How to Know When Your Thyroid is Out of Balance

Your thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland in your neck, just below your Adam’s apple. This gland produces hormones that regulate many of your body’s metabolic processes. Thyroid problems can cause many symptoms, including fatigue, weight gain or loss, depression, anxiety, hair loss, and more. When you experience thyroid imbalances Bastrop, it could indicate that your body is out of balance in other ways.

There are two main thyroid problems:

• Hyperthyroidism: This occurs when your thyroid produces too much hormone. Symptoms include weight loss, anxiety, irritability, tremors, rapid heartbeat, sweating, and more.
• Hypothyroidism: This occurs when your thyroid doesn’t produce enough hormones. Symptoms include fatigue, weight gain, depression, hair loss, and more.

Here is a detailed explanation of ways to know when your thyroid is imbalanced:

You feel tired all the time

Do you struggle to get out of bed in the morning, even after a full night’s sleep? Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms of both hypo- and hyperthyroidism. If you are constantly exhausted, it could be a sign that your thyroid isn’t functioning properly.

You have gained or lost weight unexpectedly

Weight gain or loss is another common sign of a thyroid imbalance. It could be a sign of hypothyroidism if you can’t seem to lose weight despite eating healthy and exercising regularly. On the other hand, if you are losing weight without trying, it could be a sign of hyperthyroidism.

You have mood swings or feel depressed

Are you feeling more anxious or irritable than usual? Do you find yourself crying for no reason? These could be signs of hyperthyroidism. On the other hand, if you are feeling low, hopeless, and sluggish, it could be a sign of hypothyroidism.

You have trouble concentrating

Do you find it hard to focus or remember things? Brain fog is a common symptom of both hypo and hyperthyroidism. If you are having trouble thinking clearly, it could indicate an underlying thyroid problem.

You feel constipated or have other digestive issues

Digestive problems, such as constipation, diarrhea, bloating, and gas, are common signs of hypothyroidism. If you are having trouble with your digestion, it could be a sign that your thyroid isn’t functioning properly.

You have irregular periods

If you are a woman, irregular periods can signify hypothyroidism. If you notice that your periods are lighter or heavier than usual, or if the flow is coming more or less often than normal, it could be a sign of an underlying thyroid problem.

How do you fix an unbalanced thyroid?

If you think you may have a thyroid imbalance, it is important to see your doctor for a blood test. If your thyroid is out of balance, several treatment options are available. Some of the treatment options for an imbalanced thyroid include:

• Taking thyroid hormone replacement medication
• Undergoing radioactive iodine therapy
• Surgery to remove the thyroid gland
• Taking beta blockers to control symptoms such as anxiety and rapid heartbeat

If you think you might have a thyroid problem, it is important to see your doctor at Premier Family Physicians for a diagnosis. Once you know what is causing your symptoms, you can work with your doctor to find the best treatment plan.