Symptoms of Thyroid Disease
The little butterfly-shaped gland is about two inches long and is located at the base of your neck, just below your Adam’s apple. It has sides, also referred to as lobes. These lobes lie on either side of your windpipe and are connected by a strip of thyroid tissue, also known as the isthmus. The thyroid gland is responsible for a number of functions within your body. The hormones interact with other hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone that affect our overall health. It also helps in regulating bodily functions like our breath, heart rate, cholesterol, body temperature, and metabolism, among others.
Very often, when the thyroid gland is malfunctioning, we face a number of physiological symptoms such as fatigue, constipation, brain fog, and a slew of other issues. However, more often than not, we do not realize that these conditions are related to a poorly functioning thyroid. Here are a few symptoms of thyroid disease that you should watch out for:
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Poor concentration and brain fog
Both hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid) and hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid) can cause poor mental functioning. While mental fogginess and poor concentration is a result of the latter, mood swings and depression are a result of the former.
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Feeling bloated
An underactive thyroid gland can cause fluid retention, thus leading you to feel bloated. Therefore, if you suffer from constant bloating, this could sure be a symptom of thyroid disease.
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Feelings of nervousness and tremors
An overactive thyroid gland, along with agitation, can also induce feelings of unexplained nervousness and uneasiness.
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Palpitations
While we are stressed, our heartbeats tend to increase, as a normal physiological symptom. However, constant palpitations and a racing heart could be a symptom of thyroid disease.
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Weight gain
Most people battling with thyroid issues tend to gain quite a bit of weight easily but not lose it easily. So, if you’re battling weight gain issues, getting your thyroid checked would be an ideal step.
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Muscle pain
Muscle pains are also important symptoms associated with a number of thyroid-related diseases.
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Increased cholesterol levels
A number of people suffering from hypothyroidism experience elevated cholesterol levels.
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Intolerance to heat
If you are unable to bear high temperatures, then there could be a chance that you have an overactive thyroid gland.
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Intolerance to the cold
An underactive thyroid gland, on the other hand, leads to an inability to bear cold temperatures.
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Enlargement of the neck
Very often, an enlarged neck can be a sure shot symptom of an imbalanced thyroid gland.
Although all these physiological signs may not be hundred percent symptoms of thyroid diseases, it is always best to get your thyroid levels tested in case any of these last for a long period of time. The symptoms of Thyroid may get difficult for you to bear, hence treating the same at the earliest is advisable. When in doubt, it is best to visit a doctor for further clarifications on the effects of thyroid. Consult a doctor and seek the best treatment recommended for you.
