5 Easy-to-Miss Signs of a Thyroid Disorder

Think about your hormones. Some key ones come to mind, such as estrogen, testosterone, cortisol, or insulin. But what about triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4)? They may not receive as much hype, but these hormones regulate your metabolism, body temperature, heart, and more. 

T3 and T4 come from your thyroid gland. Even though that gland is pretty small, the role it plays in your overall life is big. When you don’t have enough or too many thyroid hormones, the resulting disorder can wreak havoc on your life. 

Ashok Kadambi, MD, FACE, and our team specialize in treating thyroid disorders. We can help you determine if this butterfly-shaped gland is malfunctioning. If it is, we help you determine a plan to calibrate the amount of thyroid hormones in your body, offsetting the unwelcome symptoms.

Sometimes, the signs of a thyroid disorder can fly under the radar. Before we review five signs why you should visit Dr. Kadambi and our team at Fort Wayne Endocrinology, there’s one thing you should know. 

The thyroid can malfunction in one of two ways: it either produces too much hormone (hyperthyroidism) or too little (hypothyroidism). The symptoms of both conditions often mirror one another, meaning you experience the reverse of someone who has the opposing condition.

Some of the most important but easier-to-miss symptoms of a thyroid problem are:

#1: Sleep changes

If your thyroid doesn’t produce enough of its hormones, you might feel sluggish. A lot of people with hypothyroidism report feeling perpetually fatigued even if they’re getting enough sleep.

On the flip side, hyperthyroidism can disturb your sleep. You might have trouble drifting off or staying asleep if there are too many thyroid hormones in your system. 

#2: Weight changes

Because T3 and T4 play a big role in your metabolism, it’s not surprising that a thyroid disorder can impact your weight. Still, because many factors contribute to the number on the scale, it’s easy to overlook this symptom.

If you have unexplained weight loss, you might have hyperthyroidism. The reverse is true with hypothyroidism. You might experience weight gain even if you’re eating and exercising the same. 

#3: Temperature sensitivity

Your thyroid hormones play a role in how you experience ambient temperature. With too little thyroid hormone (hypothyroidism), you might feel colder. If you find yourself needing an extra layer, seek other symptoms of a thyroid problem.

With hyperthyroidism, you might feel hotter than other people. Many people with thyroid hormone issues report sweating more. 

#4: Skin changes

Your skin is your body’s largest organ, so it’s not surprising that it’s susceptible to systemic changes. Partially because of the sweatiness that comes with too much thyroid hormone, people with hyperthyroidism often experience clammy skin.

The reserve also applies. Insufficient thyroid function can cause drier skin. You might notice that your hair feels drier or coarser. 

#5: Mood changes

Your thyroid hormones don’t just affect your body. They can also impact your mind.

People with hyperthyroidism often say they experience irritability and anxiousness. With hypothyroidism, you might experience a depressed mood. 

If any of these signs sound familiar, you might be having a problem with your thyroid hormone. Visit Dr. Kadambi. Diagnosing a thyroid disorder entails a blend of talking with him about your symptoms, a physical exam, and blood tests that measure your hormone levels. 

Then, he can tailor a plan to rebalance your thyroid hormone levels, which offsets these unwelcome symptoms. 

To determine if something is occurring with your thyroid, book your appointment online or contact our office in Fort Wayne, Indiana, today.