Do you suspect that you may have a problem with your thyroid? Thyroid problems are common, and there can be two major conditions affiliated with the thyroid. Hyper-thyroid and hypo-thyroid. Each has significant symptoms and the two are very different. With hyper-thyroidism, you are generally going to experience rapid weight loss, rapid heart rate, sweating and a fast metabolism. With hypo-thyroidism you are more likely to experience weight gain, fatigue, lack of energy and a slow metabolism.
Symptoms that you may have an under active thyroid can include coarse or thinning hair, dry skin, brittle nails, yellowish look of the skin, slow body movements, cool skin, inability to tolerate cold, feeling tired, sluggish, weak, memory problems, depression or difficulty concentrating. The degree of symptoms that you may experience with an under active thyroid depend on your age, how long you have had the problem and the seriousness of the condition. Sometimes, the symptoms may be very mild and go on for some time before you notice them.
Because there is such a variety of symptoms with an under active thyroid, it may be common to have it diagnosed as another kind of condition like depression. The symptoms can also come on gradually, which makes it more difficult to diagnose the problem early on. Sometimes, people may have slight symptoms for a long time before they are actually diagnosed with having an under active thyroid.
The best way to know for sure if you have an under active thyroid is to get tested. Doctors can determine how your thyroid is functioning, and if the levels are healthy. If you do get diagnosed with having an under active thyroid, your doctor will likely give you a prescription for medicine that will help to regulate your thyroid. In addition to medicine, your doctor may also suggest other ways to keep your thyroid levels where they should be through diet and exercise.
If you start to experience some of the signs of an under active thyroid, you should talk to your doctor and go over your risk factors. If you are at risk of developing a thyroid condition, it is also a good idea to get it checked out regularly to make sure that your levels are where they should be. Catching a problem with your thyroid early can help you better manage it and keep it where it should be. Watch for the common symptoms that are often associated with the disease and talk to your doctor about the best options for treating it. The more you do to take care of yourself and stay healthy, the fewer problems it is likely going to cause.