5 Symptoms That Suggest You May Have Thyroid Disease

The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland at the front of your neck, just below the larynx (voice box). It controls numerous bodily functions by producing and releasing thyroid-specific hormones. 

The thyroid’s main job is managing your metabolism, or how quickly your body transforms food into energy. Because every cell in your body needs energy to function, having a thyroid that doesn’t work properly can profoundly impact your health. 

Unfortunately, 12% of Americans have some type of thyroid issue, and many don’t realize it. 

January is Thyroid Awareness Month, so our primary care team, led by Charles Stone, MD, at HealthStone Primary Care Partners in Hollywood, Florida, wants to highlight the different types of thyroid disease and its common symptoms in this month’s blog. 

Common indicators of thyroid disease

Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) and hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) are the two most common types of thyroid disorders. Causes can range from autoimmune conditions to thyroid nodules to vitamin deficiencies. 

Let’s look at some key signs and symptoms:

1. Unexplained weight fluctuations

Since your thyroid plays such a critical role in the rate of your metabolism, sudden and unintended changes in weight can point to thyroid disease. 

When your thyroid is overactive with hyperthyroidism, your metabolism quickens and can lead to significant weight loss. In hypothyroidism, the metabolic rate slows down and causes extra pounds to add on quickly. 

2. Constant fatigue

If you have hyperthyroidism, your active thyroid can make it difficult to fall asleep, leaving you sleepy and fatigued during the day. 

Conversely, an underactive thyroid can deplete your energy levels and cause you to feel run down. Thyroid disease can also cause muscle and joint pain, making you feel achy and worn out. 

3. Unregulated body temperature

Too much thyroid hormone production from hyperthyroidism can leave you constantly feeling overheated and extra sweaty. 

On the other hand, not enough thyroid hormone due to hypothyroidism can make it impossible to ever feel warm. 

4. Missed periods

Issues with thyroid hormone production can affect your fertility and menstrual cycles since thyroid hormones are involved in ovulation. So, if you miss periods frequently but you aren’t pregnant, a thyroid issue could be the culprit. 

5. Changes in appearance

It’s common for too much or too little thyroid hormone production to cause changes to your appearance. While dry skin, brittle hair, a puffy face, and swollen joints can be explained by other things, these changes, combined with other thyroid disease indicators, are good reasons to have your thyroid checked. 

Don’t wait to have your thyroid function checked 

If you suspect your thyroid might be under or overactive, don’t delay seeking treatment from HealthStone Primary Care Partners. We can test your thyroid hormone levels and design an effective treatment plan. 

Schedule an appointment for thyroid function testing by calling our office or using our online booking feature today.