6 Subtle Signs of Thyroid Problems

When you start feeling general symptoms of malaise, the small, butterfly thyroid gland is probably the last culprit to cross your mind. Surprisingly, thyroid problems can cause many wide-ranging symptoms that make life more difficult.

According to Thomas Nguyen, MD, a thyroid expert practicing at Nguyen Medical Group in Boynton Beach, Florida, symptoms of an overactive or underactive thyroid can be difficult to detect. Look out for these six subtle signs that could indicate you have thyroid problems.

What is the thyroid’s role in your health?

Your thyroid controls your body’s hormone levels. A well-functioning thyroid helps your body control your:

Metabolism
Internal temperature
Energy regulation
Growth

When your thyroid is overactive or underactive, it can cause you uncomfortable symptoms that lower your quality of life. Without treatment, you’re at risk for developing more serious problems that include thyroid cancer, Grave’s disease, and Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis.

Six subtle thyroid problem symptoms

Problems like weight gain or loss and fatigue are well-known signs of thyroid dysfunction, but they’re usually not the only symptoms that present when you have a thyroid issue. Other, more subtle symptoms you might experience at the same time include:

1. Skin and nail changes

Your skin can change in several ways when your thyroid acts up. Dysregulation can cause your skin and nails to look paler and become unusually dry and cracked, with rashes, scaly areas, and even skin lumps forming.

Skin can either become cool or moist and warm to the touch. You could also experience increased itchiness and swelling in your fingertips, even when you don’t have a rash.

2. Digestion problems

Depending on the type of thyroid problem you experience, you can either develop constipation or diarrhea. You might also experience digestive-related pain in your abdomen.

3. Confusion

Thyroid problems can give you brain fog, making it harder to focus. If you’ve been more forgetful than usual or feel like you just can’t concentrate on tasks, your thyroid could be the culprit.

4. Sweating

An over or underactive thyroid can change the amount you perspire. You should get your thyroid checked if you’re sweating more or less than usual without making any lifestyle changes.

5. Losing hair

If your hairline is thinning, genetics might not be to blame. Men and women can both experience thinning hairlines from thyroid issues.

Your hair might also appear duller and become more brittle or coarse in texture. You can experience similar problems in other areas where you grow hair, such as your eyebrows.

6. Problems with your heart

Your thyroid helps regulate your heart, so it can cause various heart problems. High blood pressure, a racing heart, high cholesterol, and dizziness can all be caused by your thyroid, especially if other causes have been ruled out.

Thyroid problems can be difficult to detect and diagnose, so you should get your thyroid checked even if you have only subtle symptoms. Our team checks your thyroid levels with blood testing and develops a treatment plan if they’re out of balance.

Sometimes, simple lifestyle changes are all you need to regulate your thyroid and ease your symptoms. Depending on your thyroid condition, you might also need to take medication.

Early diagnosis reduces the risk of complications from thyroid problems and improves quality of life. Contact us to make an appointment to have your thyroid checked.