How To Know If Your Thyroid Is Not Functioning Optimally
Thyroid problems are often confused with general health problems. Learn how to tell if your thyroid is not functioning optimally
As you know, your thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped gland in the neck, in front of your trachea.
First of all, it plays an important role in your body. It has all the responsibility for producing the hormones thyroxine and triiodothyronine, as well as regulating your metabolism and other organs.
The reason it is so important is that every cell in your body depends on thyroid hormones for growth and development.
Therefore, the body affects, among other things, all of the following:
- Heartbeat
- Cholesterol levels
- Body weight
- Energy levels
- Muscle strength
- Skin condition
- Regularity of your menstruation
- Memory
Your thyroid gland uses iodine to make the hormones. Iodine is an essential element for proper thyroid function and your body gets it through food.
Iodine deficiency can cause problems in the body or make existing problems worse.
As you may know, you can get iodine from foods like:
- Dairy (yogurt, cheese, milk)
- Fruit (oranges, apples, pineapples)
- Vegetables (beets, lettuce, onions)
- Garlic
- Prayers
- seaweed
Common symptoms of hypothyroidism not working optimally
Unfortunately , there is no specific symptom that unequivocally shows you that the thyroid gland is not functioning optimally
However, laboratory tests are the most reliable indication.
Either way, it is important to know that thyroid abnormalities have common symptoms that are easily attributed to other disorders such as:
- Stress
- Fatigue
- Depression
- Dementia
In addition, the thyroid gland may increase in size and change shape. In this case, we call them “goiters,” and what you see is a small mass in your neck.
Unfortunately, thyroid problems are usually asymptomatic. However, these symptoms can cause difficulty swallowing or breathing or make your voice sound different.
On the other hand, the most well-known thyroid diseases are hyper- and hypothyroidism, which may or may not accompany an increase in gland size.
Symptoms of hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is up to four times more common than hyperthyroidism. It involves a decreased production of thyroid hormones.
Thus, the resulting imbalance can lead to irregular functioning in your body.
Some symptoms of hypothyroidism are:
- Fatigue
- Sensitivity to cold
- Low appetite
- Weight gain (between 2 to 4 kilos, a consequence of fluid retention)
- Hypertension
- Cold, dry, hard skin
- Difficulty concentrating and memory problems
- Slow speech and movement
- Irregular menstrual cycle
- Muscle and joint pain
- Lack of energy and drowsiness
If you have hypothyroidism, eat a balanced, varied diet with foods from all food groups, especially those rich in fiber and low in fat.
In addition, you should increase daily physical activity.
Signs of hyperthyroidism
Next, hyperthyroidism is another condition of the thyroid gland.
Unlike hypothyroidism , your body produces more thyroid hormones than it needs. This speeds up your metabolism.
Some of the most common symptoms are:
- Increase in heart rate (palpitations) and blood pressure
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Increased appetite and weight loss
- Sensitivity to heat
- Thin, brittle hair
- Muscle weakness
- Vision problems
- Irregular menstrual cycle
- Frequent bowel movements
- Trembling or trembling sensations
- Increased sweating
If you have hyperthyroidism, eat a balanced, high-calorie diet.
Overall, if you suspect something is wrong with this gland, see a doctor to get some tests done. The sooner you detect any problems, the better!
