How to know if you have a thyroid problem?
Thyroid, a small butterfly-shaped gland that is located at the base of our neck plays an important role in ensuring men and women’s health. Studies show that, women are more likely to develop a problem with their thyroid.
The most common issues with thyroid are:
1. Hypothyroidism : This happens when the gland does not produce enough hormones
2. Hyperthyroidism : This happens when the gland produces the hormones in excess
Issues with the thyroid can be difficult to diagnose on your own. This is because the symptoms can be easily mistaken for any other health issue or cognitive problem.
You should get in touch with your doctor, the moment you notice any of the following warning signs of the thyroid:
1. Fatigue
People generally use tired and fatigued as interchangeable. While feeling tired can be fixed with a good night’s sleep or a nice spa, the fatigue one might experience during hypothyroidism or any other thyroid disorder cannot be fixed that easily.
2. Drastic change in weight
As it regulated your metabolism, thyroid plays an important role in your weight management. Any problems with thyroid can lead to improper functioning of your metabolism and can greatly impact your body weight.
People with severe hypothyroidism tend to gain up weight dramatically. This weight gain is not because of the fat gain but because of the retention of water and salt in the body.
Thyroid problems can also lead to weight loss. This generally happens in the case of hyperthyroidism. The overactive thyroid uses up more calories, resulting in a deficiency of enough calories for the rest of your body.
3. Changes in heart rate
Your thyroid health can have an impact on your cardiac health.
For instance, hypothyroidism can lead to a slower heart rate. This can make arteries losing their elasticity and you might end up having high blood pressure.
On the other hand, people with hyperthyroidism experience an increased heart rate with irregular rhythms.
4. Sensitivity to heat and cold
People with an overactive thyroid are sensitive to heat. Too much of the thyroid hormone (thyroxine) makes you feel hot even when others are feeling comfortable (or even cold). This also causes people with hyperthyroidism to experience abnormal sweating and even anxiety due to feeling hot.
People with hypothyroidism often experience cold hands and feet. This can even occur in situations where other people are feeling hot. This happens because the body is not producing enough thyroxine which makes your metabolism slow. Eventually, it results in your body not creating enough energy that can keep you warm.
Point is, thyroid disorders can affect you in different ways, even in opposite ways (depending on the type of disorder you have). Hence, it is advised to watch out for any changes and get in touch with your doctor.
Additionally, you should be taking care of your diet and lifestyle. You can also include andMe’s health combos. They act as best supplements for women and take care of their diverse and unique dietary needs. Adding them to your period diet will ensure that you get regular periods and a glowing skin! They also act as the best PCOS drink.