Understanding the early warning signs of thyroid problems can seem daunting, and you may not know where to begin. Here is a helpful guide to help you understand the thyroid problems you might be experiencing. 

What Is the Thyroid?

The thyroid is a gland that produces hormones. In some cases, this gland might produce too many thyroid hormones (hyperthyroidism), or produce too few thyroid hormones (hypothyroidism). 

Here are some early warning signs that may indicate that you have developed one of these thyroid issues.

Hyperthyroidism Signs

If your thyroid gland produces too many thyroid hormones, an overactive thyroid gland can cause you to have mental and physical symptoms.

Hyperthyroidism can cause the overproduction of sebum, the natural oil your skin uses to hydrate. You may notice an increased metabolic rate which will cause you to lose weight and have loose stools. 

Hyperthyroidism can also lead to hair loss, which can be more noticeable while washing or brushing your hair. You might also notice that you become overheated easily, or have trouble adjusting to hotter temperatures. 

The mental symptoms of hyperthyroidism can cause you to feel an increased level of anxiety and stress. You may feel that you are frustrated more easily, or have trouble communicating without feeling angry.

If your thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones, you might experience some negative symptoms from the lack of them. 

Hypothyroidism Signs

Hypothyroidism can cause your skin to become dry from a lack of sebum production. You may notice a decreased metabolic rate which will cause you to gain weight and become constipated more frequently.

Hypothyroidism can make it difficult to adjust to cold temperatures, or you may become colder easily. 

Mentally, you might be feeling a lack of energy, lack of enthusiasm, or lower motivation to get things accomplished as normal. 

More Signs to Look Out For 

Both thyroid problems can cause vision issues. Your eyes may become dry, red, or watery. Also, it might be difficult to close your eyelids, and you could develop bulging eyes or other vision problems. 

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms and wish to talk more on how a thermography screening can be beneficial for assessing thyroid health, please contact us today!