Surprising Signs You Might Have a Thyroid Problem

Surprising Signs You Might Have a Thyroid Problem

Thyroid disease is common, and many people don’t know they have it. That may be in part because some of the symptoms are surprising.

About 30 million people suffer from thyroid dysfunction. And 60 percent don’t know they have a problem. Because many of the signs are subtle, come on slowly and can seem like other problems, many people are not diagnosed and treated.

Common signs of thyroid disease involve weight gain, insomnia and depression. But some symptoms of thyroid problems may not seem like they would have anything to do with a thyroid problem:

  • Shaking and nervousness
  • Muscle aches and joint pain
  • Puffy face
  • Dry skin
  • Hoarse voice
  • Trouble swallowing or breathing
What Does the Thyroid Do?

While small in size, the thyroid plays a huge role in your total health.

The thyroid is a gland in the front of your neck that makes hormones that impact almost all parts of your body. It affects the work of many of the body’s most vital organs, including the heart, brain, liver, kidneys and skin. Keeping the thyroid gland healthy and working the right way is vital to the whole body.

Along with unexplained weight gain, those with an underactive thyroid may have hair loss, fatigue, dry skin and joint pain. Called hypothyroidism, it’s the most common problem. Many people just feel "off," with no clear signs of being truly sick.

Sometimes, the thyroid makes too much hormone. This is called hyperthyroidism. Some signs involve nervousness, sweating, rapid heartbeat, shaking hands, sleeping problems and weight loss.

Both types are more common in women than in men.

Another type of thyroid problem is thyroid cancer. Signs of thyroid cancer include a lump or pain in the front of the neck, swelling in the neck, hoarseness or voice changes that don’t go away, trouble swallowing or breathing, or a constant cough not due to other illness.

Most thyroid cancer can be diagnosed early and treated successfully.

Think You Might Have Thyroid Troubles?
  • Talk to your doctor. Your doctor may suggest a
  • Check your neck. leaving site icon  A lump or enlargement of the small gland in the lower front part of your neck can be a sign that there’s a problem. Thyroid lumps, or nodules, are common. Most are not cancerous. But if you notice one, it’s important to be checked by your doctor.

The American Thyroid Association offers links to patient education materials. leaving site icon  The American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists offers videos leaving site icon  to help you learn more.

How Is It Treated?

Most thyroid health problems can be treated with medication. Finding just the right amount of medication to keep levels stable can take time. In some cases, surgery may be needed.

Left untreated, thyroid disease can raise the risk for serious health problems. Getting care prevents long-term harm. If you think you may have signs of a thyroid problem, talk to your doctor.

Sources: Hyperthyroidism, leaving site icon  Hypothyroidism, leaving site icon  American Academy of Family Physicians, 2020; All About Thyroidleaving site icon  How to check your thyroid, leaving site icon  American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists; About Thyroid Cancer, leaving site icon  American Cancer Society

Originally published 8/5/2015; Revised 2021

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