The thyroid gland is one of the body’s most important components. The thyroid regulates hormone balance and contributes to weight, mood, and mental stability — and that barely scratches the surface. Because of the thyroid’s influence on so many of the body’s important, and even "secondary" functions, an unhealthy thyroid can have far-reaching, unexpected, and odd effects that manifest into symptoms that many doctors fail to identify as thyroid-related. That’s a concern. Awareness is key, so to help, here are ten, easy-to-miss symptoms of thyroid concerns.
Below are ten of the symptoms that suggest you may have an issue with your thyroid.
Too much fat in your diet causes high cholesterol, right? Wrong. High cholesterol can have a number of originating factors, and diet is a small contributor compared to others. And, in some cases, low cholesterol may be a concern. If your cholesterol is off and diet and exercise don’t help, it may be time to consider the possibility of an underlying concern. If you take medication for cholesterol and it’s not working, it’s time to have your thyroid checked. You may have hypothyroidism, an underactive thyroid gland that often leads to weight gain. If you have very high metabolism, it’s always a good idea to get tested for hyperthyroidism, an overactive thyroid.[1, 2]
Research has found that thyroid diseases, including hypo- and hyperthyroidism, can cause nerve pain. Getting your thyroid health in check has produced improvements in wrist pain and tingling sensations in some people.[3] In one case, a 60-year-old Italian woman with a burning sensation in her feet displayed symptoms of hypothyroidism. As she progressed with her thyroid treatment, the pain went away.[4]
Thyroid hormones play a direct role in heart health, so if you have heart disease, you should try be aware of your thyroid status. A 2014 study out of John Hopkins University reported low thyroid hormone levels were common in young and middle-aged adults with early-stage coronary artery disease and blood vessel calcification.[5] A Polish study similarly compared 25 patients with low levels of thyroid stimulating hormone to 25 patients with normal levels and found that those with lower levels had more cardiac events.[6]
Fingernails that crack or flake may reflect thyroid concerns, as those with hypothyroidism often have soft, fragile nails. Additionally, people with hyperthyroidism often experience a nail that comes off the bed of the fingertip.[8] In both cases, dry skin and brittle hair often accompany these symptoms.
Your hormones play a huge role in affecting how you feel.[2] Low hormone levels, such as in the case of hypothyroidism, can leave you feeling down in the dumps. Conversely, an excess of hormones can lead to anxiety or panic attacks. If you have feelings like this, it might be a good idea to get your thyroid tested before considering psychiatric drugs that could make your concerns worse.
If you’ve lost or gained weight and can’t explain why, it could be your thyroid. Metabolism depends directly on hormone activity. A sudden change in weight, up or down, can be an indication of a thyroid imbalance.[2]
Constant fatigue is a common concern that often gets ignored. Many young adults write off fatigue and low energy as a sign of their lifestyle; but if you have an established routine and get regular sleep, you shouldn’t ignore chronic fatigue. If you get 7 to 8 hours of sleep and it’s not enough, it could be an early symptom of a thyroid issue. Those who have hyperthyroidism may find it hard to fall asleep, which can leave you dragging during waking hours.[2]
Since the thyroid is all about hormones, it comes as no surprise men and women experience concerns with their reproductive organs if they have a thyroid issue. Women may experience various reproductive concerns. For example, they may have more frequent, longer periods with low hormones and shorter, light menstruation — or have a cycle stop altogether — with too many circulating hormones. Fertility may also be a concern. Men experience infertility, low libido, and may even develop enlarged breasts when sex hormones and the thyroid become imbalanced.[2]
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) isn’t always caused by diet. In fact, metabolic imbalances may be to blame. This prevents necessary enzymes from getting to the gut to help with digestion. If constipation, diarrhea, or IBS are ongoing concerns and therapies aren’t helping, it may be time to consider checking your thyroid.[8]
Hormone imbalances don’t exist in a vacuum; they often lead to other imbalances throughout the body. An extreme dip in energy levels is one such imbalance that’s standard. Your thyroid, metabolism, and energy levels are all connected. If you get enough sleep and follow a balanced diet and routinely provide your body with the complete nutrition it requires to perform its functions, and you still feel weak, it’s time to consider underlying possibilities, such as your thyroid.[2]
Many factors influence thyroid health, and there are a few things you can do to encourage optimal thyroid function.
Have you experienced thyroid concerns that prove difficult to pinpoint? The culprit could be selenium deficiency. Selenium is an essential mineral that helps protect the thyroid and support normal thyroid function.[9, 10] As with iodine, you can get all the benefits of this mineral by consuming selenium-rich foods or by taking a high-quality selenium supplement.
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