the body expends more energy.
2. Fatigue and Weakness
One of the most common and annoying signs of thyroid disorder is constant fatigue, even when one gets adequate sleep.
Hypothyroidism: If you have an underactive thyroid, you may feel unusually tired, weak, and drained. It is due to a slower metabolism, which means the body is not converting energy as efficiently. Things may seem overwhelming and even daily tasks may require more effort in this case.
Hyperthyroidism: However, people with an overactive thyroid may appear to have high energy levels initially, but feel physically drained later on. The reason for this is that the body is running its metabolism at full speed at the start, leading to the burning of energy stored quickly, leaving a person feeling drained when those reserves deplete.
3. Changes in Skin, Hair, and Nails
Your skin, hair, and nails can tell you a lot about your thyroid health.
Hypothyroidism: People with hypothyroidism may experience dry, rough, and pale skin. One of the most common signs of an underactive thyroid is hair thinning or hair loss, as well as brittle nails. This happens because the thyroid fails to produce the hormones required for the growth of skin cells, hair follicles, and nails.
Hyperthyroidism: People with hyperthyroidism may have thinning or even hair loss because their body is burning more calories. Excessive sweating may make their skin appear more moist or sweaty.
4. Mood Swings and Mental Health Changes
Your emotional well-being can be greatly affected by thyroid disorders. The thyroid produces hormones that interact with brain chemicals and affect mood, mental clarity, and even depression.
Hypothyroidism: The most common symptoms of hypothyroidism include depression, mood swings, and anxiety. This sluggish metabolism can make people feel mentally foggy, forgetful, or distracted. It may also cause a decreased ability to cope with stress, causing you to feel sad or irritable.
Hyperthyroidism: On the other hand, hyperthyroidism can make you feel nervous, anxious, and restless. The increased activity in the body’s systems may cause people to feel unusually jittery or agitated, or to experience rapid mood swings.
5. Temperature Sensitivity
Another sign of thyroid dysfunction is temperature regulation. If you suddenly feel unusually cold or hot, it could be a sign of a thyroid disorder.
Hypothyroidism: People with an underactive thyroid are usually sensitive to cold temperatures. They may feel cold even in a warm environment. The reason for this is that their body is not producing enough energy to maintain a normal body temperature.
Hyperthyroidism: Those with hyperthyroidism, on the other hand, are often sensitive to heat. Their metabolism increases heat production in the body, so they may sweat excessively or feel unusually warm even in cool settings.
The symptoms mentioned above can be mild or severe and may be confused with other conditions. But if you have several symptoms, especially those mentioned above, it’s important to see an endocrinologist.
Endocrinologists are medical professionals who specialise in diagnosing and treating hormonal disorders, including thyroid conditions. To accurately diagnose thyroid disorders, they use blood tests, ultrasounds, and sometimes a biopsy. Let’s now explore the diagnosis and treatment in detail.
Diagnosis and Treatment Options for Thyroid Disorders
Diagnosing thyroid disorders typically involves blood tests to measure the levels of thyroid hormones (T3, T4, and TSH). An endocrinologist will analyse these levels to determine if the thyroid is functioning properly. In some cases, an ultrasound or biopsy may be necessary to evaluate the thyroid gland further.
Treatment for thyroid disorders depends on the type and severity of the condition:
- Hypothyroidism is usually treated with synthetic thyroid hormones like levothyroxine to normalise hormone levels.
- Hyperthyroidism may require antithyroid medications, radioactive iodine treatment, or in some cases, surgery to remove part or all of the thyroid gland.
Lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise, may also play a role in managing thyroid health.
Conclusion
Recognising the signs of a thyroid disorder early can help prevent long-term complications and improve treatment outcomes. If you notice symptoms like unexplained weight changes, fatigue, hair and skin changes, mood swings, or temperature sensitivity, it’s essential to consult an endocrinologist. Timely diagnosis and treatment can help restore thyroid function and improve overall well-being.
For expert care from leading endocrinologists in Delhi, visit Apollo 24|7 to conveniently book an appointment and get the specialised treatment you deserve.
