A small butterfly-shaped organ in your neck, called the thyroid gland, is responsible for many vital functions in your body. The gland produces hormones T3 and T4, which are crucial for regulating metabolism, heart function, and temperature. Thyroid disorders occur when your thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough hormone or too much of it. 

The worst part is that the signs of thyroid dysfunction are not always obvious and might mimic other conditions. In this post, we’ve explained the early signs of thyroid dysfunction that are often missed.

Types of Thyroid

Thyroid issues are classified into two types:

Hypothyroidism:

An underactive thyroid gland, which doesn’t produce adequate amounts of thyroid hormone, can lead to hypothyroidism. Without enough thyroid hormone, your metabolism slows down, leading to weight gain. 

Hyperthyroidism:

In hyperthyroidism, your thyroid gland produces excessive hormone, speeding up metabolism, which eventually results in unintentional weight loss. 

Symptoms of Each Thyroid

Symptoms of thyroid disorders depend on whether your thyroid gland produces too much or too little hormone. Here’s the detailed list of the symptoms for each condition.

Hyperthyroidism
  • Fatigue
  • Weakness
  • Restlessness
  • Unexplained and unintentional weight loss
  • Anxiety
  • Tremors (slight shakiness in your hands)
  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Feeling hot (even in cold weather)
  • Frequent bowel movements
  • Insomnia
Hypothyroidism
  • Fatigue (feeling tired even after getting enough rest)
  • Hair thinning
  • Poor digestion and constipation due to slowed metabolism
  • Feeling cold 
  • Rough and dry skin
  • Swelling in the face and legs
  • Unexplained weight gain

Effects on Heart Function

Your thyroid gland also plays a part in your heart function. Too much of this hormone can speed up metabolism, which results in your heart racing. The irregular heartbeat can be felt even when you are resting. Patients with hyperthyroidism are also at risk of tachycardia, a condition in which your heart rate exceeds 100 beats per minute while resting. If not addressed soon, tachycardia can increase your risk of a stroke or heart failure.

People with hypothyroidism experience the opposite effect. Since their metabolism is slower, their heart rate drops, leading to poor blood circulation. This can cause cold hands, fluid buildup, dizziness, fatigue, and weakness. Your heart doesn’t function efficiently, which can also spike cholesterol levels.

When to See a Doctor

As mentioned above, thyroid issues are not always prominent, especially in the early stages. Many people brush off the symptoms, such as weight changes, unusual heartbeats, or mood swings. If thyroid disorder is detected early, it can be controlled well. Here’s when you should consult a gynecologist in Thane.

  • Unintentional weight gain or loss
  • Changes in your body’s temperature, such as feeling too hot or too cold when others seem comfortable
  • Mood changes, i.e., anxiety or depression
  • Irregular heartbeat, palpitations, or restlessness 
  • Changes in your skin texture
  • Hair loss or thinning

Your thyroid might be a small gland, but its function affects every tiny cell in your body. If you experience anything unusual with your weight, skin, hair, or heart function, see a physician and get necessary tests.