8 Early Warning Signs of Thyroid Issues
Thyroid issues are among the most common hormonal issues we see in our office. According to the American Thyroid Association, about 20 million people have some type of thyroid disorder (1). Yet, for many people, it can take months or years to get diagnosed because they miss the early warning signs of their thyroid issues.
So what are early warning signs of thyroid problems? Early detection is critical so you get treatment right away, improve your symptoms quickly, and reduce your risk of complications and long-term issues. To help you get the right diagnosis and treatment, we want to cover the 8 early warning signs of thyroid issues.
What Are Thyroid Issues?
Thyroid issues or thyroid diseases refer to conditions that disrupt the normal function of the thyroid gland. Since the thyroid plays a central role in regulating hormones that affect your metabolism, energy production, and overall bodily functions, any imbalance can lead to significant health challenges. Most commonly, people have either an overactive or underactive thyroid, but there are other types of thyroid disorders, too.
What Is the Thyroid?
Your thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland, found in the front of your neck. It’s an important part of your endocrine system as it helps to control your metabolic rate and how your body makes energy from the food you eat. Your thyroid gland and its hormones affect your entire body, including your entire hormonal health, digestive system, nervous system, cardiovascular system, and reproductive system (2).
What Are Thyroid Disorders?
The most common thyroid issues include:
- Hypothyroidism: Hypothyroidism is characterized by an underactive thyroid which causes insufficient hormone production and related symptoms, including weight gain, fatigue, and cold intolerance.
- Hyperthyroidism: Hyperthyroidism is characterized by too much thyroid hormone from an overactive thyroid leading to weight loss, irritability, rapid heartbeat, and other symptoms.
- Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis: Hashimoto’s is an autoimmune form of hypothyroidism where your immune system attacks your thyroid.
- Graves’ Disease: Graves’ disease is an autoimmune form of hyperthyroidism, characterized by goiters, bulging eyes, and other thyroid issues.
- Goiters: Goiters are an enlargement of the thyroid gland caused by thyroid dysfunction or iodine deficiency.
Other thyroid issues you may develop:
- Postpartum Thyroiditis: Postpartum thyroiditis is thyroid inflammation after pregnancy which may lead to a period of both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism.
- Thyroid Nodules: Thyroid nodules are lumps in the thyroid which may be benign or cancerous.
- Thyroid Cancer: Thyroid cancer is cancer that affects the thyroid. There are different types, including papillary, follicular, medullary, and anaplastic cancer.
- Thyroid Storm: Thyroid storm is a rare, but life-threatening condition characterized by extreme hyperthyroidism symptoms.
- Congenital hypothyroidism: Congenital hypothyroidism presents at birth and can cause developmental delays if untreated.
Why Is Early Detection of Thyroid Issues Important?
Early detection and proper diagnosis also allow timely treatment to restore your hormonal balance. This can reduce your symptoms and improve your quality of life. Catching thyroid issues at a pre-clinical stage can help to reduce hormonal balance quicker and prevent developing a clinically diagnosed thyroid disorder.
Early detection of thyroid issues is crucial because it helps prevent complications such as heart disease, infertility, and developmental issues in children. Early detection and proper treatment can also lower the risk of severe complications, especially in cases like thyroid cancer or a thyroid storm.
What Are Early Warning Signs Of Thyroid Problems?
Now that you understand what thyroid issues are and the importance of early diagnosis, let’s talk about symptoms to look out for that may indicate thyroid disorders.
Early warning signs of thyroid problems include:
- unexplained weight changes
- fatigue and low energy levels
- mood changes
- temperature sensitivity
- hair and skin changes
- irregular menstrual cycles
- changes in heart rate
- swelling or lump in the neck
In the next sections, we will go over all these potential early warning signs of thyroid problems.
Unexplained Weight Changes
Unexplained weight change is one of the most common indicators that you may have a thyroid disorder.
Rapid Weight Gain Or Loss Without Changes In Diet Or Exercise
Unexplained weight change can be an indicator of thyroid disease. Rapid weight gain or rapid weight loss are especially worrisome. Hypothyroidism is characterized by insufficient hormone production and slow metabolism which can lead to weight gain even without changes in your diet or activity level (3).
Hyperthyroidism, on the other hand, is characterized by an overactive thyroid that causes excessive hormone production and a sped-up metabolism, which can result in unintended significant weight loss without dietary or lifestyle changes (4). Addressing thyroid imbalance may help to achieve or maintain a healthy weight.
Metabolic Shifts Caused By Thyroid Hormone Imbalance
Your thyroid has a major role in metabolism and energy production. According to a 2020 article published in Therapeutic Advances in Endocrinology and Metabolism, thyroid issues can affect metabolism and metabolic syndrome (5).
