Could It Be a Thyroid Problem? Signs, Symptoms and When to Seek Advice

What Does the Thyroid Do?

The thyroid gland produces hormones that help regulate many of the body’s essential functions, including:

• Energy levels
• Metabolism
• Body temperature
• Heart rate
• Digestion
• Mood and concentration

When the gland produces too little or too much hormone, it can lead to a variety of health concerns.

Common Thyroid Conditions

The two most common thyroid disorders are:

Underactive Thyroid (Hypothyroidism) – Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid does not produce enough hormones, causing the body’s processes to slow down.

Overactive Thyroid (Hyperthyroidism) – Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid produces too much hormone, causing the body’s systems to speed up.

Both conditions can have a significant impact on your health and wellbeing if left untreated.

Signs of an Underactive Thyroid

Symptoms of an underactive thyroid often develop gradually and may be easy to overlook at first.

Common symptoms include:

• Persistent tiredness or fatigue
• Weight gain
• Feeling unusually sensitive to cold
• Dry skin
• Hair thinning or hair loss
• Constipation
• Low mood or depression
• Muscle aches and joint pain
• Difficulty concentrating or memory problems

Because symptoms can develop slowly, many people do not realise their thyroid may be the cause.

Signs of an Overactive Thyroid

An overactive thyroid can cause symptoms that are quite different and may appear more suddenly.

Common symptoms include:

• Unexplained weight loss
• Feeling anxious, nervous or irritable
• A rapid or irregular heartbeat
• Excessive sweating
• Trembling hands
• Difficulty sleeping
• Increased appetite
• Frequent bowel movements
• Sensitivity to heat

These symptoms can sometimes be mistaken for stress or anxiety, which is why professional assessment is important.

Could a Thyroid Problem Affect Women More Than Men?

Thyroid disorders can affect anyone, but they are more common in women.

In some cases, thyroid problems may contribute to:

• Changes to menstrual cycles
• Fertility difficulties
• Symptoms during pregnancy
• Changes during menopause

Many symptoms of thyroid conditions can overlap with hormonal changes, which can make diagnosis more challenging without appropriate testing.

When Should You Seek Medical Advice?

It’s worth arranging an assessment if you are experiencing symptoms that are:

• Persistent
• Worsening over time
• Affecting your daily activities
• Unexplained
• Impacting your mood, sleep or energy levels

A healthcare professional can review your symptoms and determine whether further investigation may be beneficial.

How Are Thyroid Problems Diagnosed?

Diagnosing a thyroid condition is often straightforward and typically involves:

• A discussion about your symptoms and medical history
• A physical examination if required
• Blood tests to check thyroid hormone levels

These tests can help identify whether your thyroid is underactive, overactive or functioning normally.

Can Thyroid Conditions Be Treated?

The good news is that most thyroid conditions can be effectively managed once diagnosed.

Treatment will depend on the type of thyroid disorder and may include:

• Medication to replace thyroid hormones
• Medication to reduce thyroid hormone production
• Regular monitoring and blood tests
• Specialist referral where appropriate

With the right treatment and ongoing care, many people are able to successfully manage their symptoms and maintain a good quality of life.

Don’t Ignore Ongoing Symptoms

Many thyroid symptoms can be subtle and may be easy to dismiss as part of everyday life. However, persistent fatigue, unexplained weight changes, mood alterations or changes in your overall health are always worth discussing with a healthcare professional.

Early diagnosis can provide reassurance, help identify the underlying cause of your symptoms and ensure appropriate treatment is started if needed.