The thyroid gland is an important organ that is responsible for metabolism regulation. It produces two thyroid hormones, triiodothyronine andthyroxine. An underactive thyroid, or hypothyroidism, occurs when the thyroid gland is not producing enough of these key hormones. This condition can affect the entire body and can lead to a variety of different symptoms. Symptoms can vary from mild to severe and can be different for each person. They often start slowly and can be difficult to notice at first as they can be easily mistaken for the symptoms of other conditions such as depression. If you have noticed any of the following symptoms, it is worth having your thyroid checked.
Since the thyroid is responsible for regulating your metabolism, weight gain is often one of the first things that people who suffer from hypothyroidism will notice. If you have been eating well and exercising yet are still gaining weight, or are seriously struggling to shift any extra pounds, this is a common occurrence with an underactive thyroid and it’s important to speak to your doctor as soon as possible. Since unexplained weight gain can also be caused by a range of other health conditions, a blood test can rule out any other possible causes too. Use https://tripment.com/ to find a doctor that specializes in thyroid issues. Tripment allows you to search for the right medical professional for you based on your location and the health problems that you are experiencing.
Another common symptom of an underactive thyroid is fatigue. This can affect you in several different ways, but it’s certainly a telltale sign if you tend to be a lot more tired than usual these days, even if you haven’t physically exerted yourself. If you still feel tired after what should have been a refreshing night’s sleep and don’t have much energy to do things, it’s worth getting your thyroid checked. This symptom can often be mistaken for depression and may even cause depression if your tiredness is causing you to miss out on doing the things that you once enjoyed, or leading to problems at work.
Sensitivity to Cold:
Most people don’t like being out in the cold but if you are particularly sensitive to the cold these days, it could be due to an underactive thyroid. If you’ve started to feel drafts in your home that you never noticed before and have found yourself wrapped in a blanket or wearing heavy clothes more often than you used to, it may be due to your thyroid gland not producing enough of the necessary hormones required for your body to generate the energy to keep itself warm.
Thinning hair can also be another symptom of hypothyroidism. This is often first seen in the eyebrows. If it’s been longer than usual since your last eyebrow waxing appointment and you don’t feel the need to get them done again yet, this could be a telltale sign. It’s worth visiting your doctor if you have any of the above symptoms plus thinning eyebrows.
Along with the above, people with hypothyroidism might feel confused more often, suffer from frequent constipation, carpal tunnel syndrome, aches and pains, dry skin, a puffy or swollen face, and an irregular menstrual flow in women.