Signs You Might Have a Thyroid Disorder
**Signs You Might Have a Thyroid Disorder**
Your thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland in your neck that acts like your body’s thermostat, controlling everything from energy levels to metabolism. When it’s not working right, it can throw your whole system out of balance. Here are key signs that might mean your thyroid needs attention:
**1. Weight changes you can’t explain.**
Gaining weight without eating more or exercising less? An underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) could be slowing your metabolism[1][2]. On the flip side, losing weight unexpectedly might signal an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), where your body burns calories too fast[1][4].
**2. Feeling tired all the time—or wired and restless.**
If you’re exhausted even after sleeping enough, hypothyroidism might be draining your energy[1][2]. But if you’re jittery, anxious, or can’t sleep despite feeling tired, hyperthyroidism could be revving up your system too much[3][4].
**3. Mood swings that feel out of character.**
Thyroid hormones affect brain chemistry. Depression, brain fog, or sudden sadness often link to hypothyroidism[1][2], while anxiety and irritability may point to hyperthyroidism[3][4].
**4. Your neck looks or feels different.**
A visible lump or swelling at the base of your throat (called a goiter) is a classic red flag[5]. You might also notice hoarseness, trouble swallowing, or a tight feeling in that area due to an enlarged thyroid pressing on nearby tissues[5].
**5. Hair and skin changes.**
Dry skin? Brittle nails? Thinning hair? These often come with hypothyroidism as hormone levels drop[2][5]. Hyperthyroidism can sometimes cause hair loss too but may also lead to sweating more than usual[4].
**6. Temperature sensitivity.**
Always cold? Hypothyroidism slows heat production in the body[2]. Feeling overheated easily? Hyperthyroidism can make you sweat excessively even in cool rooms[4].
**7. Menstrual issues for women.**
Heavier periods with cramps might mean an underactive thyroid; lighter cycles or missed periods could signal overactivity—both disrupt hormone balance critical for reproductive health[4][5].”
If several of these sound familiar—especially combined with symptoms like muscle weakness or constipation—talk to a doctor about checking TSH blood tests for answers.”