Hypothyroidism—when your body doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormone—can result in a slower metabolic rate, leading to lower energy levels, fatigue, and weight gain. On the other hand, hyperthyroidism—an overactive thyroid gland—can speed up your metabolism and cause rapid energy consumption, elevated heart rate, and weight loss. Hormonal imbalances caused by thyroid disorders can also further affect your metabolic rate and lead to weight changes.
Fatigue and Low Energy Levels
Experiencing fatigue and low energy levels is another factor we need to consider when we talk about thyroid symptoms.
Persistent Tiredness Despite Adequate Rest
Experiencing persistent tiredness despite adequate rest and a good night’s sleep may be an early sign of thyroid issues. Your thyroid gland regulates energy production and metabolism.
If you have thyroid hormone imbalance, it can slow down your metabolism which will make it more difficult for your cells to produce energy.
This is a particular issue in those with hypothyroidism. According to a 2023 study published in Biomedicines, fatigue is a common issue in women with hypothyroidism, and addressing thyroid issues can help to improve energy levels (6). If you are constantly feeling tired, sluggish, or fatigued despite getting a full night’s sleep, it’s time to check your thyroid function.
Difficulty Concentrating Or Mental Fog
Difficulty concentrating and brain fog are also symptoms we see in thyroid disease. Hypothyroidism can particularly increase your risks. According to a 2023 study published in Endocrine Practice, hypothyroidism can lead to fatigue and cognitive symptoms (7).
You may experience problems remembering things, following conversations, paying attention, completing tasks, or even making decisions. Improving your thyroid level, however, may help to improve your cognitive function and regain mental clarity.
Mood Changes
Mood changes may also be among the early warning signs of thyroid issues.
Anxiety, Irritability, Or Depression
Experiencing anxiety, irritability, mood swings, depression, or other changes in your mood may be a sign you are dealing with thyroid issues. Your thyroid affects the neurotransmitters, including dopamine and serotonin, in your brain, that can impact emotional regulation (8).
Hyperthyroidism is known to increase nervousness, anxiety, irritability, and physical signs that are similar to anxiety (9). Hypothyroidism, on the other hand, may increase the feeling of sadness, depression, and emotional fatigue (10). Balancing your hormone levels may help to improve your mood too.
Hormonal Imbalances Affecting Emotional Well-Being
Your thyroid gland produces hormones that play a vital role in regulating your body’s overall hormonal balance, including those related to stress. When thyroid hormone levels are imbalanced, it can disrupt other hormones, affecting your ability to manage stress and maintain emotional stability.
This imbalance can heighten your stress response and make it harder to cope with emotional challenges (11). Addressing thyroid health and restoring hormonal balance may help improve your emotional well-being and resilience to stress.
Temperature Sensitivity
Temperature sensitivity is another telltale sign of thyroid disease.
Increased Sensitivity To Cold Or Heat
Abnormal sensitivity to temperature or temperature changes is a common symptom of thyroid imbalances (12). Hypothyroidism slows down your metabolism which may make you more sensitive to cold.
You may even feel cold in environments that feel warm to others because your body cannot generate enough heat. On the other hand, hyperthyroidism speeds up your metabolism, which can lead to increased heat sensitivity and more sweating.
Fluctuating Body Temperature Regulation
Thyroid imbalance can also affect your body’s ability to regulate temperatures and cause fluctuations in heat sensitivity. You may get sudden chills or hot flashes because your body may struggle to maintain a steady temperature.
Hypothyroidism more commonly leads to sudden temperature drops and chills, while hyperthyroidism may cause an overproduction of heat and related hot flashes. Improving your thyroid condition can help to improve body temperature regulation and reduce related symptoms.
Hair and Skin Changes
Noticing changes in your hair or skin may also be an early sign of thyroid dysfunction.
Thinning Hair Or Hair Loss
Thinning hair and hair loss are often a sign of some sort of hormonal issue, including prolonged thyroid hormone imbalance. Hypothyroidism and hypothyroidism can both disrupt your hair growth cycle. This can result in increased shedding and thinning.
According to a 2023 review published in Cureus, 50% of people with hyperthyroidism and 33% with hypothyroidism experience hair loss (13). Hair loss in the eyebrows is a particularly common sign of thyroid issues. However, hair loss can occur on the scalp and other body areas. Restoring thyroid health may help to slow or improve hair thinning.
