Is It Your Thyroid?
Could your thyroid be affecting your health? Learn about the common signs and symptoms of thyroid disorders and when it may be time to talk with your healthcare provider.
Cold hands, weight gain, dry skin, feeling tired all the time—it’s not just a winter thing. It could be your thyroid hormone levels.
Your thyroid gland (located in your neck) is tiny but powerful. The thyroid makes hormones that control how your body uses energy, affecting your breathing, weight, digestion, mood and heart rate. For such a small gland, it packs a big punch when it comes to your overall health.
Thyroid disease includes several conditions where your thyroid doesn’t function well. It’s also more common in women than in men. More than 12% of people in the U.S. will develop some form of thyroid disease in their lifetime, and many don’t realize they have a problem.
- Physical exam to feel your thyroid gland
- Thyroid blood tests to check hormone levels
- Imaging tests, such as thyroid scan, ultrasound or radioactive iodine uptake test
- Biopsy, if your provider suspects thyroid cancer
Hyperthyroidism
When your thyroid gland is overactive, it makes more thyroid hormones than your body needs. Symptoms may include:
- Nervousness, irritability or mood swings
- Fatigue or feeling tired all the time
- Muscle weakness
- Feeling overheated
- Trouble sleeping
- Shaking, often in your hands
- Fast and irregular heartbeat
- Unexplained weight loss
- Diarrhea or frequent bowel movements
Treatment for hyperthyroidism may include medication to stop your thyroid from making too much hormone; radioiodine therapy (which works to destroy overactive thyroid gland cells); or surgery to remove part or all of the thyroid gland, though this is rare.
Hypothyroidism
When your thyroid gland is underactive, it doesn’t make enough thyroid hormones for your body. Symptoms may include:
- Fatigue
- Depression
- Weight gain
- Feeling cold all the time
- Dry skin and hair
- Thinning hair
- Muscle and joint pain
- Decreased sweating
- Slowed heart rate
- Constipation
- In women, heavy or irregular periods (and possible fertility problems)
For hypothyroidism, we’ll prescribe medication to replace your thyroid hormones.
In rare cases, a lump or swelling in your thyroid, especially if it grows quickly, can point to thyroid cancer.
Other signs of thyroid cancer include:
- Pain in your neck or ears
- Voice changes or hoarseness
- Trouble swallowing or breathing
- Ongoing cough not caused by another illness
- Lump or lumps on the side of your neck
For thyroid cancer, treatment may include:
- Surgery
- Radiation therapy, including radioiodine therapy
- Chemotherapy and targeted therapy
- Thyroid hormone therapy
- Watchful waiting
If you suspect a thyroid issue, your primary care provider is the best place to start.
Ready to Schedule an Appointment?
To schedule an appointment with a primary care provider, call 216-MY-METRO (216-696-3876) or visit metrohealth.org/appointments.
Your Questions Answered
Q. What does the thyroid do?
The thyroid is a small gland in your neck that makes hormones that help control how your body uses energy. These hormones affect many functions, including your heart rate, body temperature, weight and mood.
Q. What are signs that my thyroid may not be working properly?
An underactive thyroid may cause fatigue, weight gain, feeling cold, dry skin or depression. An overactive thyroid can cause weight loss, a fast heartbeat, anxiety, trouble sleeping or feeling unusually warm. Talk to your healthcare provider if you notice these symptoms.
Q. How is thyroid disease diagnosed?
Your healthcare provider can check your thyroid with a simple blood test. The test measures hormone levels and can help determine whether your thyroid is underactive, overactive or working normally. Early diagnosis and treatment can help you feel your best.