Tell If One Has Thyroid Problems
According to the United States Department of Health and Human Services, approximately 20 million Americans are currently facing a thyroid disorder. This does not include those who have yet to be diagnosed. If you experience one or more of the following symptoms, you should check with your doctor to see if you may be suffering from a thyroid problem.
Instructions
1. Check for swelling in the neck. One of the quickest ways to spot a thyroid problem is by looking for inflammation in the neck. This can be the sign of an enlarged thyroid gland.
2. Check for bowel irregularities. Experiencing chronic constipation can be a sign of an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism). Chronic diarrhea can be a sign of an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism).
3. Check for swelling in the wrists and ankles. Swelling in the carpals of your hands and the tarsals of your feet can often be a sign associated with a thyroid problem.
4. Check for hair loss. Hair can often be one of the most noticeable side effects of a thyroid problem. An overactive thyroid can cause the hair to become weak and brittle, resulting in abnormal amounts of hair loss. Hair loss may even affect the outer edges of the eyebrows as well as other areas of the body that are covered with hair.
5. Check your cholesterol levels. Getting a cholesterol test done by your doctor can also give some clues to whether or not you have a thyroid problem. If your cholesterol become too high or low, and remains unchanged even with diet, exercise and prescription intervention, it could be the sign of a thyroid problem.
6. Look for unexplained weight changes. Hypothyroidism is often associated with a drastic change in weight. If diet and exercise does not affect your ability to lose weight, you may have an underactive thyroid.
7. Observe your energy levels. Thyroid problems can often be accompanied by chronic feelings of exhaustion, even if you have had 8 or more hours of uninterrupted sleep.
Tags: thyroid problem, associated with, Check swelling, diet exercise, hair loss, hair loss Hair
