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Tired… Forgetful… Could It Be Your…Thyroid?
Your thyroid is a small — but very
important — gland located at the
base of the throat. When there’s a
problem with this gland, it can affect
many different organs and their functions.
For example, when it produces too
much thyroid hormone, it can cause the
heart to beat too fast or irregularly. And
too little of this hormone can lead to
menstrual irregularities.
"Some little-known signs of an underactive
thyroid — called hypothyroidism
— include forgetfulness, depression, difficulty
hearing, inability to concentrate,
and anxiety," explains Alexander Shifrin,
M.D., a fellowship-trained endocrine
surgeon at Jersey Shore University
Medical Center.
Brittle fingernails, dry skin,
and thinning hair also can be
signs of this disorder. Other
potential symptoms are unexplained
weight gain, muscle
and joint pain, constipation,
dry skin, and intolerance
to cold.
Dr. Shifrin also explains
some of the effects of
hyperthyroidism, or an
overactive thyroid. "It can
lead to nervousness and
irritability, difficulty sleeping,
and frequent bowel
movements or diarrhea.
Other signs
may include
unplanned weight
loss, heat intolerance,
bulging eyes, shaking,
increased sweating, and fingernail ridges
or thickening of the nails," he says.
Some symptoms common to both
hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism
include:
- Fatigue
- Muscle weakness
- A dry, sore, or hoarse throat
- Difficulty swallowing
In addition to your being on
the lookout for symptoms,
some experts recommend
doing a neck self-exam.
Using a hand mirror, watch
your throat as you swallow a
drink of water. Look at the
area immediately above
your collarbone.
"If you notice any bulges or
protrusions when you swallow,
or experience symptoms of a
thyroid problem, call your doctor,"
concludes Dr. Shifrin.
Jersey Shore University
Medical Center has one of the
leading endocrine practices in
the region. Find out more about
their endocrine services by
calling 1-800-560-9990.
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