- 1. Weight gain or loss
- 2. Difficulty concentrating and forgetting
- 3. Hair loss and dry skin
- 4. Changes in Mood and Constipation
- 5. Drowsiness, Tiredness and Muscle Pain
- 6. Discomfort in the throat and neck
- 7. Palpitations and high blood pressure
- How to treat thyroid changes
- Thyroid disorders in pregnancy
Changes in the thyroid can cause several symptoms, which if not well interpreted can go unnoticed and the problem can continue to worsen. When thyroid function is altered, this gland may be functioning excessively, also known as hyperthyroidism, or it may be functioning poorly, which is also known as hypothyroidism.
While hyperthyroidism can cause symptoms such as agitation, nervousness, difficulty concentrating, and weight loss, hypothyroidism causes symptoms such as tiredness, memory loss, fattening, dry and cold skin, irregular menstrual cycle and hair loss. However, there are some general symptoms to watch out for, as they may indicate problems or changes in the functioning of your thyroid gland such as:
1. Weight gain or loss
Weight gain for no apparent reason, especially if there were no changes in diet or daily activities, is always worrying and can be caused by hypothyroidism, where the thyroid gland is malfunctioning and slows down the whole body. However, weight loss can also occur for no apparent reason, which can be related to hyperthyroidism and the presence of Graves' disease, for example. See all symptoms here.
2. Difficulty concentrating and forgetting
Feeling that your head is constantly out of place, often having difficulty concentrating or constantly forgetting, can be a symptom of changes in thyroid function, and lack of concentration can be a sign of hyperthyroidism and forgetfulness a sign of hypothyroidism. See the symptoms of hyperthyroidism.
3. Hair loss and dry skin
Hair loss is normal especially in the fall and spring, however if this hair loss becomes very pronounced or lasts beyond these seasons, it may indicate that there is some change in the functioning of the thyroid. In addition, the skin may be dry and itchy, which may be indicative of thyroid problems, especially if these symptoms are not related to cold, dry weather.
4. Changes in Mood and Constipation
Deficit or excess of thyroid hormones in the body can cause mood swings, and hyperthyroidism can cause irritability, anxiety and agitation, while hypothyroidism can cause constant sadness or depression due to altered levels of serotonin in the brain.
In addition, changes in thyroid function can also cause difficulties in digestion and constipation, which cannot be resolved with food and physical exercise.
5. Drowsiness, Tiredness and Muscle Pain
Drowsiness, constant tiredness and an increase in the number of hours you sleep per night can be a sign of hypothyroidism, which slows down body functions and causes a constant feeling of fatigue. In addition, unexplained muscle pain or tingling may also be another sign, as a lack of thyroid hormone can damage the nerves that send signals from the brain to the rest of your body, causing tingling and stinging in the body.
6. Discomfort in the throat and neck
The thyroid gland is located in the neck and, therefore, if pain, discomfort or the presence of a lump or lump in the neck region is noticed, it may be an indication that the gland is altered, which can interfere with its good operation.
As soon as you notice any changes related to the thyroid, it is important to go to the general practitioner or endocrinologist for diagnostic tests. Learn how to self-examine the thyroid to identify any type of changes.
7. Palpitations and high blood pressure
Palpitations that sometimes make the pulse in the neck and wrist feel, can be a symptom that indicates that the thyroid is not working as it should. In addition, high blood pressure can be another symptom, especially if it does not improve with physical exercise and diet, and hypothyroidism can also cause an increase in bad cholesterol levels in the body.
In addition to these symptoms, loss of sexual desire and lack of libido can also be an indication that your thyroid is malfunctioning, as well as weight gain, hair loss and muscle pain.
If any of these symptoms are noticed, it is important that you see an endocrinologist as soon as possible, so that he can order blood tests that measure the levels of thyroid hormone in the body or an ultrasound of the thyroid to check for the existence and size of possible nodules.
How to treat thyroid changes
Treatment for thyroid problems, such as an inflamed or altered thyroid, includes the use of medications, which regulate thyroid function or perform surgery to remove the gland, requiring hormone replacement therapy for life. See which remedies are used to treat thyroid problems.
Watch the video below how food can help:
Thyroid disorders in pregnancy
Those who have hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism may find it more difficult to conceive and have a greater risk of having a miscarriage and low IQ in the baby, in women there is a greater risk of eclampsia, premature birth and placenta previa.
Normally those who are trying to conceive should be able to normalize thyroid values with the use of medications indicated by the endocrinologist and maintain proper control during pregnancy to reduce the chances of complications.
Adapting your diet and using teas prepared with medicinal plants can also help to control the functioning of this gland. See what to eat to regulate the thyroid.
