Hypothyroidism is more common, hyperthyroidism more serious, but in both cases action must be taken. Here are the many signs to spot to know if your thyroid is working too much, or not enough.
The thyroid gland is found in the lower and anterior part of the neck. It draws energy from food and is therefore essential for the proper functioning of the metabolism. If the thyroid is dysfunctional, the body consumes energy more slowly in hypothyroidism or more quickly in hyperthyroidism. “If hypothyroidism is more common, hyperthyroidism presents more dangerous signs” explains Dr Emmanuelle Lecornet-Sokol, endocrinologist.
The most common sign of hyperthyroidism
Palpitations. “People feel palpitations, a feeling of tachycardia, the heart beating hard or fast in the chest, the feeling of being oppressed. They often gasp for breath and hear the pulsation of their heart” explains the endocrinologist. Thyroid hormones regulate heart rate; in too large quantities they cause tachycardia. Thyroid hormones help maintain weight. In too large quantities, they activate the metabolism so that it consumes more energy. This can therefore lead to sometimes significant and unexplained weight loss. “One of the most common signs is also swelling of the neck” adds our interlocutor. Among other warning symptoms:
►Tremors: hyperthyroidism causes small, fine tremors in the extremities. Due to increased hormones, nerve stimulation becomes excessive.
►Transit disorders: “Hormones have an action on the motility of the digestive tract. An excess of thyroid hormones causes an acceleration of transit and the patient can thus suffer from diarrhea.”
►Sleep disorders: the thyroid has an action on the brain and promotes wakefulness. Thus, people with hyperthyroidism have difficulty falling asleep or wake up during the night. They are sometimes even hyper-vigilant.
►Muscle weakness: with weight and fat loss comes a reduction in muscle mass caused by increased energy consumption.
►Sweats: “Hormones play a role in regulating temperature, so the higher the hormone level, the higher the temperature. As the body tries to stay at 37 degrees, there are more sweats to bring the temperature down.”
►Irritability: hormones play a significant role in emotions, “In case of hyperthyroidism it therefore becomes difficult to inhibit oneself.” The person is more tired and gets angry more easily. Thyroid dysfunction can also increase anxiety and stress.
The most common sign of hypothyroidism
It’s the tiredness. “People suffering from a lack of thyroid hormones also lack energy. They therefore have a significant need for sleep, have less ability to stay awake, sleep time is prolonged and waking up is more difficult.” The occurrence of constipation can also be a sign of a slowing down of the thyroid because thyroid hormones participate in the activation of transit. Thus, in the event of a drop in hormone levels, transit is slowed down. A person who unknowingly suffers from hypothyroidism also has the following signs:
► Weight gain linked to a reduction in energy consumption but also to water retention favored by the lack of hormones. “People suffering from hypothyroidism have tendency to swell and to have edema in the face and extremities.”
► Dry skin: “As the body temperature tends to drop, this reduces the production of sweat and the lipid film on the skin. The skin is therefore drier.”
► Hair loss: hormones play an essential role in cell renewal. The lack of thyroid hormones therefore causes hair loss and more brittle nails.
►Childness: unlike hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism causes chilliness. The phenomenon must be new for it to be important. Finally, mood disorders: “A person with hypothyroidism may be a little depressed, have less drive, feel diminished. They may also feel a drop in libido. In women, this can have consequences on the lengthening of cycles.” If you experience the symptoms listed above, consult your doctor.
Thanks to Dr Emmanuelle Lecornet-Sokol, endocrinologist in Paris, co-author of the book “Et si c’tait hormonal”, with Caroline Balma Chaminadour (marabout editions).