Fatigue, depression, sleeping too much, and high blood pressure are symptoms that sound like they come from wildly different conditions.
But believe it or not, it could all be down to the same thing.
All of these symptoms could be the result of your thyroid. Those with both underactive and overactive thyroids can experience symptoms that are serious, ad could result in other health problems. They can also be mistaken for other health problems.
Here are just some symptoms to look out for.
- Depression. A hypoactive thyroid can cause depression, due to the lack of hormones In the thyroid.
- Constipation. This is one of the main symptoms of hormonal imbalance in the thyroid. Hormones that have been messed with can result in a slower digestion process.
- Being tired all the time. Waking up in the morning is hard sometimes. But if you feel like it’s near impossible to wake up every morning, it could be a hypoactive thyroid that’s the culprit.
- Hair loss and dry, itchy skin. This is the result of metabolism slowed by a hypoactive thyroid.
- Unexplained weight gain. If you haven’t changed anything about your diet, but you still seem to be gaining weight, it could be a hypoactive thyroid.
- Muscle tension and muscle aches. Muscle aches usually aren’t unexplainable. In fact, they usually have a cause, like strain or overuse. But if you’re experiencing aches and you don’t know why, it could be your thyroid.
- Dizziness or confusion. If you’re getting older or have some other condition, these may be possible to explain away. But if there’s no reason for you to be experiencing these symptoms, it may be time to talk to your doctor.
- High blood pressure. If you eat a balanced diet and exercise frequently, there’s no reason for your blood pressure to be high. If it is, check with your doctor—it could be a hypoactive thyroid.
- Things taste different, and you’re hungrier. These could both be results of underactive thyroids.
- Neck and/or throat pain. Of course, the gland itself could become inflamed. Any pain or change in voice that’s unrelated to some other sickness should be inspected by a doctor.
If you think you may be experiencing thyroid problems, perform this test: look in a mirror and focus on where the thyroid is, between the Adam’s apple and the collar bone. Take a drink of water, and see if that area swells. If it does, talk to your doctor.