How To Tell If You Have Thyroid Complications
Do you think you suffer from thyroid complications? We give you some key tips so that you can realize the presence of any type of problem and any complications with the thyroid gland.
As we know, the thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located in the neck, in front of the trachea. It has a key role, in fact it has the task of producing the hormones tyrosine and triiodothyronine, as well as regulating the metabolism of the body and the function of the various organs.
In fact, the reason for its great importance is that every cell in the body depends on thyroid hormones to grow and develop. For this reason, among the various functions that our body constantly performs, these hormones affect:
- Heart rate
- Cholesterol Levels
- Body weight
- Energy levels
- Muscle strength
- Skin health
- Menstrual regularity
- Memory
The thyroid uses iodine to make its hormones. This element is therefore essential for their proper functioning and the body gets it from food. In fact, a deficient intake of iodine can then alter the functioning of the thyroid or aggravate it.
We can get iodine from the following foods:
- Dairy products (yogurt, cheese, milk)
- Fruit (orange, apple, pineapple)
- Vegetables (beetroot, chard, onion)
- Garlic
- Beans
- Seaweed
More frequent symptoms of thyroid complications
Unfortunately, there is no specific symptom that allows us to identify whether the thyroid is malfunctioning or not from the early stages. However, clinical tests are still the safest method of diagnosing problems.
It is also important to know that thyroid abnormalities have common symptoms that can be confused with other problems such as:
- Stress
- Fatigue
- Depression
- Dementia
The thyroid gland can increase in size and change its structure. In such cases it is called a “goiter” and occurs through a small bump in the neck.
- Unfortunately, complications of the thyroid gland are often asymptomatic, but they can generate difficulty swallowing, breathing, or can produce changes in the voice.
- The best known thyroid changes are hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, which may or may not be accompanied by an increase in the size of the thyroid.
Symptoms of hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is up to four times more common than hyperthyroidism and implies a lower production of thyroid hormones. The generated imbalance can cause irregular functioning of the body.
Some of the symptoms that accompany this problem are:
- Fatigue
- Cold intolerance
- Lack of appetite
- Weight gain (between 2 and 4 pounds, due to water retention)
- High blood pressure
- Cold, dry, rough and wrinkled skin
- Thinner or thicker and drier hair
- Difficulty concentrating and memory problems
- Way of speaking and slower movements
- Irregularity in the menstrual cycle
- Muscle and joint pains
- Feeling drowsy and sleepy
In case you suffer from hypothyroidism, you must follow a varied and balanced diet that contains foods belonging to all groups, especially those rich in fiber and low in fat. It is also recommended to increase daily physical activity.
Hyperthyroidism Symptoms
Hyperthyroidism is another problem that the thyroid can present. Unlike hypothyroidism, in this disorder the body produces more thyroid hormones than is actually needed, which results in an increase in the body’s metabolic rate.
Among the most important symptoms of this condition we find:
- Increased heart rate (palpitations) and blood pressure
- Nervousness and anxiety
- Insomnia
- Increased appetite and weight loss
- Sensitivity to heat
- Thin and burnt hair
- Muscle weakness
- Eyesight problems
- Menstrual irregularity
- Frequent bowel movements
- Tremor
- Increased sweating
In case you suffer from hyperthyroidism, you will need to follow a balanced and, at the same time, energetic diet. So, if you suspect that you have any thyroid problems, consult your doctor and carry out the necessary tests so that you can get adequate treatment from a specialist.
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