5 signs that the thyroid gland may be sick

0

The thyroid gland is located at the base of the neck and has the shape of a butterfly. It produces hormones, the imbalance of which can negatively affect energy levels, metabolism, heart rate, bowel function, and even cholesterol and bone levels. Unexpected weight loss, irritated skin, anxiety and other conditions can signal that the body is in danger. There are at least five signs of a sick thyroid gland.

Significant and unexplained changes in weight

With hyperthyroidism (overactivity of the thyroid gland), the body produces a lot of the hormone thyroxine, which speeds up metabolism. This leads to rapid weight loss. On the contrary, with hypothyroidism, the thyroid gland cannot produce enough hormone, which contributes to a slowdown in metabolism and weight gain.

Changes in appearance

In addition to weight fluctuations, you should pay attention to the condition of the hair, skin, neck and joints. Brittle and dry hair, red, itchy, thin and irritated skin, joint swelling, puffy face or swelling at the base of the neck can indicate that the thyroid gland is sick. If there are several such manifestations at once, it is better to check the thyroid gland.

Feeling unhappy

Hormones affect not only the appearance. They play a big role in overall mood and mental well-being. Hyperthyroidism can cause anxiety, nervousness, and irritability, while hypothyroidism contributes to depression.

Constant fatigue

Constant fatigue sometimes indicates that the body is in danger due to thyroid gland dysfunction. Hyperthyroidism can make it difficult to fall asleep at night, leading to fatigue, while a lack of thyroxine in hypothyroidism is characterized by a lack of energy. With both conditions, the patient is likely to experience muscle pain.

The body is always hot or cold

Hyperthyroidism can cause sensitivity to heat and excessive sweating, with this hypothyroid person has a hard time keeping warm. When the thyroid gland is working properly, its cells produce 65% energy and 35% heat. However, people with thyroid disease will produce too much or not enough thyroxine. This change in hormone levels will cause the body to either produce too much heat or suffer from a lack of energy to keep warm.

According to the NHS, if an underactive thyroid is left untreated, conditions such as:

• low and hoarse voice;
• thinned or partially absent eyebrows;
• slow heart rate;
• hearing loss;< /li>
• anemia.