Early Warning Signs of Thyroid Problems

The thyroid gland is a small, butterfly-shaped structure in the neck that produces hormones that help regulate metabolism. Overproduction (hyperthyroidism) and underproduction (hypothyroidism) of hormones can affect your health in various ways.

This article explains symptoms that might indicate you have a problem with your thyroid gland.

Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism

If your thyroid gland is overactive, you might experience some or all of the following symptoms:

• Unintended weight loss
• Increased appetite
• Sweating
• Rapid heartbeat
• Anxiety
• Irritability
• Sleep issues
• Tremors in your hands or fingers
• Frequent bowel movements or diarrhea
• Heat intolerance
• Lump in your throat
• Sexual dysfunction
• Muscle weakness or tenderness
• Menstrual cycle changes

Other health problems can cause these symptoms, so experiencing them doesn’t necessarily mean you have hyperthyroidism. Still, you should talk with your healthcare provider about them.

Symptoms of Hypothyroidism

Underproduction of thyroid hormones can cause some or all of these symptoms:

• Fatigue or weakness
• Brain fog
• Cold intolerance
• Constipation
• Weight gain
• Lump in your throat
• Dry hair and skin
• Depression
• Sexual dysfunction
• Sleep issues
• Muscle or joint pain
• Menstrual cycle changes

Here again, these symptoms aren’t exclusive to hypothyroidism, but they are cause for a conversation with your provider.

Why Is Early Detection of Thyroid Problems Crucial?

Detecting thyroid problems in their early stages is important for multiple reasons. First, the symptoms of thyroid disorders can diminish your quality of life. Enduring them is unfortunate and unnecessary since thyroid conditions can be treated.

Second, untreated thyroid issues can lead to significant health problems. For example, hypothyroidism can cause a rare but life-threatening condition called myxedema coma, which causes decreased mental status, hypothermia and the failure of multiple organ systems.

Untreated hyperthyroidism can lead to thyroid storm or thyrotoxic crisis. It’s a life-threatening condition that causes a hypermetabolic state, with symptoms that include fever, rapid heart rate, agitation, confusion and potentially coma.

So, it’s vital to pay attention to your body and not dismiss symptoms as unimportant or just part of getting older, for example.

What Causes Thyroid Problems?

Thyroid issues can have several causes, including:

• Genetics. Thyroid problems can run in families.
• Pregnancy. Hormone changes during pregnancy can affect the thyroid gland.
• Iodine deficiency. Not getting enough iodine can cause hypothyroidism or goiter (enlargement of the thyroid gland).
• Autoimmune diseases. Certain diseases, like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and Graves’ disease, can cause the immune system to attack the thyroid gland, leading to hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism.
• Medications. Some prescription drugs can affect thyroid hormone production.
• Surgery. Thyroid surgery can disrupt thyroid hormone production, causing hypothyroidism.
• Radiation exposure. Radiation can damage the thyroid, causing hypothyroidism and increasing the risk of thyroid cancer.

When To Talk With Your Healthcare Provider

The symptoms of thyroid conditions can be subtle, but early detection is essential. Talk with your healthcare provider if you experience symptoms of thyroid problems. They can diagnose your condition by getting your medical and family history, performing a physical exam and ordering tests to check for various hormones and antibodies in your blood.

The good news is that thyroid problems are treatable with medications, hormone replacement therapy or surgery as needed. So, don’t wait to seek treatment. The sooner you get care, the better your outcome is likely to be.

Use our online directory to find a Baptist Health provider if you don’t have one.

Next Steps and Helpful Resources

Learn More About Women's Care at Baptist Health
What Does the Thyroid Do?
Hypothyroidism & Six Foods to Avoid
Everything You Need to Know About Hypothyroidism
What’s The Difference Between Hypothyroidism and Hyperthyroidism?