How to Know if You Have a Thyroid Issue

It is quite natural for us all to struggle with feeling blue and losing weight or even gaining weight from time to time.

Many of us are so busy that it can be difficult for us to fit exercise or even some yoga into our routines.

But if you are struggling with any of the symptoms in this post on a daily basis, it might be linked to poor performance in your thyroid gland. Almost 25 million Americans are living with thyroid disease, with over 50% of those unaware they have it.

Even more troublesome is that many of those that ARE fortunate to have knowledge of their thyroid disease are unaware that it is likely due to autoimmune issues! And most of these sufferers are women.

What is the thyroid?

Your thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland that is found in the front, center-most part of the neck. This is about midway and in between the underneath part of the chin and the dip at the base of the neck in front.

The thyroid serves as the thermostat of the body and regulates temperature, energy, and metabolism. It is also responsible for controlling everything from your menstrual cycles to your mood.

Poor thyroid function can be divided into three types: hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, and autoimmune thyroid diseases.

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How do you know if you have a thyroid issue?

There are a wide range of symptoms that will provide clues if your thyroid is over-functioning or under-functioning.

Weight Struggles

Your thyroid might be to blame with regard to your weight struggles. It can be the culprit if you have tried exercise and dieting without success, especially over-exercising and dietary restriction.

On the other hand, losing substantial amounts of weight may be a potential sign of hyperthyroidism. It never hurts to visit your doctor for some blood work.

Learn what to ask you doctor with this FREE simple guide: The Thyroid Checklist

Energy Issues

If you have a thyroid issue, you often have energy issues. When your thyroid is running poorly, you may also experience more fatigue than usual.

Low energy is a common symptom of a slow-functioning thyroid / hypothyroidism. If you have an overactive thyroid / hyperthyroidism, you will likely feel more agitated and flustered than usual.

Sleep Disturbances

Your thyroid can have a significant effect on your sleep. With a low functioning thyroid, you may feel like you sleep way more than usual but still wake up feeling unrested and exhausted. It also can feel like you had dream-disrupting or inconsistent sleep.

If, on the other hand, you feel like you are very, very active during the day, this could be a sign of a hyperactive thyroid, or even an adrenal overdrive.

Mood Swings

Thyroid conditions may make you feel blue for no apparent reason. It will make you feel down or even depressed.

If you feel angry, irritable, or more worked up than usual, it might mean that your thyroid is malfunctioning.

Low or High Appetite

If you have a low functioning thyroid, you may experience an increase in your appetite. This is due to the fact that your dialed-down metabolism is signaling your brain that you do not have enough fuel to burn.

Low thyroid function will lead you to crave more carbs and sugar for energy in an attempt to overcome fatigue.

These signs can also be indicative of adrenal dysfunction. On the opposite end of the spectrum, hyperthyroidism may cause a decrease in appetite, which can lead to excessive weight loss.

If you are experiencing any or all of these symptoms, it may benefit you to visit your doctor for some blood work.

Thyroid irregularity can be treated and many people are able to function as well as they used to once the issue has been identified.

You do not have to live with or adjust to the symptoms of a low functioning thyroid; start paying attention to your body now to see if there are areas you can help it perform better!

Download your free Thyroid Checklist here (no sign up required).