The thyroid gland, located at the base of the neck, plays a crucial role in our body’s functions. When it malfunctions, we may notice subtle changes. Being attentive to these signs can help us detect thyroid diseases early and seek treatment faster.
We have compiled the symptoms of thyroid disease and examined how age, gender, and nutrition contribute to its effects.
Hyperthyroidism
This is one of two main types of thyroid diseases. A well-functioning thyroid releases a good number of hormones into our bloodstream to help our bodies function well, but a thyroid going through hyperthyroidism produces too much of its hormones, causing the body to breakdown.
But what are the symptoms?
“I had started to feel symptoms that ‘something was not right,’ very gradually, over the last two years. My hair gradually started shedding heavily about a year ago, I would get waves of debilitating anxiety for no reason, high heart rate, overheating, couldn’t sleep, waves of fatigue.
Many of the symptoms of an overactive thyroid. Due to the symptoms and having a sister with hypothyroidism (autoimmune), I suspected that I had a thyroid issue, so I asked the Dr about this and if they could check.” LuckyDJC / Reddit
1. Decrease in menstrual cycle
The menstrual cycle and reproductive system is also affected by thyroid disease. It can cause irregular menstruation and a lighter flow, and fertility issues could result from this.
2. Heart Palpitations
Too much of the thyroid hormone enhances the speed at which a heart beats.
3. Anxiety or Irritability
The psychological symptom of thyroid disease is that it affects our mood. In hyperthyroidism, it produces a nervousness or irritability. Thyroid-related anxiety usually goes hand in hand with other thyroid symptoms like weight changes, heart palpitations and body aches.
4. Increased appetite
As the thyroid produces hormones that control metabolism and how the body uses energy, an excessive release of these hormones will then increase a person’s appetite.
5. Eye problems
Many people experience modest eye issues which include redness, dryness or vision problems; dry, gritted eyes that are sensitive to light, watering eyes, double or obscured vision, crimson eyes or bulging eyes with red, puffy, or drawn-back eyelids.
6. Increased Sweating
Hyperthyroidism may be indicated by excessive and frequent sweating. People with this type of thyroid disease are typically warm, with skin that’s moist to the touch.
Age and Gender
- Older people may encounter more subtle symptoms which includes an irregular heartbeat, weight loss, depression, and daily fatigue.
- Women over 60 are more likely to develop a thyroid condition.
- In children and teens, thyroid hormone is necessary for normal growth and development. Teenagers’ bodies require sufficient amounts of these hormones to sustain specific processes – Puberty is one of those processes. Teenagers who have high levels of thyroid hormone in their blood for an extended period of time may grow more quickly and experience puberty earlier.
Nutrition
Those with an overactive thyroid may benefit from the following foods: low iodine foods like fruit and fruit juices, egg whites, fresh or frozen vegetables, herbs and spices and vegetable oils; leafy green vegetables; foods with selenium like rice, egg whites, baked beans, oatmeal, spinach etc. and foods with iron, calcium, vitamin D and spices. Avoid caffeine, gluten, soy and foods containing iodine such as fish, kelp, seaweed, dairy products, iodine supplements, red-dyed foods, and egg yolks.
