Because the side effects are so varied, it can be hard to identify issues with the endocrine system. Be aware of the common symptoms of thyroid disorders.
The endocrine system is a collection of several organs in the body; this includes the pituitary gland, the pancreas, the ovaries, testicles, and the adrenal gland, to name a few. But among the many organs that make up the system, the thyroid constitutes some of the most common issues that individuals experience. Knowing the common symptoms of thyroid disorders enables people to identify their illnesses early and seek out the appropriate medical help before issues advance.
The Two Facets of Thyroid Disorders
The thyroid can be overactive or underactive, and these two different disorders have individual symptoms you need to watch out for. They may share some side effects, but the larger health issues people will experience determines which of the two they suffer from, and knowing that difference informs your medical treatment.
Hyperthyroidism
Weight Loss
An overactive thyroid, known as hyperthyroidism, means the processes of the organ move faster than average. Most commonly, this means the metabolic processes of the body work quickly, breaking down food and fat and converting it into energy. While this may seem like an advantage, those with an overactive thyroid will experience rapid weight loss, as the body burns fat too quickly.
Sensitivity To Warmth
Aside from troubles maintaining weight, hyperthyroidism also makes people sensitive to warmer temperatures. This results from the body burning fat and energy; this process generates heat in the body, which warms it up. The increased warmth of the body amplifies the effects of warmer temperatures outside the body, making individuals hotter than they should be.
Trouble Sleeping
Along with the increased burning of energy, individuals with an overactive thyroid will have increased trouble getting to sleep and irritability when attempting to relax. When the body burns energy, it wants to keep moving, and it becomes restless when you try to stay still. As a result, trying to sleep at night becomes harder due to the energy still burning in the body.
Hypothyroidism
Weight Gain
Where hyperthyroidism makes you lose weight, hypothyroidism slows down the metabolic process, resulting in an increase in weight. Because the body does not burn up fat and transfer it into energy as fast, it leads to fat reserves in the body to build up.
Hoarce Voice and Coarse Hair
Because of the lowered activity, the low levels of hormones cause fluid buildup in the vocal folds of the body. This results in one’s voice seeming horace or rough compared to how it normally sounds. In the same vein, the lack of hormones affects hair on one’s head, making them rougher than they otherwise should be.
Constant Fatigue
One of the most common symptoms, and one routinely misattributed to other illnesses, is fatigue. Because of the slower metabolic rate, fat transfers to energy at a slower pace. This means the individual does not have the energy necessary to perform physical activity throughout the day; instead, they feel tired, no matter how much sleep they get.
Know Your Body
Be aware of the common symptoms of thyroid disorders to formulate the best care plan possible with your doctor. An endocrinologist will help you make the necessary lifestyle changes you need to get your illness under control.
Dr. Philip Rabito is an endocrinologist in Manhattan with a history of assisting patients with their endocrine disorders. Don’t hesitate to contact his office if you need medical assistance or consultation for your condition.
