What Are the Early Warning Signs of Thyroid Problems?

October 25, 2023Precision Labs Medical Articles

Sixty percent of Americans with thyroid disease don’t even know they have it. That equates to around 12 million people. That’s because the symptoms are relatively common and are often mistaken for something else-like a diet.

It’s helpful to examine a range of early symptoms of thyroid disease to help spot the problem. An early diagnosis means you can get the appropriate treatment rather than suffering from the symptoms.

So, what are the early warning signs of thyroid problems? Read on to learn about some of the earliest symptoms of a thyroid problem and when to order a test.

Unexplained Fatigue

If you always feel tired, you might feel tempted to blame it on a busy job or lifestyle. But it could be something else that’s driven this symptom: the thyroid.

Signs of an underlying problem include fatigue after a rest or a continued feeling of lethargy for an extended time.

Individuals with this early symptom of a thyroid problem might describe themselves as feeling constantly exhausted.

You may have tried natural techniques to resolve the situation, like improving sleep patterns, but found that nothing works.

Dry Hair and Skin

If your hair or skin seems unusually dry, consider whether this might be an early sign of a thyroid imbalance. Hypothyroidism can create brittle hair and skin.

You may also find the same problem with your nails. Hyperthyroidism is equally problematic for hair, and you may notice thinning.

So, if you have an ongoing issue with your hair and skin appearance that over-the-counter products can’t fix, always investigate a thyroid problem.

Unexplained Weight Loss or Gain

If you have a weight gain that you can’t fix with a change in diet, you may need to rule out your thyroid as the cause.

Hypothyroidism is an underactive thyroid. This can cause the body’s metabolism to slow, causing unintended weight gain. The opposite happens with hyperthyroidism, and you may have weight loss without an apparent reason.

So, consider a thyroid test if your weight has changed without any recent differences in your eating patterns or exercise routine.

Unusual Sensitivity to Changes in Temperature

Most of us feel the chill on a cold day. But if you find you’re always cold, even on a mild day or after turning up the thermostat, it could point to another cause.

Our thyroid helps regulate our internal temperature.

When you have an underactive thyroid, that regulation may not work as efficiently. It can leave you feeling sensitive to the cold, even when others around you feel fine.

It’s always worth getting this symptom checked rather than seeing it as a minor inconvenience.

Aches and Pains

You might attribute general aches and pains to your lifestyle or aging. That can often be the case, but muscle and joint pain is also an early sign of a thyroid imbalance.

Hypothyroidism can create these problems. It will manifest as ongoing tenderness or pain in any major muscle group. You may feel weak, such as experiencing aching muscles after gentle, low-impact exercise.

Pay attention to these symptoms. If they persist, get tested for a thyroid problem.

Mood Changes

We may assume that modern life is the culprit for much of our emotional well-being. Busy, stressful lifestyles can leave us all feeling low occasionally.

Yet a change of mood, or mood imbalances, might have a physiological cause. Thyroid hormones help balance our brains, and a problem with the thyroid can leave a person feeling anxious or depressed.

It can sometimes leave you with a sense of irritability, too. If you have these symptoms with no obvious trigger, get checked to see if your thyroid is to blame.

Irregular Menstrual Cycle

All women will have a different cycle; some will experience more regular ones than others. Yet it’s always essential to spot any unusual changes to your cycle, such as lengthening or shortening.

Don’t assume this is due to perimenopausal symptoms if you are over 40. It could be an undiagnosed thyroid problem that’s causing the cycle length.

Hypothyroidism could leave you with heavier periods, and hyperthyroidism may cause more infrequent cycles. In both cases, get tested to rule this out.

Difficulty Focusing or a Feeling of Brain Fog

Brain fog is the term used to describe a sense that you can’t concentrate as well as usual. It’s more than simple forgetfulness. It’s a persistent problem where you feel unable to focus with as much clarity as you did in the past.

It can make challenging tasks feel overwhelming and leave you feeling mentally tired. It can be triggered by stress or diet changes. It’s also an early sign of a thyroid disorder.

If you have problems concentrating on everyday tasks or have that sense of brain fog, it’s worth ruling out your thyroid as the cause by getting a test.

High Cholesterol

Perhaps you had a recent check-up with your doctor and found you had high cholesterol. In most cases, you will have received advice about changing your diet, as cholesterol problems are linked to cardiovascular diseases.

However, if your high cholesterol persists despite medication or lifestyle changes, check your thyroid. The thyroid affects your metabolism, and an imbalance can impact your cholesterol levels.

Neck Swelling

A problem with the thyroid can create a visual swelling in the neck area. Examine the front lower section of the next for a lump or growth. You could also check whether you notice a swelling when swallowing.

Any symptom like this will always require a medical examination. So consult your doctor. If you have this swelling, it’s essential to rule out possible thyroid issues.