When you don’t feel well, do you simmer with the mindset that you’ll get over it, or do you run to the doctor right away? Indeed, some minor ailments can be relieved by themselves, such as the common cold, skin abrasions, mild diarrhea. But there are some minor problems that cannot be tolerated, but may gradually develop into major problems that need our attention.
The thyroid gland, located in our neck, is an important endocrine organ. It secretes thyroid hormones that can influence many metabolic activities in the body, such as producing heat, stimulating nerves, regulating the heartbeat, and participating in the synthesis and breakdown of nutrients …… If there are abnormalities in the function of the thyroid gland, there will be some specific symptoms manifested. At this point, don’t think about getting over it by simmering down, but go to the hospital promptly.
Abnormal thyroid function can have two kinds of manifestations – hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. The former causes the body to have a high metabolism, while the latter causes the body to have a lower metabolism.
Symptom 1 Depressed mood or irritability
Both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism can affect mood. Hyperthyroidism causes sympathetic excitation, making people agitated, excited, and even anxious and irritable; hypothyroidism causes a decrease in the secretion of the pleasure factor
5-Hydroxytryptamine secretion decreases, making people depressed and melancholic.
Symptom 2: Constipation or increased frequency of stools
In hypothyroidism, the secretion of thyroid hormone is too low, resulting in constipation due to slow bowel movement; in hyperthyroidism, the opposite is true, with several bowel movements a day.
Symptom 3: Drowsiness or insomnia
Hypothyroidism significantly slows down the metabolic rate, making people drowsy and lethargic. Hyperthyroidism, on the other hand, tends to cause sleeplessness or reduced sleep time. Of course, difficulty in getting up every morning is not considered drowsiness, but “no sleep at night, no sleep in the morning” is a common problem of modern people.
Symptom 4: Dry or moist sweaty skin
Hypothyroidism causes a decrease in sebum secretion, resulting in dry, rough skin, brittle nails, and dry, yellow hair. Hyperthyroidism, on the other hand, leads to high sweat and sebum secretion, and the skin becomes moist and sweaty.
Symptom 5: Becoming fat or thin
Hypothyroidism causes the body’s metabolism to decline and consumption to decrease. It also causes edema, and weight gain. Hyperthyroidism has a high metabolic level and consumes a lot of energy, so although you have a good appetite, you will lose weight.
Symptom 6: Loss of libido
Hypothyroidism can directly cause a decrease in libido, while the weight gain and dry and itchy skin that accompany hypothyroidism can also indirectly reduce libido.
Symptom 7: Heartburn
People with hyperthyroidism tend to feel panicky, and from time to time they may feel that their heart is about to beat out, or their heart misses a few beats, or their pulse beats are particularly pronounced. This is related to the excitatory effect of thyroid hormones on the heart.
Symptom 8: Sluggish reflexes or difficulty concentrating
Hyperthyroidism can make it difficult to concentrate, which is related to overexcitation of the nerves. Hypothyroidism, on the other hand, can make people less responsive and have reduced memory. Many middle-aged and older women may treat these symptoms as signs of menopause and delay seeking medical attention.
Symptom 9: Increased appetite or altered sense of taste
Hypothyroidism can affect one’s sense of taste and smell, making all food taste strange. Hyperthyroidism, because of its fast metabolism and high consumption, can increase appetite and make people eat more but not gain weight.
Symptom 10: Thickening of the neck
Both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism can cause enlargement of the thyroid gland, which in severe cases can affect vocalization, swallowing and breathing.
If you find yourself with the above symptoms, and you have more than one or two of them, you may really have a thyroid problem. Go to the hospital as soon as possible!