When the thyroid is not functioning properly, this can lead to a condition known as hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, which can cause a variety of symptoms. Common symptoms of hypothyroidism include: fatigue and weakness, weight gain, dry skin, feeling cold, constipation, hair loss, irregular menstrual cycles, depression, and slow heart rate.
Hyperthyroidism symptoms can include: weight loss, feeling overly warm, difficulty sleeping, irritability, tremors, sweating, rapid heart rate, and bulging eyes.
In addition to these common symptoms, people with an out-of-whack thyroid may experience an increase or decrease in appetite, feeling anxious or tense, joint pain, sudden difficulties with concentration, an enlarged thyroid gland (called a goiter), and hoarseness.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical advice from your healthcare provider as soon as possible. They may recommend a thyroid panel blood test or other tests to determine if the thyroid is functioning properly.
Table of Contents
How does your body feel when you have thyroid problems?
When you have thyroid problems, it can cause a wide range of physical symptoms. Commonly reported physical symptoms include:
– Fatigue, exhaustion, and feeling weak
– Unexplained weight gain or difficulty losing weight, even with a healthy diet and exercise
– Sensitivity to cold temperatures, resulting in constantly feeling cold
– Low energy and a general feeling of sluggishness
– Difficulty sleeping
– Constipation
– Dry, itchy skin
– Brittle nails, or slow-growing or thinning hair
– A puffy face, an enlarged tongue, or swelling around the neck due to a goiter
– Pain, stiffness, or swelling in the joints
– Muscle aches, tenderness, and weakness
– A rapid or irregular heartbeat
– An overall feeling of fullness, or difficulty swallowing food or liquids
– Depression or anxiety
If you are experiencing any of these physical symptoms and suspect you may have thyroid problems, it is important to speak to your healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis.
Are there any physical signs of thyroid problems?
Yes, there can be physical signs of thyroid problems. These include an enlarged thyroid, or goiter, where the thyroid appears swollen and larger than normal. This can be caused by an underactive thyroid, which fails to produce enough hormones and can cause difficulty swallowing, hoarseness, and neck discomfort.
Other physical signs of thyroid issues can include puffiness around the eyes, thinning of the eyebrows, puffy face, prolonged fatigue, forgetfulness, joint pain, and muscle weaknes. In women, thyroid problems can cause menstrual irregularities, thinning of the hair and thinning of the eyebrows.
In men, some physical signs can be a decreased libido, enlargement of the breasts, and testicular issues. Additionally, some people may experience rapid heartbeat, heat intolerance, unexplained weight loss, changes in appetite, and dry skin.
In extreme cases, people with thyroid problems may develop thyroid storm, which is a rare but life-threatening event caused by an overactive thyroid that results in fever, chills, nausea, and sweating.
Can thyroid problems make you feel unwell?
Yes, thyroid problems can make you feel unwell. When the thyroid gland becomes over- or underactive, it can affect the way your body functions on many different levels, leading to an array of unpleasant symptoms.
People with an overactive thyroid may experience extreme fatigue, cognitive dysfunction, weight loss, heart palpitations, insomnia, and heat intolerance. Those with an underactive thyroid may suffer from extreme fatigue, depression, constipation, dry skin, weight gain, hoarseness, and frequent muscle aches and pains.
In addition to these physical symptoms, thyroid problems can result in cognitive and psychological difficulties such as anxiety, lack of concentration and focus, and mood swings. It is important to be aware of the association between thyroid problems and feeling unwell, so that if you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you may get checked for a thyroid disorder.
How can I check my thyroid at home?
Unfortunately, it is not possible to accurately check your thyroid at home. While there are several products available such as thyroid testing kits, these tests are not necessarily reliable or accurate.
The only truly accurate way to check your thyroid is to see your healthcare provider and have a blood test taken. This blood test will measure your thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels, as well as your triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) hormone levels.
Your healthcare provider may also perform a physical exam and ask questions about your medical history and symptoms to help diagnose any potential thyroid disorders. If you are experiencing symptoms that may be linked to a thyroid issue such as fatigue, weight gain, depression, difficulty concentrating, or hair loss, it is best to seek a professional opinion.
What does an inflamed thyroid feel like?
