Thyroid Symptoms, You May Have a Problem and Not Know It
July 21, 2010
It's estimated that more than 50 million Americans have a thyroid problem and may not even know it. Those suffering may not be aware that their lives are severely affected by a disease. They may blame it on growing older or say they just don't feel like themselves anymore.
When your thyroid gland doesn't function correctly, it can affect all aspects of your health including weight, depression or anxiety, energy levels, sexual functioning and even hair loss. Following are a few common symptoms of a thyroid condition but keep in mind that you don't need to have all of these symptoms in order to have a thyroid problem.
Weight Changes
Unexplained weight changes can be signs of either hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. Weight changes are a common thyroid symptom and can vary from slight to dramatic.
Hair Loss
Hair loss is another frequently symptom of thyroid problems. Hyperthyroidism can sometimes cause dramatic hair loss in both men and women. With hypothyroidism there will occasionally be hair loss around the edge of the eyebrow.
Pains and Weakness
Aches, pains and weakness in the muscles can all be symptoms of a thyroid condition. In some cases individuals develop carpal tunnel syndrome in the legs and hands and tarsal tunnel in the legs.
Family History
Family history is a critical factor when diagnosing any disease. If you have a history of thyroid disease in your family, you have an increased risk of having a thyroid problem.
Cholesterol Levels
High cholesterol (particularly when it is not responsive to therapies) and very low cholesterol levels may be symptoms of thyroid disease.
Depression and Anxiety
Depression or anxiety including panic disorders can be signs of thyroid problems. Depression that does not respond to medication could indicate a thyroid problem.
Fatigue
If you feel exhausted most of the time or if you wake up tired after 8 to 10 hours of sleep or if you are unable to function throughout the day without napping these can be signs of thyroid problems.
Determining that you have a thyroid problem by evaluating these common symptoms is the first step to getting your life back. The next step is often a convenient blood test to evaluate the health of your thyroid.
The Thyroid Profile blood test will provide you with measurements of your T3 and T4 hormone levels. If this blood test indicates abnormal levels you should order a TSH blood test, measuring thyroid stumulating hormone levels. The combination of these two powerful tests will provide you with the information that you need to begin solving a thyroid problem.