The thyroid gland, located in the neck, has the shape of a butterfly. It has a great impact on the entire human body, and also performs a large number of different functions in it. Statistics show that women have problems with the thyroid gland much more often than male patients. And in order to recognize them in time, you need to familiarize yourself with the signs of thyroid problems. This is what this article says.
general description
The thyroid gland is located above the so-called adam apple. Its main function is to produce a specific hormone - thyroid. It is he who regulates body temperature, heartbeat and metabolism. Signs of problems with the thyroid gland can manifest themselves in the case when it is hyperactive or, conversely, insufficiently active. When an organ works poorly, a small amount of thyroid hormone is produced. And if the thyroid gland works too actively, then this substance is produced in too much quantity. Hence, various problems with the thyroid gland arise.
And for what reasons can the thyroid gland start working incorrectly? These include genetic factors, autoimmune malfunctions, pregnancy, stressful situations, malnutrition, environmental toxins. But experts are definitely not sure about this issue. Since there are a lot of thyroid hormones in the body, the diagnosis of a particular illness can be very difficult for specialists. Below you can find signs of thyroid problems, thanks to which you can talk about the development of a disease.
Exhaustion
A feeling of fatigue, as well as a lack of energy can be associated with various ailments and conditions. But all of them will be related to a disease in which an insufficient amount of thyroid hormones is produced. If in the morning or throughout the day after sleep, severe fatigue is felt, then this may indicate that the thyroid gland is not active enough. When a small amount of these hormones circulate in the blood circulation, as well as in the cells, this indicates that the brain does not receive a signal about the beginning of its work. That is why the first sign of thyroid problems is exhaustion.
Depression
An unusual feeling of depression or sadness may indicate the development of hypothyroidism. What is the reason for this? The fact is that by producing too few hormones, the thyroid gland can affect the level of the hormone serotonin, which makes you feel good. If the thyroid gland is not active enough, then the remaining systems in the body will begin to suffer. Not surprisingly, in this case, the mood begins to fall.
Anxiety and nervousness
So, we continue to consider the signs of thyroid problems in women and men. Another symptom is anxiety and nervousness. This feeling is associated with hyperthyroidism, when the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone. In such situations, metabolism, as well as the whole body can be very excited. If a person feels as if he cannot relax, then this suggests that the thyroid gland is hyperactive.
Change in appetite and taste preferences
What other signs of thyroid problems can be? One of these is a change in taste preferences and increased appetite. If your need for food has increased dramatically, then this indicates the development of hyperthyroidism, when a large amount of the hormone produced makes a person feel a constant hunger. The only plus in this situation is the fact that problems in the thyroid gland due to hyperactivity will cause the burning of excess calories. That is why a person will ultimately not gain weight, but lose it.
Fuzzy thinking
Speaking about the signs and symptoms of thyroid problems, fuzzy thinking should be mentioned without fail. Of course, a similar symptom may indicate lack of sleep or aging. But cognitive abilities can also get hit due to malfunctioning of the thyroid gland. A high thyroid-stimulating hormone can make it difficult to concentrate, and an insufficient amount of it can cause forgetfulness, as well as nebulous thinking.
Loss of interest in sex
Another common sign of thyroid problems in women is a loss of interest in sex. This is usually a side effect of thyroid disease. The fact is that a low hormone index can provoke a weak libido, but a lack of energy, as well as soreness in the body, will play a special role in this matter. They are also the first signs of thyroid problems.
Trembling eyes
Such trembling can occur due to heart palpitations. At the same time, it seems to the person that his body is trembling, skipping a beat, or is beating hard or too fast. In this case, the patient may notice similar sensations on his wrist, as well as on his neck and throat. A flutter of the heart or a strong heartbeat may indicate that the system is full of hormones.
Dry skin
What signs with a thyroid problem may still appear? Dry skin can indicate the development of hypothyroidism. Changes in the appearance and texture of the skin occur due to a slowdown in metabolism. And this reduces perspiration. The skin without the necessary amount of fluid quickly becomes dry and begins to peel off. In parallel with this, the nails begin to break, and longitudinal volume strips form on them.
Bowel malfunctions
Please note that thyroid problems can occur not only in adults, but also in children. Signs of thyroid problems are a signal that you must go to a medical institution. One such symptom is the unpredictability of the bowel. As a rule, in such situations, people begin to complain of constipation. Poor thyroid function provokes a slowdown in the digestion process. And too high activity of this organ can provoke diarrhea, a frequent movement of masses in the intestines. All this indicates the development of hyperthyroidism.
The frequency of menstruation is violated
Women should also pay attention to their menstrual cycle and, in case of any malfunction, seek help from a medical institution, where, after a full examination, the specialist will prescribe treatment. A symptom of thyroid problems in the form of a long menstrual period with a large number of secretions indicates the development of hypothyroidism. The periods between periods may in this case be reduced.
As for hyperthyroidism, in this case, the hormone index increases, which causes irregular menstruation in women.
Soreness in muscles and limbs
In some cases, this symptom is due to the increased functioning of the limbs and muscles. But if a person began to feel an unexpected causeless tingling, pain and numbness, which are localized in the legs, feet, hands, arms, then this indicates the development of hypothyroidism. Over time, a low thyroid hormone can destroy nerves that send signals from the brain throughout the body. That is why the inexplicable nature of pain and tingling appear.
Increased pressure
An increase in pressure also indicates the development of thyroid disease. This happens both with hyperthyroidism and with hypothyroidism. People who suffer from hypothyroidism have a greater risk of developing hypertension. A low rate of thyroid hormones in the blood slows the heartbeat, which negatively affects the force of blood ejection, as well as the flexibility of the walls of blood vessels. This can trigger an increase in pressure.
Low body temperature
Chills and a feeling of cold can be a sign of hypothyroidism. Inactive work of the human body systems due to the low hormone index requires less energy that must be burned by the cells. That is why a person begins to experience chills. An active thyroid, on the other hand, can cause cells to burn too much energy. That is why people who suffer from hyperthyroidism, in some cases, feel intense heat, and also sweat very much.
Unpleasant sensations in the neck, hoarseness
A sensation of a coma in the throat, a change in voice may indicate a malfunction in the thyroid gland. To do this, you should carefully inspect your neck to identify signs of an enlarged thyroid gland. If any tubercles are noticed, then you should consult a doctor without fail.
Sleep failure
If a person wants to sleep all the time, then this may indicate the development of hypothyroidism. Weak thyroid activity slows down body functions so much that a person experiences drowsiness even in the daytime. But if the patient cannot fall asleep, then this is a sign of hyperthyroidism. A high indicator of the hormone is expressed in anxiety, rapid pulse, which makes it difficult to go to sleep, and can also cause awakening in the middle of the night.
Weight gain
If you scored a couple of sizes in clothes, then this can be many reasons. However, a similar symptom may also indicate a malfunction of the thyroid gland.
Hair loss or thinning
Brittle or dry hair, as well as their loss, are a sign of hypothyroidism. A low hormone count disrupts the hair growth cycle, and also puts many follicles into "sleep mode", resulting in hair loss.
Treatment features
To identify the cause of the appearance of these symptoms, as well as to make an accurate diagnosis, you should consult a specialist, that is, an endocrinologist. Based on the data obtained, after interviewing and examining the patient, the specialist draws up a productive examination and treatment plan. After the analysis, measures are prescribed for the treatment of a particular thyroid disease. As a rule, in this case, the patient is prescribed surgical or therapeutic techniques that correct the functioning of this organ. Thyroid problems are very serious, so do not ignore the symptoms.