{"id":3184,"date":"2023-08-09T12:05:49","date_gmt":"2023-08-09T12:05:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/maleexcel.com\/blog\/?p=3184"},"modified":"2024-01-11T10:47:02","modified_gmt":"2024-01-11T10:47:02","slug":"early-warning-signs-of-thyroid-problems","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/maleexcel.com\/blog\/hormone-replacement-therapy\/early-warning-signs-of-thyroid-problems\/","title":{"rendered":"What are the Early Warning Signs of Thyroid Problems?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The thyroid gland produces triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) hormones that regulate metabolism. The thyroid hormones are vital to every cell in the body but may not always work as they should. If you suspect your thyroid isn’t functioning correctly, you may ask, what are early warning signs of thyroid problems? Firstly, to understand the signs and how they affect you, let’s clarify what a thyroid is and its location in the body. (1<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is a Thyroid?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Your thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located just below the larynx at the bottom part of the neck. It’s part of the endocrine system and is vital for many of the essential functions in the body, such as producing and releasing various hormones. The thyroid gland <\/a>controls your metabolic rate, which is how your body uses energy. When the thyroid isn’t working as it should, health issues occur, making it difficult to function. (2<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

10 Signs of Possible Thyroid Problems <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Your thyroid makes hormones that keep your body functioning optimally. You’ll notice symptoms when it makes too much or too little. When the thyroid produces too much, it’s called hyperthyroidism or an overactive thyroid. <\/span>When you have a thyroid deficiency<\/a>, it’s called hypothyroidism or underactive thyroid. Either way, you’ll most likely see signs that can include: (3<\/a>), (4<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Feeling overly tired<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When you feel like you’re constantly exhausted, even after a seemingly good night’s rest, have trouble getting up in the morning, or stay awake during the day, it could be a sign of hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Heart palpitation<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Firstly, a fast heart rate signals that it’s working too hard and can cause your blood pressure to rise. <\/span>Secondly, this can be an early sign of hyperthyroidism. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Weight changes<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Gaining or losing weight without changing your eating and fitness routines could suggest a thyroid issue. Gaining weight is related to hypothyroidism, meaning your thyroid hormones are low. Losing weight is when your body makes too much thyroid, called hyperthyroidism. <\/span>The thyroid controls metabolism, so if you produce too much thyroid hormone, it can speed metabolism up - too little, and it can slow it down. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

4<\/strong>. Mood and energy level<\/strong>s<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

It could be a sign of hypothyroidism if you feel down and tired for no good reason. Living with restlessness, anxiety<\/a>, stress, and inability to calm down could be hyperthyroidism, leading to fatigue and feeling wiped out. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Feeling too cold or too hot<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The thyroid is a vital regulator of body temperature. When you feel either too hot or too cold, it’s a sign your circulation isn’t working correctly and can be related to thyroid issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Neck swelling<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Visible neck swelling (goiter) can be a sign of thyroid or other health issues and should be checked out. A goiter is an enlargement of the thyroid gland, commonly caused by an imbalance in thyroid hormones, often due to iodine deficiency, leading to various types of goiters. These include endemic goiters resulting from inadequate dietary iodine, sporadic goiters linked to autoimmune diseases or genetics, multinodular goiters with multiple nodules, and solitary thyroid nodules. Usually, treatment varies based on severity and cause, from iodine supplementation to medications like Levothyroxine or surgery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

7. Hair los<\/strong>s<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

While some hair loss<\/a> is normal, if you find your hair noticeably thinning or see areas of balding, it can be related to hyperthyroidism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

8. Brittle nails<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

It’s common with thyroid disorders for nails to become weak and brittle. They can be soft, rigid, and bend easily.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

9. Digestive problems<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Hypothyroidism can cause stomach discomfort and digestive issues due to an imbalance in the bacteria in the digestive system, resulting in gastrointestinal issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

10. Skin issue<\/strong>s<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Both dry and oily skin can be due to the thyroid not working correctly. <\/span>Oily skin can result from hyperthyroidism, and dry skin occurs when you have hypothyroidism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And One EXTRA! Low Thyroid Can Cause Low Testosterone<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Hypothyroidism can decrease free testosterone levels in the blood. Furthermore, an association exists between hypothyroidism and reduced levels of sex hormone-binding globulin, a protein responsible for transporting testosterone around the body. These combined factors can lead to symptoms associated with low testosterone levels in men. Many signs of low thyroid are similar to those with low T, including low libido (in both men and women), tiredness, weight gain and loss of muscle mass.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Having Your Thyroid Tested <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Thyroid tests, along with a thorough symptoms evaluation, can help your medical provider determine whether your thyroid is working. If you have symptoms of a thyroid issue, you’ll want to get tested. Tests help determine various thyroid conditions such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n