What are the Early Warning Signs of Thyroid Problems?

 Thyroid problems refer to the problems that affect an individual’s thyroid gland. A thyroid gland refers to a butterfly-shaped gland located beneath the neck that is responsible for producing hormones. These hormones lead to either an overproduction (hyperthyroidism) or an underproduction (hypothyroidism) of hormones, causing symptoms such as mood swings, tiredness, or disturbances in sleep. Sometimes, thyroid disease is left undiagnosed as it does not show any symptoms. Therefore, early diagnosis and treatment of thyroid problems is vital to improve one's quality of life.

In this comprehensive guide, we will discuss the early warning signs of thyroid problems. The insights used to create this guide have been taken from a renowned thyroid doctor in Hyderabad at the Magna Centre. 

The Early Signs of Thyroid Issues

1. Weight Gain

The thyroid plays a vital role in weight since it regulates metabolism. Problems with the thyroid can lead to improper functioning of the metabolism, which greatly affects one’s body weight. If the basal metabolic rate (BMR) is low, it would indicate hypothyroidism. For most individuals, hypothyroidism leads to weight gain, which goes unnoticed. This weight gain is not always due to more fat. Instead, it can be due to the intake of water and salt in the body.

2. Fatigue

One of the signs that an individual is developing hypothyroidism is fatigue. The tiredness experienced when one gets exhausted is not similar to the tiredness related to hypothyroidism.

3. Weight Loss

Having issues with the thyroid can also lead to weight loss. Unlike hypothyroidism, where the thyroid gland does not function properly, hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid is overactive. In such instances, the BMI results would be much higher than usual. Just like with weight gain, the amount of weight one loses due to an overactive gland will depend on the severity of the condition. Hyperthyroidism also causes an increase in appetite, which is why some people with an overactive thyroid end up gaining weight. Although there are other factors that affect weight, the functioning of the thyroid is still an important indicator.

If one thinks they are losing weight due to thyroid problems, they must seek the help of a thyroid doctor immediately. One can consider consulting the thyroid doctors at Magna Centre, who are known for offering the best thyroid disorder treatment in Hyderabad.

4. Slow Heart Rate

The health of the thyroid can also have an impact on cardiac health. A slower heart rate, for example, is caused by hypothyroidism, which results in inadequate thyroid hormone. Inadequate thyroid hormone can also lead to atherosclerosis over time, making it harder for blood to flow through the arteries and raising the blood pressure. Hypothyroidism may also result in increased cholesterol levels.

5. Gastrointestinal Problems

Patients with hypothyroidism experience stomach and digestive problems, along with other symptoms. Patients with an underactive thyroid are at risk of overgrowth or an imbalance of bacteria in the digestive system. This can lead to small-intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), a disease that affects nearly half of patients with hypothyroidism. SIBO can also lead to symptoms such as stomach pain, diarrhea, nausea, etc.

6. Sensitivity to Cold

Individuals with hypothyroidism often experience cold feet and hands. This can also occur in places where everyone else feels warm. This mostly occurs when the body does not produce enough thyroxine, which causes the metabolism to slow down.

7. Difficulty in Sleeping

Problems with sleep can arise from both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. Patients with hyperthyroidism may find it difficult to fall asleep at night due to the anxiety and consciousness that come with this condition. The condition's increased perspiration might produce night sweats, which wake the patient up in the middle of the night. While hypothyroidism is associated with tiredness and a desire for sleep, studies have linked an underactive thyroid to poor sleep quality, short sleep duration, and sleep onset.

Final Takeaway

Depending on the kind of condition one has, thyroid disorders might affect one in different ways. These include weight, heart rate, and how one reacts to cold, heat, difficulty sleeping, etc. Even if these symptoms can indicate a thyroid problem, a thyroid doctor should be consulted for a precise diagnosis and a treatment plan.

Therefore, if one experiences the symptoms mentioned above, one can get them examined under the guidance of the best endocrinologist in Hyderabad at Magna Centre. These expert doctors provide effective treatment for hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, goiter, thyroid nodules, and thyroid cancer and have performed 31,300+ thyroid treatments so far.

To book a consultation with the expert endocrinologists, visit Magna Centre today!