The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located in the front of your neck, and it is responsible for producing hormones that help to regulate the body’s metabolism, cognitive functions, energy levels and body heat.
When the thyroid is not functioning properly, it can lead to a variety of health problems.
Common health issues caused by an underactive thyroid, also known as hypothyroidism, include fatigue, weight gain, depression, constipation, dry skin and hair, heavy periods, joint and muscle pain, and impaired cognitive function, such as difficulty concentrating and remembering things.
An overactive thyroid, or hyperthyroidism, can lead to similar symptoms, as well as symptoms such as unexplained weight loss, rapid heart rate, warm and sweaty skin, thinning hair, nervousness and irritability, increased appetite, and trembling hands.
Other serious health problems associated with thyroid dysfunction include goiter, a swelling of the thyroid gland that can cause a lump in the neck; Graves’ disease, an autoimmune disorder that causes the body’s immune system to attack the thyroid; and thyroid cancer, which can be treated with medication, surgery and radioactive iodine therapy.
Table of Contents
What is the most common thyroid problem?
The most common thyroid problem is an underactive thyroid, known as hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland does not make enough of the thyroid hormones, mainly thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3).
Symptoms of hypothyroidism can include fatigue, dry skin, weight gain, constipation, and depression.
Other common thyroid problems include an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), thyroid nodules, thyroiditis and goiter. Hyperthyroidism is caused by an overproduction of the thyroid hormones and can have such symptoms as weight loss, heat intolerance, and problems sleeping.
Thyroid nodules form in lumps within the thyroid gland, which may cause a change in the texture of the thyroid or a lump in the neck. Thyroiditis is an inflammation of the thyroid, which can cause swelling and pain.
Goiter is an enlargement of the thyroid gland and can be caused by an iodine deficiency.
What are early warning signs of thyroid problems?
Early warning signs of thyroid problems can vary, depending on the type of thyroid problem.
For hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid) some common early warning signs include fatigue, feeling cold all the time, constipation, dry skin, forgetfulness, puffiness around the eyes and face, depression, hoarseness of the voice, thinning hair and unexpected weight gain, even when diet and exercise habits remain the same.
For hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid) a few of the common early warning signs may include an abnormal increase in energy, heart palpitations or an unusually fast heart rate, feeling anxious, hand tremors, feeling overly warm all the time, sudden weight loss, bowel issues, hair thinning or hair loss, or intolerance to heat.
It is best to consult a healthcare provider if any of the above symptoms are experienced for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.
What triggers thyroid issues?
Thyroid issues are often caused by an underlying autoimmune disorder where the body’s own immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland. This is known as autoimmune thyroiditis or Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.
Other potential triggers of thyroid issues include a viral or bacterial infection, stress, radiation exposure, certain medications, defective thyroid genes, excessive iodine intake, and side effects of certain medical treatments.
In some cases, thyroid disorders can be caused by environmental factors such as pesticides, radiation, and mercury. In addition, certain endocrine disorders, such as Cushing’s syndrome and Graves’ disease, can also lead to thyroid-related issues.
While it is difficult to pinpoint the exact cause in all cases, thyroid issues can be managed through early diagnosis and the right type of treatment.
What are the red flags for hypothyroidism?
Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the body does not produce enough of the hormone thyroxine, leading to a wide range of potential health issues. Identifying potential red flags for the condition is important in order to diagnose and treat it in a timely manner.
Common red flags of hypothyroidism include:
1. Fatigue. Individuals with hypothyroidism often experience extreme fatigue, regardless of how much they sleep or how often they rest.
2. Weight gain. Unexplained, unexpected weight gain that doesn’t respond to diet and exercise can be a symptom of hypothyroidism.
3. Feeling cold. Thyroid hormone helps to regulate body temperature, so people with hypothyroidism can often feel excessively cold even in warm environments.
4. Irregular or heavy periods. Menstrual irregularities or heavy periods are common in women with hypothyroidism.
5. Memory loss. Struggling to remember things can be a symptom of an underactive thyroid.
6. Dry skin. People with hypothyroidism are more prone to dry, scaly skin, as well as thinning hair and nails.
7. Constipation. Constipation is a sign of hypothyroidism and can be difficult to treat, as other medications may be contributing to it.
8. Hoarseness. Hypothyroidism can cause an individual’s voice to become hoarse, as the muscles controlling the vocal cords can become weakened.
If you suspect you may be experiencing any of the above red flags, you should contact your doctor for a thorough examination. Treating hypothyroidism early on can help to prevent more serious long-term consequences.
What food should be avoided in thyroid?
