Ask Away Blog: Common Signs Your Thyroid Might Not Be Working Properly

Key Takeaways

Unexplained weight, energy level, or mood changes may be early indicators of thyroid dysfunction.
Physical symptoms like hair loss, persistent dry skin, and digestive problems are important early clues.
Temperature intolerance—feeling abnormally hot or cold—and menstrual irregularities are key signs to notice, especially in conjunction with other symptoms.
When multiple symptoms are present together, it’s a strong reason to seek evaluation and testing for thyroid health.

Introduction
Unexplained Weight Changes
Persistent Fatigue
Mood Fluctuations
Hair and Skin Changes
Digestive Irregularities
Temperature Sensitivity
Heart Rate Abnormalities
Menstrual and Fertility Issues
When to See a Doctor

Introduction

The thyroid gland, a butterfly-shaped organ at the base of the neck, is crucial for maintaining overall health by regulating metabolism, energy production, and hormone balance. When malfunctioning, it can cause a range of symptoms, from minor fluctuations in weight or mood to more severe issues like chronic fatigue, hair loss, and heartbeat irregularities. These symptoms can be mistaken for stress, aging, or lifestyle changes, making early recognition of thyroid issues crucial. The thyroid's role is to regulate metabolism, energy production, and maintain a delicate balance of hormones that keep bodily functions running smoothly. If you’re in Denver and want expert guidance, Thyroid Denver is a valuable local resource dedicated to thyroid health and care.

Thyroid health symptoms can be challenging to identify and are often overlooked. They are attributed to factors like overwork, sleep deprivation, or aging and can mimic other health issues like chronic fatigue or depression. Awareness of these symptoms is crucial for proactive health care. Recognizing multiple symptoms simultaneously can lead to seeking expert advice. Understanding these underlying signs and triggers allows for timely testing and treatment, empowering individuals to take control of their health and quality of life.

Unexplained Weight Changes

Experiencing noticeable changes in body weight without any evident cause—such as changes in diet or physical activity—often points to an issue with thyroid function. An underactive thyroid, or hypothyroidism, tends to slow your metabolism, so you may steadily gain weight even if your routine hasn’t changed. This isn’t just about a few extra pounds; it can be a significant and stubborn weight increase that doesn’t respond well to typical weight-loss strategies. On the other hand, an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) speeds up your metabolism, causing unintentional weight loss, sometimes coupled with an increased appetite. These weight shifts are usually accompanied by other physical and emotional symptoms, so looking at your health as a whole picture is crucial. If you have unexplained body weight changes—exceptionally rapid or persistent—consider getting your thyroid checked and discussing your symptoms with a knowledgeable provider.

Persistent Fatigue

Persistent and unexplained tiredness is one of the hallmark symptoms of thyroid dysfunction. In hypothyroidism, your body’s slowed metabolic processes mean that energy production decreases, often leaving you feeling constantly drained, even after a full night’s sleep. This overwhelming fatigue isn’t easily alleviated by rest or caffeine; it can interfere with your ability to work, care for your family, or enjoy hobbies. Meanwhile, those with hyperthyroidism might experience insomnia or restlessness, resulting in a similar sense of daytime exhaustion. The difference, however, is that feelings of nervous energy or agitation may mask hyperthyroid-induced tiredness. If fatigue becomes an inescapable part of your days and starts to diminish your quality of life, consider that your thyroid could be at play, and get assessed by a professional.

Mood Fluctuations

The impact of thyroid hormones extends beyond physical symptoms—they’re also deeply intertwined with your mental and emotional health. When thyroid hormone levels are too low, you may experience persistent feelings of sadness or depression, decreased mental clarity (sometimes described as “brain fog”), and a loss of motivation or enthusiasm for things you once enjoyed. Social withdrawal and difficulty concentrating are common. Conversely, an excess of thyroid hormone can make you feel restless, anxious, irritable, or even panicky for no clear reason. These mood and anxiety symptoms frequently overlap with other signs of thyroid dysfunction, so it’s important to note any changes and discuss them with your healthcare provider, especially if mental health changes seem out of the ordinary or appear alongside physical symptoms.

