Thyroid symptoms or something else?
The thyroid gland is an integral part of our metabolism, but affects the function of every organ system. So young or old, your health is significantly affected by the slightest abnormality in the function of your thyroid. We need proper nutrition of produce the thyroid hormone which has four molecules of iodine for every thyroid hormone molecule. The thyroid molecules circulating are T3 and T4. 80% of T3 is made in tissues by the release of an iodine molecule from T4. This tissue level production is very important, and is responsible for most of the circulating T3 we find when we draw a blood level of thyroid. But some T3 is still in the tissues themselves and cannot be accurately reflected by standard blood level testing. For the best thyroid management, often it is important to evaluate signs and symptoms in your body regardless of test numbers. Being an integral part of the function of so many organ systems, the thyroid rarely works alone, but more typically has to have other co-factors for optimal performance. As we discuss here, often there is much more to test than just the T3 or T4.
Dry Hair: Nails can be cracked and brittle. If this is just due to lack of attention to nails, simple cleansing, care of cuticles, and shaping should heal the nails. If they continue to be brittle, maybe there is a nutritional or hormonal cause that needs attention.
Constipation: In some cases the symptoms of hypo and hyperthyroidism can be similar, but typically women with hyperthyroidism have more frequent periods of constipation
Muscle Stiffness: The thyroid gland hormone calcitonin regulates the calcium levels in our body which can in tern affect how our muscles respond. Normal stiffness, a bit in the morning, a bit before your warm-up asana poses, or after really pushing yourself in the gym is fine. If you get to the point that you have chronic muscle aching or joint stiffness, you may need thyroid evaluation.
On Edge: Many mood symptoms can be associated with the elevated cortisol levels triggered by an inactive form of T3 called reverseT3
Irregular Periods: This can be a sign of overactive or under-active thyroid, and can translate into lack of ovulation and infertility in some cases
Weight Gain: Normal thyroid levels mean the levels that we find 95% of the population, optimal levels, especially for weight control is a level that we see in 65% of the population
Brain Fog,Lives In Slow Motion, Depression
Skin changes: Dry Skin, Wrinkled Skin, Broken Out Skin: Thyroid disease controls cellular metabolism of the organs of the body, and this is our largest organ
Sex Problems, Low Libido, Less Intense Orgasms
Hoarseness
Cold : body temperature can be lower than 97.6 F
Migrating Pains
Hair Loss: Many causes of hair loss exist, and thyroid is just one. Low B12 due to deficient stomach acid and elevated cortisol can have wide ranging effects in the woman with hypothyroidism, so sometimes it’s not just a matter of balancing thyroid but a matter of being sure both mind and body are sound!
Low Vitamin D: Even if you vitamin D consumption (or sun production) is adequate, those with thyroid problems may find themselves low in D due to digestive issues secondary to the thyroid dysfunction causing poor D absorption through the skin.
Anemia: Not specifically caused by hypothyroidism, but does make it worse
Thyroid testing is relatively simple, cost effective, and you should come in to get your thyroid tested if you are experiencing any of these symptoms. And if you suffer from one of the conditions above, there are potential cures.