9 Signs You Have a Thyroid Problem

Signs You May Have a Thyroid Problem

Thyroid problems are one of the most common and yet misunderstood disorders in medicine. Hypothyroid can be incredibly debilitating, robbing people from living their lives. And because it is so often undiagnosed and misdiagnosed, many thyroid patients go on for decades feeling as though they are losing their health and their minds when really it is their thyroid that is a problem.

Symptoms of thyroid disease can be vague and overlap with a multitude of other disorders. It is estimated that 20 million Americans have some form of thyroid disease. The very sad part is that up to sixty percent of those with signs of a thyroid problem are unaware of their condition and finding a diagnosis is difficult.

Women are five to eight times more likely than men to have thyroid issues.

Diagnosis of Thyroid Problems

Testing for thyroid disorders, or symptoms of hypothyroidism, is one reason why diagnosis is problematic. It can be difficult to screen for thyroid function since “normal” is different for everyone and varies greatly. Blood test results often come back within the lab’s normal range, and the doctor tells their patient that their thyroid is just fine when really it is anything but.

Additionally, a full thyroid panel (including TSH, T4, Free T4, Free T3, Reverse T3, Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies, and Thyroglobulin Antibodies) is usually not done by conventional doctors.

Listening to a patient’s symptoms is critical for a proper thyroid diagnosis.

While thyroid dysfunction can show up in a number of ways, here are some of the most common symptoms of hypothyroidism. You may not have all the symptoms, but if you have some, it is worth finding a functional practitioner or a thorough evaluation.

9 Signs You Have a Thyroid Problem

(Signs You May Have a Thyroid Problem)

1. Neurological Issues/ Brain Fog

Most people with hypothyroid have brain fog, poor memory and/or poor concentration.

2. Dry Skin

Dry skin is a common symptom of hypothyroid. Also included is dry hair and brittle nails.

3. Hormonal Issues

Many people with hypothyroid will also display hormonal imbalances including PMS, infertility, short periods and/or irregular periods.

4. Mood Issues

Depression and anxiety are very common with hypothyroidism as is irritability and mood swings.

5. Fatigue

Most people with hypothyroid issues have chronic fatigue even after sleeping 8 – 10 hours per night.

6. Weight Issues

An inability to lose weight despite a healthy diet can be cause by hypothyroid.

7. Pain

It is common for people suffering with hypothyroid to also have joint pain, tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome and general muscle pain.

8. Coldness

Many people with hypothyroid experience a body temperature below 98.6 resulting in cold feet and hands or a general feeling of being cold when others are not.

9. Constipation

Constipation is a common symptom.