Thyroid Symptoms: What Your Body Might Be Telling You
If you’ve been feeling off lately, the thyroid could be behind it. This tiny gland sits in your neck and controls metabolism, energy, and mood. When it’s not working right, you’ll notice a mix of physical and mental cues.
Typical signs of an under‑active thyroid (hypothyroidism)
Low hormone levels slow everything down. Common clues include constant fatigue, weight gain despite unchanged eating habits, and feeling cold all the time. You might also spot dry skin, hair loss, or a slowed heart rate. Mood-wise, many report depression or brain fog that makes simple tasks feel heavy.
Typical signs of an over‑active thyroid (hyperthyroidism)
The opposite problem speeds things up. Expect rapid heartbeat, shaking hands, and sweaty skin even in cool rooms. Weight loss without dieting, nervousness, and trouble sleeping are frequent complaints. Some people notice bulging eyes or a tender neck if the gland is inflamed.
Both conditions can cause menstrual changes for women—heavier periods with hypothyroidism and lighter, irregular cycles with hyperthyroidism. If you’ve noticed any of these patterns lingering more than a few weeks, it’s worth getting checked.
The good news? A simple blood test measuring TSH, free T4, and sometimes T3 can confirm whether your thyroid is out of balance. Most doctors will order the test after a quick physical exam and review of symptoms.
While waiting for results, you can start tracking what you feel day‑to‑day. Write down energy levels, temperature sensitivity, weight fluctuations, and any mood swings. This log helps your doctor pinpoint which hormone might be off and speeds up the diagnosis.
If treatment is needed, options are straightforward. Hypothyroidism usually means a daily synthetic hormone pill (levothyroxine). Hyperthyroidism may be managed with medication to block hormone production, radioactive iodine, or in some cases surgery. Lifestyle tweaks—balanced diet, regular exercise, and stress management—support any therapy.
Don’t ignore persistent symptoms. Thyroid issues are common but treatable, and early action can prevent long‑term complications like heart problems or bone loss.
Got questions about your thyroid? Reach out to a healthcare professional, get the blood work done, and take control of your health today.