Hair and Skin Changes

Dryness, Thinning, and More

Your hair and skin are directly affected by the amount and quality of thyroid hormones circulating in your body. People with hypothyroidism often notice their skin becoming dry, coarse, and flaky over time, regardless of how much moisturizer they use. Hair may become brittle and thin, and some people even experience visible patches of hair loss, most noticeably at the outer eyebrows and scalp. Hyperthyroidism tends to have the opposite effect: hair becomes fine and limp, while the skin may take on a soft and smooth, but unusually fragile, texture. Since thyroid hormones drive many processes that nourish these tissues, sudden or progressive changes in hair and skin health can serve as early alarms for thyroid dysfunction—a reason not to dismiss them as cosmetic issues or normal aging.

Digestive Irregularities

Your digestive system is intricately linked to thyroid health. Thyroid dysfunction can create ongoing gastrointestinal distress that is often overlooked. Hypothyroidism typically slows down digestive processes, causing chronic and sometimes severe constipation that doesn’t respond to diet changes. Over time, this sluggish digestion can contribute to feelings of bloating and discomfort. On the contrary, hyperthyroidism generally ramps up digestive activity, which can lead to frequent bowel movements or even diarrhea. Sometimes, people with overactive thyroid glands also report stomach cramps or a decreased ability to tolerate certain foods. If digestive irregularities persist and do not resolve with routine treatment, it’s worth considering an underlying thyroid problem and discussing the complete list of symptoms with a healthcare provider.

Temperature Sensitivity

If you always seem cold—layering up even when others are comfortable—or, oppositely, you become overheated easily, your thyroid could be contributing. An underactive thyroid leads to a slower metabolism, causing your body temperature to drop and making you more sensitive to cold. This cold intolerance can become noticeable in everyday life, whether it’s shivering in a cool room or always needing extra blankets. Meanwhile, hyperthyroidism often manifests as heat intolerance, with frequent episodes of sweating, flushed skin, and an inability to get comfortable in warm environments. Sudden changes or growing intolerance to temperatures you previously handled well should not be brushed off, especially if other warning signs are present.

Heart Rate Abnormalities

Your heart relies heavily on thyroid hormones to maintain a steady, healthy rhythm. With hypothyroidism, your heart rate may slow significantly, occasionally leading to dizziness, fainting, or persistent fatigue. On the flip side, an overactive thyroid often causes a rapid heartbeat, palpitations, or sensations of pounding in your chest—even when you are resting. Some individuals may develop an irregular heartbeat known as arrhythmia, which, if left untreated, can have serious long-term consequences for heart health. Unexplained changes in your heart rate, whether slow or excessively fast, require prompt medical attention. Always report persistent or severe symptoms to your healthcare provider to rule out cardiac and endocrine causes.

Menstrual and Fertility Issues

Key Impacts on Women’s Health

Women are particularly susceptible to the effects of thyroid dysfunction on reproductive health. When thyroid hormone levels are too low (hypothyroidism), periods may become much heavier, longer, or more irregular, with some women even experiencing missed cycles (amenorrhea). These disruptions can lead to anemia and other secondary issues. Hyperthyroidism typically leads to lighter, shorter, or less frequent menstrual bleeding. Either way, normal ovulation can be affected, making it more difficult to conceive. Women trying to get pregnant or experiencing changes in their menstrual cycle should include thyroid function tests as part of their workup, as correcting thyroid imbalances often improves both cycle regularity and fertility outcomes. Discussing these symptoms with a knowledgeable provider is crucial for managing both short- and long-term reproductive health, especially for those planning a family.

When to See a Doctor

If you live with two or more symptoms described above—particularly when they persist or occur together—it’s important to speak to a healthcare professional. Early detection and management of thyroid disorders can greatly reduce the risk of long-term complications and significantly boost your overall well-being. Most thyroid disorders are straightforward to diagnose, requiring only simple blood tests that measure key thyroid hormones and determine how your gland is functioning. Remember, listening to your body and taking action when symptoms stack up is not just responsible; it’s empowering. Seek advice promptly, and rely on resources for targeted support if you’re in the area.

For individuals seeking a comprehensive understanding and resources on thyroid health, the American Thyroid Association offers authoritative information and patient-focused educational material. Additionally, the American Association of Clinical Endocrinology provides extensive resources on thyroid diseases and conditions.