When you are living with thyroid disease, it is important to pay attention to what you eat. Some foods can interfere with how your body absorbs the hormones it needs. It is important to talk with a doctor or nutritionist to develop an eating plan that meets your specific needs.
Some general guidelines for avoiding foods that can interfere with thyroid hormone absorption include:
• Gluten: Gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley. If you have an autoimmune form of thyroid disease, such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, it is important to avoid gluten, as this can sometimes trigger an autoimmune reaction.
• Soy: Soy contains isoflavones, which can disrupt the absorption of thyroid hormones. It is important to limit your soy intake if you are trying to manage your thyroid levels.
• Cruciferous vegetables: Cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli and cauliflower, contain goitrogens, which can interfere with the absorption of thyroid hormones. Cooking the vegetables may reduce their goitrogenic properties.
• Caffeine and exorbitant amounts of Alcohol: Caffeine and excessive amounts of alcohol can interfere with thyroid hormone absorption and should be limited if you have thyroid disease.
• High-Fructose Corn Syrup: High-fructose corn syrup is found in many processed and sweetened foods, and can interfere with thyroid hormone absorption. It is best to avoid processed and sugary foods to help keep your thyroid hormone levels in balance.
How do I check my thyroid at home?
The best way to check your thyroid at home is to keep a journal of your symptoms and check your pulse rate and temperature. This can be done by taking your pulse with your fingers twice a day, in the morning and evening, while you are resting.
Count the number of beats you feel over a minute and record that in your journal. You should also take your temperature two times a day with a thermometer and record the results. Symptoms to look out for include feeling tired all the time, being overly sensitive to cold, weight gain, difficulty losing weight, constipation, dry skin, a puffy face, joint pain/stiffness, brittle hair/nails, muscle weakness, or irregular menstrual cycles.
If any of these symptoms persist for an extended amount of time, please contact your doctor to do an official thyroid test.
When should you suspect thyroid problems?
If you are experiencing any combination of unexplained weight changes, fatigue, anxiety, depression, difficulty sleeping, hair loss, dry skin, constipation, or changes in heart rate, you should suspect that you may have a thyroid problem and should seek the advice of a healthcare professional.
Other possible symptoms are a swollen neck, hoarseness, breathing difficulties, muscle weakness, joint pain, and increased sensitivity to cold. If you have any of these symptoms, then it is important to get a complete physical examination as soon as possible to determine whether you have a thyroid disorder.
Additionally, if you are already being treated for a thyroid disorder and are still experiencing symptoms, you should discuss these symptoms with your doctor to ensure that you are receiving adequate treatment.
How do you notice thyroid problems?
There are a variety of symptoms that can indicate a thyroid problem. Common signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) include fatigue, depression, weight gain, cold sensitivity, dry skin, constipation, thinning hair and puffy face, while signs and symptoms of hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) may include anxiety, restlessness, difficulty sleeping, diarrhea, abnormal menstrual patterns, heat sensitivity, sweating, weight loss, thinning hair and an enlarged thyroid gland (goiter).
It’s important to note that some of these symptoms might be caused by conditions other than thyroid problems, so if you are experiencing any of these issues, you should talk to your doctor.
In addition to physical symptoms, a doctor may order blood tests to help diagnose a thyroid disorder. The primary blood tests used to diagnose thyroid problems measure the levels of the hormones thyroxine (TSH) and triiodothyronine (T3) in your blood.
The presence of abnormally high or low levels of these hormones can indicate the presence of an underlying thyroid problem. The doctor may also use imaging tests such as an ultrasound or radioactive iodine uptake scan to look further into the issue.
What is the first stage of thyroid?
The first stage of thyroid is called hypothyroidism, also known as an underactive thyroid. It occurs when the thyroid gland in the neck does not produce enough of the thyroid hormones triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) that help regulate metabolism, body weight, heart rate, mood, and overall well-being.
Symptoms of hypothyroidism can include fatigue, weight gain, constipation, depression, hair loss, dry skin, and puffy face. If left untreated, hypothyroidism can lead to heart disease, infertility, joint pain, and anemia.
Treatment for hypothyroidism includes both medication and lifestyle changes. Medication is typically synthetic thyroid hormone replacement. Lifestyle changes suggested to help manage hypothyroidism include eating a balanced diet and avoiding iodine-rich foods, exercising, reducing stress, and getting sufficient sleep.
At what age do thyroid problems start?
Thyroid problems can start at any age and can affect people of all ages. Because symptoms of a thyroid disorder may be more subtle in young people, they may not be diagnosed until they become more pronounced in adulthood.
It is estimated that up to 10% of adolescents may have some type of thyroid dysfunction. In adults, the occurrence of thyroid dysfunction increases with age. According to the American Thyroid Association, about one in 20 Americans over age 12 has some form of thyroid disease.