An inflamed thyroid, also known as thyroiditis, can cause a number of uncomfortable symptoms. These may include discomfort or pain in the neck area, tenderness of the thyroid gland when touching the throat, difficulty swallowing or breathing, hoarseness, a muffled voice, or a swollen feeling in the neck.
Some other physical effects that can occur due to an inflamed thyroid include tiredness, anxiety, irregular heartbeat, headaches, and weight fluctuations. In rare cases, a fever may be experienced. It is important to seek medical care if you experience any of these symptoms, as they may be indicative of an underlying issue such as thyroiditis.
What is the most common cause of thyroid pain?
The most common cause of thyroid pain is thyroiditis, an inflammatory condition of the thyroid gland. It is most often caused by an autoimmune disease, meaning the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys healthy thyroid tissue.
While some forms of thyroiditis do not cause any pain, others can cause irritation, swelling, and inflammation. This can lead to pain in the neck, throat, or lower jaw. Other causes of thyroid pain can include an enlarged thyroid, or goiter, or nodules that form on the gland.
Different types of thyroiditis can also cause pain, usually localized around the neck area. Pain can range from a dull ache, to more severe and sharp pain.
How do you feel when your thyroid is out of whack?
When your thyroid is out of whack, it can feel like your body is not functioning properly and it can be a very unsettling feeling. Depending on what is happening with your thyroid, you may experience significant fatigue, weight changes, digestive problems, poor sleep quality, changes in mood and cognitive functioning, and even changes in your skin and hair.
This can leave you feeling exhausted and frustrated, and make your day-to-day life more challenging. On top of all of this, having an imbalanced thyroid can also take an emotional toll, as it can lead to stress, anxiety, and a feeling of being overwhelmed.
It’s important to speak with your healthcare provider to identify the root of the problem, and come up with an action plan to restore your thyroid balance, so you can feel back to your normal self.
What happens if your thyroid is messed up?
If your thyroid is not functioning properly, it can cause a variety of health issues. Common symptoms of a dysfunctional thyroid include fatigue, unexplained weight gain or loss, anxiety, depression, irritability, dry skin, brittle hair, and muscle aches.
An unhealthy thyroid can also cause changes in your metabolism, heart rate, and digestive system. In extreme cases, an unhealthy thyroid can even lead to an increased risk of developing certain diseases, including stroke, heart attack, osteoporosis, and infertility.
In some cases, a messed up thyroid can also lead to an enlargement or swelling of the thyroid gland, goiter, which is a visible condition that requires medical attention.
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms associated with a messed up thyroid, it is important to consult a doctor and have your thyroid checked. A doctor may suggest a variety of laboratory tests, including TSH and T4 tests, to confirm abnormal thyroid levels.
In most cases, an unhealthy thyroid can be managed with medication, lifestyle changes, and dietary adjustments. Psychoactive medications, such as antidepressants, may also be prescribed in some cases to help manage the mental health implications of an unhealthy thyroid.
What are unusual symptoms of hypothyroidism?
Hypothyroidism is a condition caused by an underactive thyroid gland, which can cause a variety of symptoms and can affect different parts of the body. Unusual symptoms of hypothyroidism are often overlooked or attributed to other causes as they can appear similar to other conditions.
Commonly overlooked symptoms include: dry skin and hair, constipation, cold intolerance, hoarseness, fatigue, decreased focus, joint and muscle aches, excessive sleepiness, swelling of the face, increased risk of infection, depression, infertility, elevated levels of cholesterol, and increased sensitivity to medication.
Other less common symptoms and signs of an underactive thyroid include: unexplained weight gain, slowed heart rate, elevated levels of triglycerides, brittle nails, decreased libido, and an enlarged thyroid (goiter).
It is important to seek medical attention if you are experiencing any unusual symptoms that could be related to hypothyroidism.
Can thyroid problems cause neurological symptoms?
Yes, thyroid problems can cause neurological symptoms. When the thyroid is underactive (hypothyroidism) or overactive (hyperthyroidism), it can cause a variety of neurological and psychological symptoms.
Examples of common neurological symptoms associated with thyroid dysfunction include changes in cognitive ability, fatigue, depression, headache, dizziness, balance problems, tremors, impaired coordination, carpal tunnel syndrome, numbness in the extremities, and involuntary muscle twitches.