Dry, Flaky Skin As A Sign Of Hormone Disruption
Hormonal health, including thyroid hormonal balance, can impact your skin health in many ways (14). Your thyroid hormones help to regulate skin cell turnover. They play a role in moisture retention and natural oil production.
Hypothyroidism or low thyroid levels may lead to dry, flaking, and scaling skin by reducing oil production and slowing the renewal of your skin cells. This dryness may persist despite using moisturizers and other appropriate skincare and won’t improve until underlying thyroid issues are addressed (15).
Irregular Menstrual Cycles
For women who menstruate, irregular menstrual cycles may indicate a thyroid disorder.
Heavier Or Lighter Periods Than Normal
Irregular menstrual cycles are among the potential warning signs of thyroid dysfunction. This includes both heavier and lighter periods. According to a 2019 article published in Paediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology, thyroid issues can impact the menstrual cycle, which may increase the risk of fertility issues and chronic disease (16).
In hypothyroidism, we see heavier and longer menstruation due to slower metabolism and reproductive hormone imbalance. In hyperthyroidism, lighter, shorter, or even missed periods are more common because of the estrogen-progesterone imbalance caused by high thyroid hormone levels. Improving your thyroid health may help to improve your menstrual cycle.
Difficulty Conceiving Due To Hormonal Imbalance
Thyroid issues can also impact fertility in women. Thyroid dysfunction and related hormonal imbalance can impact normal ovulation and other areas of reproductive health. Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can both make it more difficult for your body to release eggs, which can impact your ability to conceive.
Low or high thyroid hormone levels may also impact follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels, both of which are critical for a normal reproductive cycle. Moreover, according to a 2022 research published in the Journal of Endocrinological Investigation, thyroid issues may impact fertility in not only women but men too (17). To improve your fertility, addressing underlying thyroid issues is critical.
Changes in Heart Rate
Experiencing changes in your heart rate may also be an early warning sign of thyroid problems.
Unusually Fast Or Slow Heart Rate
Your thyroid plays a critical role in your heart health (18). If your heart rate is unusually fast or slow, it may be a sign of thyroid dysfunction. It’s critical that you address this issue to reduce the risk of hyperthyroid- or hypothyroid-associated heart disease.
In hypothyroidism, we often find that high levels of thyroid hormones can increase metabolic rate and stimulate the heart, which can result in tachycardia or elevated heart rate. You may notice a fast heart rate even at rest if you have hyperthyroidism. On the other hand, hypothyroidism is characterized by a slower metabolism which can lead to bradycardia or slow heart rate.
Palpitations Or Irregular Heartbeat
Additionally, you may also notice heart palpitations or irregular heartbeat if you have a thyroid problem (19). Hyperthyroidism can result in arrhythmias, which are irregular heart rhythms. You may experience skipping beats, fluttering, or pounding. Over time, this can put a serious strain on your heart.
Hypothyroidism is less likely to result in heart palpitation, however, it may still put a strain on your heart and cause heart rhythm irregularities. Thus, managing your hormone levels is critical for your heart health no matter what your thyroid diagnosis is.
Swelling or Lump in the Neck
If you notice swelling or a lump in your neck, you should have it checked out immediately. This could be another sign of thyroid disease.
Visible Or Palpable Enlargement Of The Thyroid Gland
Goiters are visible or palpable swelling on your neck (20). If you notice anything like this, it is a common sign of thyroid dysfunction. This enlargement happens because your thyroid is trying to compensate for hormonal imbalances. It may also develop due to iodine deficiency, especially in autoimmune thyroid issues.
While in some cases goiters are very noticeable, in others, it’s subtle and may not be noticed until a physical examination. Addressing thyroid dysfunction can also reduce goiters.
Discomfort When Swallowing Or Hoarseness
Finally, you may also experience discomfort when swallowing or hoarseness as an early sign of thyroid dysfunction. This happens because the enlarged thyroid gland can compress and put pressure on the trachea or esophagus. This can cause a sensation of tightness or fullness (21).
It may make swallowing more difficult. It can also affect your vocal cords, leading to a hoarse sound (22). If you notice any changes like this, it’s important to get checked for a thyroid condition and address it to alleviate symptoms.
Taking Charge of Your Thyroid Health
Recognizing the early signs of thyroid problems and seeking medical advice right away is critical to get the right treatment, achieve the best outcome, and reduce the risk of complications. We recommend that you pay attention to this guide on the early warning signs of thyroid problems and share it with your friends and family.
To improve your thyroid condition, working with a functional and integrative medicine doctor can help you figure out the root cause of your condition and offer personalized treatment. If you need to further your hormonal health and reduce your symptoms of thyroid dysfunction, set up an appointment with us here.