Your thyroid is a small gland in your neck, but it plays an important role in regulating your metabolism, energy levels, and many of your body’s functions. When it produces too much or too little hormone, you may notice changes that are easy to overlook.
Some symptoms can be subtle, while others deserve prompt medical attention. Here are six possible warning signs of a thyroid problem.
1. Unusual Sensitivity to Heat or Cold
Do you feel cold when everyone else is comfortable, or find yourself overheating more easily than usual?
An underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) can make you unusually sensitive to cold. An overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) can cause heat intolerance, excessive sweating, and feeling overheated.
These symptoms can have other causes, too, so persistent changes are worth discussing with your healthcare provider.
2. Urinating More Frequently
If you’re making more trips to the bathroom than usual, pay attention to the change.
Thyroid disorders can affect several body systems, but frequent urination is not a specific sign of thyroid disease. Other possible causes include urinary tract problems, diabetes, certain medications, and drinking more fluids than usual.
If the change persists, a medical evaluation can help identify the cause.
3. Excessive Thirst
Feeling unusually thirsty, especially when it continues despite drinking enough fluids, deserves attention.
An overactive thyroid can increase the body’s metabolic activity, but excessive thirst is not a reliable sign of thyroid disease on its own. It can also be associated with high blood sugar, dehydration, and other conditions.
If excessive thirst occurs alongside unexplained weight loss, fatigue, or frequent urination, contact your healthcare provider.
4. A Racing Heart or Palpitations
An unusually fast heartbeat can be a symptom of hyperthyroidism, which occurs when the body has too much thyroid hormone.
Other possible symptoms include trembling hands, trouble sleeping, sweating, unexplained weight loss, and feeling unusually anxious.
Excess thyroid hormone can also increase the risk of abnormal heart rhythms, including atrial fibrillation.
Seek emergency medical care if a racing heartbeat occurs with chest pain, fainting, severe shortness of breath, or severe dizziness.
5. Swelling at the Front of Your Neck
A visible swelling at the lower front of your neck may be a goitre, which is an enlarged thyroid gland.
Goitres can occur for different reasons, including thyroid disorders. Some are painless, so you might notice the swelling before experiencing other symptoms.
Look out for:
- A lump or swelling at the front of your neck
- A persistent cough or hoarse voice
- A feeling that something is stuck in your throat
- Difficulty swallowing
- Difficulty breathing or unusual noisy breathing
Arrange a medical assessment if you notice new neck swelling. Difficulty breathing or significant difficulty swallowing requires urgent medical attention.
6. Bulging or “Staring” Eyes
Changes in the appearance of your eyes can sometimes be associated with thyroid eye disease, an inflammatory condition frequently linked to Graves’ disease.
The condition may cause:
- Eyes that appear to bulge or protrude
- Redness or swelling around the eyes
- Dry, watery, or gritty-feeling eyes
- Sensitivity to bright light
- Pain around or behind the eyes
- Blurred or double vision
Thyroid eye disease can sometimes occur even when thyroid hormone levels are normal or low. New eye changes should be assessed by a healthcare professional. Sudden vision loss or a sudden change in vision requires emergency care.
When Should You Get Your Thyroid Checked?
Having one or more of these symptoms does not automatically mean you have a thyroid condition. Many symptoms overlap with other health problems.
If you notice persistent or unexplained changes, your healthcare provider can assess your symptoms and may recommend blood tests, such as TSH and free T4, to evaluate thyroid function.
Important: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Speak with a qualified healthcare professional about your symptoms or concerns.