Some common types of thyroid problems, such as Hashimoto’s disease, may be genetic and can be passed down from parents to children, so a family history of thyroid issues may be a factor. Additionally, pregnant women may develop thyroid problems due to their fluctuating hormone levels, and thyroid issues that were once managed with medication may become more prominent during pregnancy.
Regardless of the age, if someone is experiencing any symptoms that might point to a thyroid disorder, it is important to speak to a doctor to get an accurate diagnosis and receive the proper treatment.
What are the 3 types of thyroid problems a person can experience?
There are three main types of thyroid problems: hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, and goiter.
Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland produces too much of the thyroid hormone thyroxine, which can lead to various symptoms, including weight loss, an irregular or fast heart rate, sudden sweating, and irritability.
Common causes of hyperthyroidism include Graves’ disease and toxic adenomas.
Hypothyroidism is the opposite of hyperthyroidism, caused by an underactive thyroid, which produces too little thyroxine and can cause fatigue, depression, joint and muscle pain, constipation, and weight gain.
Common causes of hypothyroidism are autoimmune thyroiditis, treatments for hyperthyroidism, thyroid surgery, and certain medications.
Goiter is an enlargement of the thyroid gland that results when the gland produces too little of the thyroid hormones. Goiter may cause breathing, swallowing, or speaking difficulties, as well as a tight feeling in the neck.
Goiter is often caused by an iodine deficiency and can be treated with hormone replacement therapy or, in some cases, surgical removal.
How do I know what type of thyroid disease I have?
If you have symptoms that may indicate thyroid disease, it is important to visit your doctor as soon as possible as they will determine what type of thyroid disease you have. Your doctor may perform a variety of tests such as blood tests, imaging tests, and biopsies to diagnose the disease.
Blood tests may measure levels of hormones that are produced by the thyroid, as well as antibody levels which can suggest an autoimmune process is occurring. Imaging tests such as ultrasounds, CT scans, and MRIs may also be performed which can assess the shape and size of the thyroid gland, and identify any lumps or cysts that may be present.
Your doctor may also perform a biopsy, which involves taking a small amount of tissue from your thyroid for examination. This is mainly used to diagnose thyroid cancer or other types of rare thyroid disorders.
Once a diagnosis is made, your doctor may work with a specialist who can provide a tailored treatment plan.
How long can you have thyroid problems without knowing?
Thyroid issues can often go unnoticed for long periods of time, though many people have reported having thyroid issues for up to several years before being diagnosed. In some cases, mild to moderate symptoms of a thyroid issue may completely go unnoticed.
It is important to note, however, that an undiagnosed thyroid issue can still be impacting the health of an individual, even if no symptoms are being noticed. Therefore, it is important for individuals to discuss their health with a doctor and get routine blood tests to check for any changes in the thyroid.
If left unchecked for too long, a thyroid issue can begin to affect other organs and systems in the body, potentially leading to more serious health problems. Therefore, it is best to get any potential thyroid issues checked out as early as possible.
What foods heal your thyroid?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer for what foods heal your thyroid, as what works for one person might not work for another. However, if your thyroid is underactive, the following foods may be beneficial to help boost thyroid function:
1. Seafood: Seafood, especially cold-water fatty fish, is packed with iodine, which can be beneficial for thyroid health. Examples of great seafood choices for healing the thyroid are salmon, mackerel, sardines, and herring.
2. Cruciferous vegetables: Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, kale, and cabbage are great sources of antioxidants and can help support the thyroid.
3. Nuts and seeds: Nuts and seeds are high in healthy fats, which are essential for thyroid health. Examples of beneficial nuts and seeds include walnuts, almonds, pistachios, cashews, hemp seeds, chia seeds, and flaxseeds.
4. Unrefined grains: Unrefined grains such as quinoa, wild rice, buckwheat, and amaranth are another good source of antioxidants and B vitamins, which can be beneficial for the thyroid.
5. Legumes: Legumes such as beans, lentils, and peanuts are excellent sources of fiber, which can be beneficial for thyroid health.
6. Oily fish: Fish like mackerel, sardines, and salmon are all rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which can help to improve thyroid function.
7. Sea vegetables: Sea vegetables are rich in iodine and are beneficial for the thyroid. Examples of good sea vegetables to include in your diet are kelp, wakame, dulse, and kombu.
8. Coconut oil: Coconut oil has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and can be beneficial for the thyroid.
9. Avoiding processed foods: Processed foods are high in unhealthy fats, sugars, and sodium which can be detrimental to your thyroid health. Therefore it is important to limit processed food consumption in order to ensure optimal thyroid health.
