Signs You Should Get Your Thyroid Checked

According to experts, at least thirty million people in the United States have a thyroid disorder, with half of them—15 million—being undiagnosed. And if you are a woman, you are up to ten times more likely than men to have issues with your thyroid. 

The Role Of Your Thyroid

First, it is good to know what the thyroid does in the body. This butterfly-shaped gland produces hormones that help regulate almost all bodily functions, including your weight, metabolism, energy levels, and body temperature, as well as how your skin, hair, and nails grow.

If you are searching for Family Doctors near Homer Glen, IL to get your thyroid checked, then turn to one of the most experienced and knowledgeable physicians, Dr. Sudarsana Chakrabarti, MD. Her friendly and compassionate nature towards her patients sets her apart.

Early Warning Signs of Thyroid Problems

Below are some of the symptoms of thyroid which requires immediate medical attention:

Feeling tired and weak all the time

Energy issues can be caused by literally hundreds of reasons, but fatigue is a very important sign of low thyroid. If you're still tired in the morning after a full night's sleep, it's a sign that you're not just tired from lack of sleep; your thyroid may be underactive. A routine checkup is a must to keep these things under control. You can also connect with Dr. Sudarsana Chakrabarti, MD, Internal Medicine Specialist in Homer Glen, through secure and private telemedicine services powered by PatientMD from the comfort of your home.

Digestion problems

Constipated? Bloated? Feeling 'heavy' in the stomach? Your thyroid gland controls your bowel function. If this sounds like you you may have hypothyroidism. On the flip side, if persistent diarrhea is more your thing -- have your physician run different blood works to rule out hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid).

Depression, memory issues, nervousness, or irritability

You may be suffering from depression, have memory issues, or be annoyed or panicky all the time, and you may think it's psychological instead of physical. These are some of the signs which signal that there might be some issue with your thyroid. Hypothyroidism is frequently linked to depression, whereas hyperthyroidism is more commonly linked to anxiety or panic attacks.

Weight Gain or Loss

Weight gain or loss is one of the first signs of thyroid problems. Low thyroid function is indicated by rapid weight gain. Alternatively, significant weight loss is an important sign of Hyperthyroidism. If you are losing or gaining weight without explanation, you must seek medical assistance to ensure that the change is not an underlying sign of trouble. Hyperthyroidism

Skin/hair problems

Hair becomes brittle, coarse, and dry as a result of hypothyroidism, and it easily breaks off and falls out. Skin can become coarse, thick, dry, and scaly. An unusual loss of hair in the outer edge of the eyebrow is common in hypothyroidism. Severe hair loss and thinning skin are both possible effects of hyperthyroidism. Any changes in any of the above warrant a thorough checkup.

Always feel Cold 

Hypothyroidism, or an underactive thyroid, could be the cause of your constant coldness. Thyroid hormone deficiency has an impact on the nervous system, metabolism, and all of your organs. Hyperthyroidism might present oppositely. You may experience hot flashes or excessive sweating as a result of this.

Final words:

If you have some of the symptoms listed, and you just don't feel right, schedule an office or telemedicine appointment with Dr. Sudarsana Chakrabarti, MD and get your thyroid checked. If you have a thyroid problem, several treatments can help you improve your health and quality of life. It does get better!