Your thyroid gland plays a vital role in regulating many of your bodily functions, yet thyroid issues often go unnoticed or misdiagnosed due to their subtle symptoms. In fact, the American Thyroid Association states more than 12 percent of the U.S. population will develop a thyroid condition over the course of their life, with women being five to eight times more likely than men to experience thyroid problems. That is why it is so important to understand the role of your thyroid gland, the hormones it produces in your body, and be aware of any changes.
What is your thyroid
The thyroid is a part of your endocrine system, which controls your hormones. Hormones can be seen as your internal messengers that control how your body works. These hormones affect many of your bodily functions, including:
- Metabolism, which provides your body with energy
- Brain development and activity
- Body temperature
- Heart rate
- Digestion
- Mood
Hypothyroidism vs Hyperthyroidism
Unfortunately, your thyroid is not immune to disruptions, which can create a domino effect of other challenges within your body. If your thyroid is underactive, meaning it makes less hormones (hypothyroidism), or overactive, meaning it makes too much hormone (hyperthyroidism), it can lead to you feeling off.
Hypothyroidism can lead to a slow-down in many of your bodily functions with common symptoms including:
- Fatigue or feeling unusually tired, even after a full night’s sleep.
- Weight gain that is unexplained weight gain, even if your diet and activity levels remain the same.
- Sensitivity to cold and feeling cold all the time, even in warm environments.
- Dry skin that may appear flaky and dry hair that may become brittle or fall out.
- Depression or feelings of sadness and sluggishness.
- Constipation due to slowed digestive processes.
- Memory problems or trouble concentrating often referred to as "brain fog."
Hyperthyroidism is the opposite condition, where the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone. This speeds up your metabolism and can lead to a range of symptoms including:
- Rapid weight loss despite eating the same (or more) than usual.
- Heart palpitations or a racing heartbeat.
- Nervousness, anxiety or irritability without a clear cause.
- Tremors or shaky hands.
- Insomnia or trouble sleeping.
- Sweating or heat intolerance even in cooler settings.
- Frequent bowel movements or diarrhea.
If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, it is important to make an appointment to see your primary care doctor or advanced practice provider* (APP). They can help determine if your symptoms are related to your thyroid and recommend a personalized treatment plan and any appropriate lifestyle changes such as getting regular exercise, eating a balanced diet, and getting enough sleep. Whether you are diagnosed with hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, it’s important to remember treatment may take time. While many of my patients hope to see a drastic improvement overnight, it can often take a few weeks for those with symptoms to feel better.
Your thyroid gland might be small, but its impact on your overall health is not. Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism are common thyroid conditions that often go undetected, but with the guidance of your primary care doctor or APP, they’re entirely manageable.
*An advanced practice provider includes a nurse practitioner or physician assistant.