The Thyroid is a popularly known human gland located in the front area of your neck. This tiny gland significantly contributes to maintaining various health functions. From regulating metabolism to maintaining heart functions, the thyroid gland plays a pivotal role in overall well-being. However, a dysfunctional thyroid gland is a serious risk factor that directly impacts your health and wellness. Such dysfunctional thyroid glands often trigger severe health issues, which are primarily known as thyroid diseases.
Although thyroid diseases are mostly persistent, early diagnosis and proper treatment can help control thyroid malfunctions. Sometimes, the Thyroid produces some noticeable symptoms. Detecting these early symptoms can lead to the correct diagnosis and a speedy recovery. Wondering what the early signs of Thyroid? Read this article to discover some early signs of thyroid disease.
What the Early Signs of Thyroid
A massive change in body weight
Drastically changed body weight could be a sign of thyroid malfunctions. An individual with thyroid issues experiences two types of weight changes. One is known as hypothyroidism, where the thyroid gland becomes less active and contributes to massive weight gain. Another is hyperthyroidism, where the thyroid gland becomes overactive and eventually triggers huge weight loss. Therefore, sudden weight loss or gain can be considered a sign of Thyroid. Sometimes, lifestyle choices like cardio activities, lack of sleep, and reducing carb intake can contribute to weight loss. However, if the weight loss or weight gain is happening without any significant reason, you must conduct some thyroid tests or see a doctor.
Appetite changes
Individuals with thyroid issues often experience a massive change in their appetite. Sometimes, they feel starving. This condition, primarily known as hypothyroidism, where a person feels hungry all the time, leads to excessive eating, which often drastically increases body weight.
There is another side of appetite change where a person doesn’t feel hungry. This phase is called hyperthyroidism, where a person experiences a lack of appetite, which eventually leads to rapid weight loss. So, if you are curious to know what are early signs of Thyroid, you can count on this symptom. If you are experiencing weird appetite changes, you must visit a doctor and check your thyroid levels.
Excessive Weakness
Excessive weakness is a common and noticeable sign of thyroid malfunctions. When your thyroid gland doesn’t produce sufficient hormones, it affects your bodily functions and metabolism. As a result, you start feeling excessively fatigued despite not participating in strenuous activities. A person with thyroid malfunction often feels sleepy, tired or exhausted. They don’t feel like going outside. They usually fail to perform all the strenuous activities. Such a condition frequently impacts their daily life, making them less interested in regular activities. If you are experiencing this symptom for a longer time, you may need to check your thyroid levels.
Abnormal heartbeats
Abnormal heartbeats are one of the possible signs of thyroid disease. Individuals with hyperthyroidism often experience rapid, irregular, and slow heartbeats. This primarily happens due to the excessive secretion of thyroid hormones. Sometimes, people even report experiencing intense heart palpitation, which affects their heart functions. This condition can become more severe if it remains untreated. Individuals constantly experiencing such abnormal heartbeats must consult a doctor and seek medical advice.
Hair loss
Excessive hair loss is another evident sign of Thyroid problems. However, hair loss often results from a higher production of thyroid hormone. This condition is also known as hyperthyroidism, where you might notice gray hair, rough hair, and excessive hair loss. Individuals with certain thyroid problems experience sudden hair loss. They must seek medical help and perform thyroid tests in such conditions.
Muscle fatigue and Joint pain
Excessive joint pain and muscle stiffness often indicate severe thyroid issues. This condition is usually diagnosed as hypothyroidism, where the thyroid gland doesn’t produce a sufficient amount of Thyroid hormone. Such a condition often causes unbearable joint pain and muscle discomfort, which eventually leads to muscle cramps.
Excessive Mood swings
Thyroid problems can often trigger severe mental illnesses. In such conditions, people experience excessive mood swings. Individuals with hypothyroidism usually suffer from depression, lack of appetite, lower concentration, inability to socialize and lack of motivation. You experience these symptoms due to a lack of thyroid hormone.
On the other hand, individuals whose thyroid level is higher often experience restlessness, hyperactiveness, excessive anxiety, and even panic attacks. Such symptoms can be diagnosed as hyperthyroidism. Individuals with excessive mood swings must conduct the needed thyroid tests to gain a proper understanding of their thyroid functions.
Menstruation Problems
Women with thyroid issues often have to deal with various menstruation issues. Sometimes, a woman with a dysfunctional thyroid gland experiences heavy flow in their periods. At the same time, they often suffer from unbearable menstruation pain. Missing periods are also standard for women with thyroid issues. Gradually, this can impact your reproductive system. Therefore, a woman has to check their thyroid level and make sure to treat the thyroid abnormalities.
A lump in the neck
An inflamed thyroid gland is often called goiter, where an individual develops a lump in their neck area. Constant swelling in the neck area is a probable sign of Thyroid. However, one shouldn’t take random medicines to deal with this problem. Specific thyroid tests are required to diagnose and treat this condition.
A sudden change in Voice
According to research, a dysfunctional thyroid gland often harms the vocal cord, causing a sudden change in Voice. If left untreated, this can even cause speaking difficulties. Sometimes, the Voice becomes so heavy that one fails to recognize one’s own.
Changes in sleep routine
Lack of sleep and sudden increased sleepiness are possible signs of thyroid abnormalities. People with thyroid dysfunctions may suffer from insomnia and experience excessive sleepiness during the day. Therefore, sleep abnormalities are one of the possible signs of Thyroid disease.
Final Thoughts
Although not all the above-listed signs indicate thyroid dysfunctions, the persistence of these symptoms may indicate something is wrong with your thyroid gland. Detecting these early signs can lead to timely treatment and eventually improve your condition. Consult a doctor immediately if you have been experiencing these symptoms for longer. The proper diagnosis and practical treatment approaches can cure thyroid dysfunctions.