Is It Just Fatigue Or Thyroid Disorder? Doctor Shares Warning Signs

The thyroid, a small butterfly-shaped gland in your neck, plays a major role in regulating your energy, metabolism, mood, and more. When this gland underperforms (hypothyroidism) or overperforms (hyperthyroidism), it can throw your entire body off balance. Unfortunately, many people overlook the early warning signs, mistaking them for everyday tiredness. In conversation with The Daily Jagran, Dr. Narendra BS, Lead Consultant – Endocrinology & Diabetology, Aster Whitefield Hospital, Bengaluru, shares key symptoms of thyroid, which are often considered as fatigue.

Understanding Thyroid’s Role

The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located just below the Adam’s apple. This gland produces hormones called Thyroxine (T4) and Triiodothyronine (T3). Dr. Narendra BS states, “These hormones help regulate metabolism, energy, heartbeat, digestion, and even brain activities.” When there seems to be a malfunctioning of this important gland, be it hypersecretion causing hyperthyroidism or less secretion causing Hypothyroidism, each and every organ system in the body seems to get affected.

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Fatigue: A Common But Overlooked Symptom

A hectic schedule, stress, or sleep deprivation can often lead to overburn for fatigue, and if your fatigue persists even after a good night's sleep, then your body might be warning you of some underlying thyroid issue. Dr. Narendra BS says, “People are seldom aware that they have thyroid issues and neglect this for years, blaming their constant fatigue on daily stressors. Thyroid hormone affects energy and metabolism, so any disruption can have a significant impact on how alert or active a person feels throughout the day.”

Symptoms Of Thyroid Disorder (Image Credits: Canva)

When To Suspect Your Thyroid

Here are key signs that your fatigue may be thyroid-related:

Unexplained Weight Changes

If no changes in the diet and exertion are made, hypothyroidism leads to weight gain since it even slows the metabolism. Hyperthyroidism, however, can produce severe muscle weakness accompanied by sudden weight loss.

Heat Or Cold Intolerance

Your thyroid might be off kilter if you feel weirdly cold while inside a room full of comfortable people (hypothyroidism), or if you keep sweating profusely without engaging in anything substantial (hyperthyroidism).

Dry Skin And Hair Loss

Dry patches, brittle nails, and hair loss on the outer edges of your eyebrows are common symptoms of hormonal imbalances caused by thyroid disorders, which affect your skin and hair.

Shifting Mood And Brain Fog

Depression, forgetfulness, and slow-paced thinking may be symptoms of hypothyroidism. Anxiety, irritability, and restlessness could be the side effects of hyperthyroidism.

Unusual Menstrual Cycles Or Problems with Fertility

Reproductive hormones and thyroid hormones interact. Thyroid dysfunction may also result in heavy bleeding, irregular periods, or trouble getting pregnant.

Swelling In The Neck

A visible enlargement at the base of your neck (goitre) may indicate a thyroid problem, even in the absence of other symptoms.

What You Should Do

Thyroid disorders can be dealt with if diagnosed early. There is a synthetic drug that is used as a drug to treat Hypothyroidism. The synthetic hormone, also known as Levothyroxine, restores hormonal levels to normal. Dr. Narendra BS mentions, “There are other ways to treat hyperthyroidism, some of them are anti-thyroid medicines, radioactive iodine and surgical methods, which might vary depending on the cause and severity of the issue.” Lifestyle changes can lead to a lot of advantages. Changes like a balanced diet rich in iodine, selenium and zinc. Then regular exercises, managing your stress and periodic health check-ups can aid a lot.

Thyroid Is Treatable

Thyroid disorders can be dealt with if diagnosed early. There is a synthetic drug that is used as a drug to treat Hypothyroidism. The synthetic hormone, also known as Levothyroxine, restores hormonal levels to normal. There are other ways to treat hyperthyroidism, some of them are anti-thyroid medicines, radioactive iodine and surgical methods, which might vary depending on the cause and severity of the issue. Lifestyle changes can lead to a lot of advantages. Changes like a balanced diet rich in iodine, selenium and zinc. Then regular exercises, managing your stress and periodic health check-ups can aid a lot.

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Fatigue should never be considered a normal element of modern life. If it interferes with your personal productivity, relationships, or peace of mind, indeed, it requires attention. Your body might be whispering a warning, and more often than not, that whisper emanates from the thyroid. In giving ear to that whisper and acting on it, one can avert further complications before life is balanced once more. Awareness, being timely in testing, and proper care are the best combining factors to make identity protection in the thyroid.