When the thyroid is underactive, it doesn’t produce and release enough thyroid hormones, which can result in hypothyroidism and a range of serious health issues. According to Jeffrey Garber, MD, FACP, MACE, “Your thyroid, a small, butterfly-shaped gland placed in front of your windpipe (trachea) and below your voice box (larynx), may have a dramatic influence on your health and well-being.” “Your thyroid continuously produces hormones that affect your metabolism throughout your life. Your mood, energy, body temperature, weight, heart, and other factors are influenced by these hormones.
T4 (thyroxine) and T3 (triiodothyronine), two different thyroid hormones, are both produced by your thyroid. Every cell, tissue, and organ in your body—from your muscles, bones, and skin to your digestive tract, brain, and heart—is affected by these hormones because they regulate how quickly and effectively cells turn nutrients into energy, a process known as metabolism. Here are five surefire indicators that your thyroid isn’t working properly, according to specialists.
Signs Your Thyroid is Malfunctioning
1. Weight Gain
According to specialists, one of the most typical symptoms of hypothyroidism is weight gain. According to endocrinologist Eve D. Bloomgarden, MD, “Hypothyroidism from any source leads in a reduction in energy metabolism, or the basal metabolic rate.”
“Prior to diagnosis, patients frequently gain a little amount of weight as a result of this metabolic slowdown. The basal metabolic rate and weight both return to normal after thyroid hormone treatment for hypothyroidism.
This is significant. If not, I work with my patients to address other factors that contribute to weight gain, putting a special emphasis on getting enough sleep, choosing nutritious foods, and exercising.”
2. Cold Intolerance
unable to endure the cold? Your thyroid could be to blame. Izabella Wentz, PharmD, FASCP states, “The thyroid gland has been referred to as a thermostat for our body since it helps to regulate temperatures. “Hypothyroidism patients frequently have low body temperatures and cold sensitivity.
It’s one of those symptoms that we frequently ignore, fail to notice, and take lightly, but when we do not take the necessary measures, it may be really upsetting. When exposed to low conditions, those who have hypothyroidism are more likely to develop hypothermia, a disease that might be fatal.”
3. Hair Loss
According to specialists, thyroid problems might result in hair loss. According to endocrinologist Mary Vouyiouklis Kellis, MD, “Any changes in thyroid function might possibly cause hair loss, and sometimes it could be protracted and occur three months later, even when the levels are normal that you can start noticing recovery in the hair issue.”
But occasionally, factors other than the thyroid can also contribute to hair loss, so checking to make sure there isn’t an iron shortage would be another thing to take into account. Additionally, if you’re in a low estrogen condition during menopause, your hair follicle may start to weaken, giving the appearance of thin or thinning hair. This might possibly be the cause.
4. Is It Thyroid Malfunction or Menopause?
“We frequently encounter women between the ages of 40 and 60 who are diagnosed with thyroid disorders, and occasionally a lot of these symptoms might be menopausal symptoms,” explains Dr. Kellis. You know, whatever, you’re going through menopause, leave me alone, may be sort of poo-pooed.
Contrary to popular belief, you might occasionally experience menopause together with a thyroid problem that requires testing. Therefore, it is crucial to get your thyroid tested if you are going through a change and experiencing irregular periods, just in case your thyroid is to blame. You may not be ready for menopause yet, but thyroid problems may be the reason of your irregular periods.
5. Be Careful With Exercise
Doctors caution those who have hypothyroidism to exercise carefully. If a person’s thyroid hormones are out of control, excessive exercise might lead to heart failure, according to endocrinologist Christian Nasr, MD. “Until their hypothyroidism condition is fully managed with meds, I urge my patients not to exercise for a few weeks,”
