The thyroid is a very small organ set in the front of your neck, but don’t let its size fool you. This organ plays a critical role in regulating numerous functions throughout the body. If your thyroid is overactive or underactive, it can cause sweeping problems through all of the systems it impacts. As part of your endocrine system, your thyroid reaches everything from the health of your skin to your emotional well-being and all the way down to your bone health. 

One of the main things the thyroid impacts is your metabolism regulation, which can heavily impact the active lifestyle of many Colorado residents. Understanding the symptoms is crucial to getting an early jump on treating your thyroid in Denver. 

Recognizing an Overactive Thyroid

When your thyroid is overactive, it is generally due to excessive production of hormones by the thyroid gland. This is called hyperthyroidism, and there are a number of indicators to look for in your daily life to see if this might be an issue. Your appetite is a big indicator, as unexplained weight loss – despite a good appetite and eating habits – can signal that something is wrong. 

Feelings of nervousness are also a symptom of hyperthyroidism, as well as being jittery or overly anxious. Physical symptoms to look for include a rapid heartbeat, or heart palpitations, along with tremors in the hands or fingers. This can also be weakness in the muscles, which can lead to trembling in other areas, as well. Excessive sweating could also be a sign of a thyroid issue, particularly when sweating while not physical active. These are just a few of the things to be on the lookout for, and it’s important to remember that not all of these symptoms may be present. 

Identifying an Underactive Thyroid

The words may be similar, but they’re direct opposites. On the other end of the spectrum from hyperthyroidism is an underactive thyroid – which is known as hypothyroidism. Two of the easiest things to look for are in your sleep and with your weight. If you are feeling overly fatigued or lethargic – even after a full night’s sleep – it could be an indication that something is out of line with your body. Unexplained weight gain, or difficulty losing weight is another indicator. 

There are a number of other signs to be on the lookout for. Muscle aches and weakness, as well as your skin becoming dry and brittle may be indications of an underactive thyroid. Also pay attention to your moods. Mood swings or feeling depressed can be signs, as well as difficulty focusing or experiencing memory lapses. All of these may be an indication of hypothyroidism, but not all of these symptoms may be present. Swelling in the neck is also an indication of an enlarged thyroid gland.

These symptoms don’t necessarily mean you’re suffering from a thyroid problem, as they can also be caused by other medical conditions. If you suspect you might have thyroid issues, or for more information on these conditions, reach out to the experts at the Center for Functional Medicine today.