Some medical professionals estimate that as many as 25 million Americans may be suffering from some sort of hormonal imbalance – and that as many as half of those cases go undiagnosed and untreated. However, if this is the case, there are many long-term health problems that can result. Below are ten of the most common warning signs of a thyroid problem.
Fatigue
If you wake up tired after sleeping eight to ten hours a day or feel the need to nap frequently, this could be because your thyroid is underactive; the thyroid plays a big role in overall energy levels and fatigue is a very common complaint.
Weight Gain
The thyroid gland also controls your metabolism, which dictates who readily your body is able to burn calories. A slowed thyroid results in the slowed metabolism, and that it turn makes it easy to put on weight but difficult to lose it.
Mood Issues
Thyroid hormones also affect the emotions. If you noticed emotional or mood issues such as unexplained or rapid mood swings or feelings of anxiety or depression, this is also a sign that something may be amiss with your thyroid levels.
Sexual/Reproductive Difficulties
The thyroid gland also has some effect on sexual function. So if you notice that you have a low libido, are have menstrual difficulties or problems with conception, then it is also possible that these problems are stemming from an imbalance of thyroid hormones.
Pain
Chronic muscle, joint or tendon pain in absence of any other cause (such as arthritis or fibromyalgia) could also be a sign that your thyroid hormones are out of whack.
Coldness
Coldness in the hands or feet, low body temperature, or feelings of coldness when others are comfortable in the same room can also be a sign that your thyroid – and thus your metabolism – is sluggish and not producing enough heat to maintain a comfortable temperature.
Skin, Hair and Nail Problems
Skin, hair and nail problems can also be a sign of an underactive thyroid gland – particularly if you experience dry, flaking skin, brittle nails that crack easily or excessive loss of hair.
Constipation
Then your thyroid levels drops, it tends to result in the slowing-down of all your bodily processes, including peristalsis, or the process by which food moves through the digestive tract. Constipation can be a frequent result of this.
Cognitive Issues
Thyroid levels can also interfere with cognitive abilities such as the ability to concentrate and focus; people with low thyroid often complain of feeling foggy or spacy and can have poor concentration and memory.
Voice and Throat Problems
Voice and throat problems such as a hoarse voice, pain, discomfort or swelling in the neck or snoring can all result when the thyroid has become enlarged or is inflamed.
If you have read this list and realize that you are having some or many of these issues, it is a good idea to consult with your doctor to discuss your concerns. Simple tests can confirm a diagnosis of thyroid imbalance and a plan of care can be formulated to help with this condition.
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