In extreme cases, untreated thyroid problems can even lead to seizures or coma. If you are experiencing any neurological symptoms, it is important to consult your doctor to determine if thyroid dysfunction is the cause.
Diagnostic tests such as a thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) test, free thyroxine (FT4) test, and thyroid antibodies test can be used to identify thyroid problems. If you are found to have a thyroid problem, your doctor will be able to recommend treatment that can help ease the associated neurological symptoms.
What happens when your thyroid is not functioning properly?
When your thyroid is not functioning properly, it can be a sign of a condition known as hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid does not produce enough hormones, leading to a wide range of symptoms and issues with your health.
Symptoms include fatigue, weight gain, dry skin, cold intolerance, constipation, thinning hair, and depression. Other more serious complications can include loss of bone density, infertility, and an increase in cholesterol levels.
Proper management of hypothyroidism is essential, and typically involves medication and lifestyle modifications. Medications are necessary to replace the missing hormones and regulate your thyroid hormones.
Examples of medications include levothyroxine and Synthetic Thyroid Hormone Replacement (THR). Lifestyle modifications may include avoiding any goitrogens, changing your diet, exercising regularly, and reducing stress.
It is also important to monitor your hormone levels, as medications needs to be adjusted regularly to ensure optimal functioning of your thyroid.
What food should be avoided in thyroid?
In order to keep the thyroid functioning properly, it is important to avoid certain types of food. Foods to avoid include excessively high-iodine foods, such as sea vegetables, breads, baked goods, and processed foods; chemicals, such as food preservatives; and foods with goitrogens, which can interfere with thyroid hormone production.
Additionally, avoiding foods high in saturated and trans fats, such as fried and processed meats, is also recommended. Similarly, avoiding processed sugars, like high-fructose corn syrup, and refined carbohydrates, like white bread and white rice, can help maintain a healthy thyroid.
Finally, avoiding certain types of fish, such as shark, tilefish, and king mackerel, can also reduce the risk of developing an iodine deficiency.
What foods heal your thyroid?
Certain foods can help to heal your thyroid, but it’s important to note that there is no specific ‘one-size-fits-all’ answer for the best foods for healing your thyroid. The best approach is to identify which foods are best for you and your body, focusing on nutrient-dense foods.
The most nutrient-dense foods include cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli and kale, organ meats like liver and kidney, healthy fats like coconut oil and avocados, and grass-fed beef. Consuming these nourishing, natural foods is the best way to heal and nourish your thyroid gland.
In addition to eating healthy, nutrient-dense foods, it can also be beneficial to follow an anti-inflammatory diet. This diet requires avoiding processed foods, fried foods, convenience foods, and food additives.
For a healthier thyroid diet, it’s also important to pay close attention to food sensitivities and avoid foods that are likely inflammatory, such as gluten, dairy, and soy. Research suggests that avoiding these inflammatory foods can reduce autoimmune thyroid complications and improve overall health.
Including foods rich in iodine, selenium, and zinc is also beneficial for thyroid health, as these minerals act as cofactors to help the thyroid gland produce hormones. Good sources of these minerals include seafood, beans, nuts and seeds, and whole grains.
Finally, drinking plenty of water and eating adequate amounts of fiber daily can help to support thyroid health. Incorporating a variety of healthy, whole foods can help to nourish and heal the thyroid, promoting balanced hormone production and improved overall health.
What can make thyroid worse?
Including certain autoimmune diseases, certain dietary habits and lifestyle choices, and certain medications and environmental factors.
Autoimmune diseases, such as type 1 diabetes, can cause the immune system to attack the thyroid, leading to an overactive or underactive thyroid. Dietary habits, such as eating a diet high in processed and refined foods, can also aggravate a thyroid disorder.
Too much iodine intake, or a lack of it, can also be problematic. Lifestyle choices, such as excessive drinking, smoking, and taking certain recreational drugs, can also exacerbate thyroid conditions.
Certain medications can also be problematic for those with a thyroid disorder. These include certain antibiotics, cardiac drugs, certain antidepressants, and certain cholesterol medicines. Environmental factors, such as stress, alcohol, and smoking can also contribute to a worsening of a thyroid condition.
Furthermore, hormones, such as estrogen and testosterone, as well as radiation exposure and pollution, can also make a thyroid disorder worse.
