Different symptoms can warn us that our endocrine system is not working as it should.
There may be situations in which this organ fails, causing a variety of problems that, in the long run, can become chronic and be very harmful to the health of those who suffer them.
Below we explain in more detail what the thyroid gland is, and how 12 symptoms can be a sign that there is a dysfunction in this organ.
What is the thyroid gland and what functions does it perform?
The thyroid is a gland shaped like that of a butterfly that is located in the neck, above the collarbone. This endocrine gland fulfills a fundamental function for the survival of the organism, since it regulates functions throughout the body.
The main hormone it produces is thyroxine, although it also produces others involved in multiple organ functions. The functions that are regulated by thyroid hormones are metabolism, through which energy is obtained from food, in addition to heart rate, blood cholesterol, intestinal functioning and cognitive aspects such as memory andlearning.
12 symptoms that warn of thyroid dysfunction
When this organ fails, medical conditions such as hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism or thyroid nodules can occur. These problems have different symptoms.
Here are the 12 symptoms that may indicate that something is not quite right with the thyroid, and may indicate that you have one of these three health problems.
1. Weight changes
Some people may experience very noticeable weight changes for no apparent reason. It may be that they gain a few extra kilos, or, on the contrary, that they are easily lost.
A failure in the thyroid can contribute to weight making the metabolism go slower than usual. This makes it harder for cells to transform calories into energy.
If you lose weight, although at first it may be seen as a good thing, it can be an indicator that the metabolism has accelerated.
2. Mood impairment
A malfunction in this gland can produce changes in mood, which can evolve into psychiatric disorders.
Thyroid problems are associated with increased irritability and tenderness, along withdepressionand sudden mood swings.
3. Cognitive problems
Some of these problems are cluelessness, poorer memory, less concentration and a decrease in intellectual performance.
If the person suffering from thyroid problems is a child or adolescent, there is a risk that there may be delayed intellectual development and learning difficulties.
4. Apathy and disinterest
Especially in the case of hypothyroidism, in the early stages of this medical condition the person may show less interest in tasks that previously satisfied him.
This translates into less desire to do things, in addition to stretching more frequently on the couch or bed during daylight hours.
5. Extreme tiredness
When this symptom occurs for no apparent reason, such as having done an intense workday or a lot of physical exercise, it is a very remarkable alarm sign that you may be suffering from a thyroid problem.
A lack of thyroid hormones can cause failures in muscle metabolism, which causes the body to not have enough energy and feellike you’re already exhausted by nothing.
6. Aches all over the body
Muscle and joint discomfort may be suffered. You can also suffer cramps, tremors in extremities and fibrillar contractions, which are small movements that occur in a muscle area involuntarily. Contractures can also occur, especially in the neck area.
It is necessary to monitor the size of the neck, since it is one of the areas where the first symptoms of hyper and hypothyroidism can manifest, in the form ofpain in the throatand neck, as well as swelling in this area.
7. Dermatological problems
The skin feels older, since it is not nourished in the right way because the blood arrives with difficulty. This causes it to lose flexibility and slip away. It may also feel swollen and with less shine.
In addition, nails and hair become brittle, and it can reach the point where large strands of hair fall. Nails grow slower and break easily.
8. Digestive problems
Thyroid hormones are behind the functioning of multiple organs and the intestines are no exception. If they do not receive enough energy, it is difficult for them to make peristaltic movements and, therefore, constipation occurs.
It can also cause poor absorption of nutrients and water in waste, causing it to come out in the form of diarrhea.
9. Palpitations and tachycardia
The person notices that, suddenly, the heart begins to beat fast and without having made significant effort or physical activity.
Usually, the heartbeat oscillates between 70 and 80 beats per minute, but suddenly rises to values between 100 and 120 beats.
10. Elevation in cholesterol
Levels of “bad” cholesterol or LDL in the blood rise, which can cause circulation and cardiovascular problems.
11. Cold extremities
Hands and feet feel colder than usual. In addition, there may be excessive sweating that bothers the sufferer.
12. Fertility problems
If you have had many miscarriages or there has been a premature birth, itmay be a sign that there is a thyroid problem.
Causes of failure
These thyroid problems occur when the gland doesn’t produce enough hormones. The causes behind this can be varied, such as suffering from an autoimmune disease, the consumption of certain substances, adverse effects of medication, radiotherapy and having undergone surgery in which part of the thyroid was removed.
In autoimmune problems it happens that the immune system produces antibodies that attack the body’s own tissues, and one of the targets of these cells may be the thyroid.
Medications containing lithium, such as those used for psychiatric disorders such as bipolar, can contribute to hypothyroidism as a side effect.
As with many diseases, thyroid problems can be due to environmental and genetic factors. Some babies are born with this defective organ, without developing fully and satisfactorily.
Pregnancy can also be a condition for thyroid problems, especially because in this period it can occur that antibodies are produced that attack the thyroid gland. Untreated hypothyroidism during pregnancy can lead to miscarriages or premature births, as well as seriously affect fetal development.
The lack or excess of iodine is one of the clearest causes when it comes to associating it with thyroid dysfunctions. A diet low in iodine can contribute to hypothyroidism, while one in which this trace element is abused can cause hyperthyroidism.
How to prevent thyroid problems?
To keep the thyroid healthy, it is necessary to lead a healthy lifestyle. The main thing focuses on a good diet, in which about 150 milligrams of iodine are ingested daily. Some foods that contain this food are seafood, oily fish, milk and eggs. Also, the use of iodized salt is recommended, although its consumption should not be abused.
Tobacco, in addition to being very harmful to our respiratory and cardiovascular health, hinders the uptake of iodine, which can be a factor that intervenes in a malfunction of the thyroid.
If you can, taking walks along the coast is a good habit to help good thyroid health, since seawater and sea breeze have been linked to receiving a good supply of iodine.
It should be noted that, in case of hyperthyroidism, iodine consumption is not recommended since it worsens the problem. In these cases, the consumption of foods rich in calcium and vitamin D, such as dairy products, cereals or soy products such as tofu, should be prioritized.
In the case of hypothyroidism, however, it is not recommended to abuse soy. This plant has isoflavones, which hinder the production of thyroid hormones. In addition, it is advisable to cook Brassicaceae vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts or broccoli, since these plants produce natural pesticides that affect the absorption of iodine and heat deactivates this effect.
References
- Infante-Amorós, A. & Turcios-Tristá, SE (2013). Hyperthyroidism. Cuban Journal of Endocrinology, 23(3).
- Godoy, C. et al. (2009) Hyperthyroidism in children and adolescents. Chilean Journal of Pediatrics, 80(1), 21-29.
- http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/0033-295X.101.2.203 Mantilla, D., Echin, ML, Perel, C. (2010). Pathophysiological bases and its clinical manifestation Heart Failure. Argentine Federation of Cardiology 5(4), 2010, 157-177.
To the classic question “what do you do?” I always answer “basically I am a psychologist”. In fact, my academic training has revolved around the psychology of development, education and community, a field of study influenced my volunteer activities, as well as my first work experiences in personal services.