Thyroid is a little gland at the front of your neck that resembles a butterfly. It produces hormones that regulate the body’s energy consumption. These hormones have an impact on almost every organ in your body and regulate a number of the most vital processes.
Thyroid diseases cause your thyroid to make either too much or too little hormones. Some of the different thyroid diseases according to Medline Plus include:
- Goiter, an enlargement of the thyroid gland
- Hyperthyroidism, which happens when your thyroid gland makes more thyroid hormones than your body needs
- Hypothyroidism, which happens when your thyroid gland does not make enough thyroid hormones
- Thyroid cancer
- Thyroid nodules, lumps in the thyroid gland
- Thyroiditis, swelling of the thyroid
Here are a few signs which could indicate that you may have a thyroid issue.
High Blood Pressure
According to WebMD your blood arteries may become less flexible as a result of an underactive thyroid, which will make it more difficult for your heart to pump blood to every part of your body. Your heart may beat more quickly and your blood pressure may rise if your thyroid is hyperactive.
Period issues
The publication also notes that problems during your period may indicate a thyroid issue, and that an extremely light, extremely heavy, or irregular period can all be symptoms of a thyroid issue. Another indication is not having a period at all. Girls with thyroid issues may experience very early or very late onset of menstruation.
Tired
According to Penn Medicine hyperthyroidism can make it difficult for you to fall asleep at night, thus leading to fatigue, whereas hypothyroidism’s lack of thyroxine can deplete your body from all of its energy. Additionally, with both of these conditions you’ll likely experience muscle weakness which causes your body to feel tired and worn down.
Hair loss
Healthline states that thyroid hormone controls hair follicles. Hair follicles are more vulnerable to low thyroid levels than other tissues because they include stem cells with a short lifespan and fast turnover, notes the health publication. Hair follicles stop rebuilding as a result of low thyroid hormone, which leads to hair loss. When the thyroid problem is treated, this usually gets better.
There are more signs and symptoms of thyroid issues but we have only highlighted a few. The condition, its severity, and your symptoms will all influence the course of treatment. Thyroid surgery, radioiodine therapy, and medications are all potential therapies.
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