Learn To Recognize The Warning Signs of Hypothyroidism
The thyroid gland does not require extra attention or
maintenance most of the time. But when it acts up, you will
notice a change in your health marked by relevant symptoms.
Although these may be vague enough to avoid your physician's
diagnosis for a time, with the right blood test and a careful
medical examination, you can soon find out if you have
hypothyroidism.
One of the first reasons to suspect that your thyroid may be
acting up is if you feel extra sluggish or worn out. Some people
report they get so tired and listless, that it becomes
increasingly difficult to get out of bed most days. They can
barely drag across the floor to get to the bathroom, and a
flight of stairs seems to ask the impossible. Of course, if you
get to this point, you need to see a doctor pronto, as your
thyroid may be in serious trouble. But be sure to ask your
doctor to evaluate any type of unexplained fatigue.
Another symptom is dry skin and hair. You may find that your
hair seems thin or brittle, and it could lose its sheen. Your
skin may become rough and flaky, no matter how much you try to
moisturize it. Like hair, skin can lose its natural vibrancy,
tone, and color, especially around the joints like your elbows.
Your mouth may feel drier than usual, as well.
Internal organs may not work properly and show signs of
problems. For example, you could develop frequent or recurrent
constipation. Your periods (if you are a female) could start
coming irregularly and may not have the same type of monthly
flow that you are used to. Your heart or breathing may not seem
to work as efficiently as before. This observation fits with the
fatigue mentioned above.
Since many of these symptoms are fairly generic, you will need
to see your doctor to get an examination and accurate diagnosis.
Your doctor may order blood tests to check the level of your
thyroid's function. You might even be asked to take a
radioactive pill or receive an injection that will let a
technician check your thyroid's activity level the next day or
so. Be sure to follow directions and keep pets or children away
for a day or two afterward until the radioactive matter passes
from your body.
If the doctor makes a diagnosis of hypothyroidism, you will
probably be given a prescription medication to supplement the
work your thyroid is supposed to do. Most of the time this
condition is permanent, and it could be serious or even fatal if
you don't take the medication. That is why it is important to
check with your doctor about any problems you may be having so
you can get a speedy and correct diagnosis and treatment. If you
have the opposite kind of symptoms, such as a racing heart rate,
oily skin, and diarrhea, you could have hyperthyroidism or
another condition. Always let your doctor know if you experience
a significant change in bodily behavior.