ALL THINGS THYROID

PART TWO: SIGNS YOUR THYROID ISN’T PLAYING BALL

So last week we took a little look at the role and function of the thyroid gland. In part two of this mini series, we’ll be covering some of the symptoms of both low (hypothyroid) and high (hyperthyroid) function. 

So how do we know when it's all going pear shaped? What should we be looking out for?

SYMPTOMS ASSOCIATED WITH LOW THYROID FUNCTION (HYPOTHYROIDISM):

  • Difficulty losing weight (even in a calorie deficit)

  • Poor circulation/sensitivity to cold (particularly hands and feet)

  • Lack of motivation and reduced initiative

  • Feeling mentally sluggish

  • Easily fatigued (even on minimal exertion)

  • Feeling sleepy during the day

  • Chronic constipation

  • Excessive hair loss or coarse hair

  • Loss of lateral third of eyebrow (weird one I know)

  • Morning headaches which wear off during the day

  • Seasonal sadness

  • Trouble sleeping

  • Depressed mood

  • Joint/muscle pain

  • Frequent/heavy periods

  • Raised LDL cholesterol levels

  • Respiratory symptoms

At the other end of the spectrum, you can also experience….

 SYMPTOMS ASSOCIATED WITH HIGH THYROID FUNCTION (HYPERTHYROIDISM):

  • Unexplained weight loss (obviously this has many potential causes)

  • Difficulty gaining weight, even with a healthy appetite

  • Hyperactivity

  • Nervousness, irritability and generally feeling emotional

  • Flushing and sweating easily

  • Intolerance to high temperatures ( these last two are not just perimenopausal symptoms)

  • Fast resting heart rate

  • Missed/light periods

  • Abnormally low LDL cholesterol levels

  • Frequent stools/diarrhoea

** It's worth noting that you may have a mixture of symptoms (hypo and hyper) partly due to wider influences other than the thyroid, it isn't black and white and still well worth looking into. I'd advise not ignoring these symptoms as 'the norm' or just putting it down to 'hormonal changes' or 'burning the candle at both ends' etc.

 Next week we’ll be looking at comprehensive thyroid testing and making sure you have all the tests you need.

If you have any questions in the meantime, please drop me an email on harri@boldhealth.co.uk

Harri :)

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The content in this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your health.