Spotting the Warning Signs of a Thyroid Disorder

The endocrine system is the unsung hero of the human body, regulating a vast array of bodily functions every day. When something goes awry in this system, your body feels the difference quickly. 

Saka Kazeem, MD, and the team at Elk Medical are honored to be the medical resource of choice for many members of the Crown Heights community of Brooklyn, New York.

Dr. Kazeem offers the following information to help you identify the early stages of thyroid disorders, empowering you to take action to protect your health. 

Understanding the thyroid’s role in overall health

Most people pay little to no attention to their thyroid, a butterfly-shaped gland in the front of your neck that creates and releases thyroid hormones. The primary role of these hormones is regulating your metabolism, the rate at which your body converts food into energy. 

Every cell in your body needs fuel to function. When your thyroid produces too few or too many hormones, those cells can’t get the nourishment they need to thrive. Symptoms develop that can affect several areas of your health. 

That’s why it’s critical to work with a highly skilled medical practitioner if you notice changes in your health and wellness. Symptoms of thyroid problems are similar to other health issues, but a simple blood test can determine how well your thyroid works. 

Most thyroid troubles fall under hyperthyroidism (too many thyroid hormones) or hypothyroidism (too few thyroid hormones). 

Sleep quality can be an early sign of thyroid issues

Restful sleep is essential to your health. Because you sleep each day, you’ll likely notice if something interferes with your rest. Ongoing sleep disruptions could signal a thyroid condition. 

Feelings of nervousness, restlessness, and arousal can prevent people with hyperthyroidism from relaxing enough to fall and stay asleep. Those with hypothyroidism may feel lethargic and eager to sleep, but that sleep may not be restful, and they’re tired when they wake.

Fluctuating weight is often a sign

Because thyroid hormones regulate your metabolism, one of the early signs of a thyroid problem is a change in your weight unrelated to changes in your diet or activity levels. 

If your thyroid isn’t producing enough hormones, you may put on weight without a clear reason. If your thyroid manufactures excessive levels, you can drop weight without trying. 

While it’s normal for weight to rise or fall over time, pay close attention to any significant losses or gains that don’t seem to correlate to changes in your diet or exercise. 

Struggling with temperature changes? It could be your thyroid

The thyroid regulates your body’s internal temperature. Most people aren’t usually troubled by changes in temperature in their environment unless they encounter extremely warm or cold days.

But if your thyroid creates too many hormones, you could feel overly hot even on mild days or in air-conditioned buildings. If your thyroid isn’t producing enough hormones, you could feel cold even when everyone else around you is comfortable. 

Pay attention to daily activity levels

Changes in thyroid hormone production can alter your energy levels. For those with hyperthyroidism, excess energy is a common symptom; you might feel fidgety or restless. 

Fatigue is common with hypothyroidism. Fatigue is more than an occasional period of low energy. It’s a pervasive condition that leaves you feeling drained even after a full night’s rest. 

Don’t ignore symptoms of thyroid disorders

At Elk Medical, you have access to an endocrinology specialist with the training and experience to quickly identify the source of your symptoms and put you on the right treatment path. Call us today to schedule a visit with Dr. Kazeem.