Top Ten Signs That You May Have A Thyroid Problem

Millions of people everyday are not aware that the increase in weight, fatigue, depression and muscle aches and pains they feel may be symptoms of a thyroid problem. These symptoms by themselves may appear common and will be treated individually.

However, if the problem is the thyroid, the patient may not respond positively to cholesterol medications or weight loss solutions.

How would you know if you have a thyroid problem? Here are the top ten signs ordered according to gravity:

10. Muscle and Joint Pains, Carpal Tunnel and Tendonitis Problems

People with thyroid problems may feel aches and pains in their muscles and joints. They may feel a weakness in the arms. This leads to development of carpal tunnel syndrome in the arms and hands, or tarsal tunnel in the legs.

9. Neck Discomfort or Enlargement

The thyroid gland is located in the neck, right near the collarbone. Check to see if there is swelling in the area. Follow the following steps found at the About.com's Thyroid Check page:

Hold the mirror so that you can see the area of your neck just below the Adam's apple and right above the collarbone. This is the general location of your thyroid gland.
Tip your head back, while keeping this view of your neck and thyroid area in your mirror.
Take a drink of water and swallow.
As you swallow, look at your neck. Watch carefully for any bulges, enlargement, protrusions, or unusual appearances in this area when you swallow.
Repeat this process several times.
If you see any bulges, protrusions, lumps or anything that appears unusual, see your doctor right away. You may have an enlarged thyroid, or a thyroid nodule, and your thyroid should be evaluated.

8. Hair and Skin Changes

Although by themselves, hair and skin problems may not immediately pose a thyroid problem. Hyperthyroidism causes severe hair loss and fragile thin skin. Hypothyroidism, on the other hand, causes hair to become brittle and dry, which leads to breakage and subsequent hair loss. There is also unusual hair loss in the outer edge of the eyebrows. In hyperthyroidism, skin can become coarse, dry, thick and scaly.

7. Bowel Problems

Hypothyroidism results to severe or long-term constipation, while hyperthyroidism causes diarrhea or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

6. Menstrual Irregularities and Fertility Problems

Undiagnosed thyroid problems can result to menstrual irregularities and infertility. Hypothyroidism causes heavier, more frequent and painful menstrual periods, and hyperthyroidism causes lighter, shorter and infrequent menstruation.

Next post will tackle symptoms 5 to 1 of this topic.

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