Health: 8 Signs Your Thyroid Needs to be Checked ASAP

Have you been feeling sluggish lately? Gaining weight? Oh, have you got your period yet? Well, these are the signs you might have a thyroid problem.

8 Signs Your Thyroid Needs to be Checked ASAP

The term “thyroid” is often associated with someone who has a big lump in the throat or “goiter.” While it’s true, there are other patients that don’t show anything at all, like me. I never knew about it until I went to get a check-up. Don’t fret as it’s definitely curable.

According to Department of Health, there are approximately thousands of Filipinos suffering and some of them are silent sufferers and often undiagnosed.

As concluded by The American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, women are more prone to have thyroid problems, which causes amenorrhea and/or polycystic ovarian syndrome or PCOS.

What is Thyroid?

As described by my Endocrinologist, it looks like a butterfly-shaped gland in the neck. It is small and often known as “Adam’s apple” but it plays a huge role in your body’s temperature, metabolism, and heartbeat.

Thyroid problems

It is a small part of the body which actually regulates almost major functionalities of our health. Since it’s not a common disease, it’s easily mistreated by bad toxins and most importantly, stress.

stress

Stress is the critical identifier of ALL diseases, I tell you. When a person is stressed, all organs function doubly hard, which our body isn’t used to. I know it’s easier said than done, but try to lower your stress level by either relaxing, having fun, or being positive.

There are two kinds of thyroid problems: Hypothyroidism and Hyperthyroidism.

As explained by endocrineweb.com, hypothyroidism’s primary function is to run the body’s metabolism. Hyperthyroidism, on the other hand, produces excessive amounts of thyroid hormone.

thyroid symptoms

Photo by: everydayhealth.com

Truthfully, many people have thyroid problems. But only a few know what to do and how to regulate them. So, for the benefit of everyone, I have listed down the common signs your thyroid isn’t working properly BASED on my personal experience. However, I also consulted other resources such as my doctor’s advice, medical websites and statistics available online.

8. You feel depressed, anxious or panicky

Have you felt like something bad is going to happen? Or thought you were having a heart attack? Can you breathe properly? Well, welcome to my world.

Iron Man panic disorder

Even IronMan or Tony Stark has a panic disorder! (photo by bluray.com)

While there are many factors involved, this could be a sign of thyroid disorder. When you feel anxious, your thyroid gland is making too much thyroid hormones, which is called hyperthyroidism. So, if you have experienced a series of panic or anxiety attacks, you might want to check your thyroid. Please, don’t judge someone for being depressed or anxious. Blame it on our thyroid glands! (But, once we have it all cured, we’d be back to our normal feelings again)

sheldon cooper

Tip: If you think you’re having a panic attack, lie down, put your feet up and breathe in and out of a brown bag. This will help normalize your oxygen levels.

7. Excessive hair fall

Excessive hair fall, brittle hair is common to women. However, it could be a sign of hypothyroidism. Remember, hypo patients have low hormone levels, therefore, disrupts your hair growth cycle.

6. Forgetfulness and difficulty concentrating

When I say I’m having “momnesia,” I really mean it. I would sometimes forget who I would email even though I’m already in front of my planner. You may categorize it as “aging” but cognitive functioning might be at risk if thyroid hormones are acting up. In a nutshell, hypothyroid peeps show signs of forgetfulness and hyperthyroid patients lack concentration.

momnesia

More signs revealed on page 2