As many as 30 million Americans are estimated to have a thyroid problem, and half of them have no idea. The thyroid gland is located in the front of the neck and releases hormones which affect nearly every part of your body from your skin and muscles to your brain. These hormones play a critical role in controlling how your body uses energy, a process known as metabolism. This includes how your heart beats and even how your body burns calories.
An underactive thyroid, or hypothyroidism, accounts for 90% of all thyroid imbalances. How can you tell if you’re suffering from a thyroid problem?
SIGNS OF AN UNDERACTIVE THYROID TO BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR INCLUDE:
- Fatigue after sleeping 8 to 10 hours a night or needing regular naps on a daily basis.
- Sudden weight gain or the inability to lose weight.
- Mood swings, depression, or anxiety.
- Hormone imbalances.
- Dry or cracking skin, brittle nails and excessive hair loss.
- Lethargy or feeling cold.
- Hair Loss or dryness.
- Muscle pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, joint pain, or tendonitis.
On the other hand there is an overactive thyroid, or hyperthyroidism which is a condition where the thyroid gland releases more thyroid hormone than your body needs. Women are five to ten times more likely to develop hyperthyroidism than men.
SIGNS OF AN OVERACTIVE THYROID TO BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR INCLUDE:
- Nervousness, mood swings, or panic attack.
- Fast heart rate or sensation of an abnormal heartbeat.
- Difficulty sleeping.
- Irregular menstruation or short and light menstruation.
- Abnormal protrusion of eyes or puffy eyes.
- Weight loss, diarrhea, hair loss, muscle weakness, tremor, or warm skin.
Celebrities including movie star Zoe Saldana, singer Kelly Clarkson, actress Gina Rodriguez, and model Molly Sims, have all recently shared their struggles with thyroid disorders.
If you would like to see a thyroid doctor in regards to concerns about a thyroid disorder please click here to contact us at today Palm Beach Diabetes & Endocrine Specialists, P.A. today.