7 Hidden Symptoms of Thyroid Problems

Thyroid problems can be tricky to diagnose because the symptoms are similar to many other health problems. Many Americans have thyroid problems and don’t even know it because the symptoms can be subtle and hard to detect.

Here are some hidden symptoms of thyroid problems that may signal that a trip to the doctor for a thyroid test is in order.

1. Hair loss.

Hypothyroidism causes T3 and T4 hormone production to slow down or stop, which can cause existing hair to fall out and prevent new hair from growing, according to Healthline. Hair on the scalp, eyebrows, and other parts of the body may be affected. Treating thyroid problems will typically lead to new hair growth, but does not always do so.

2. Dry skin.

It is typical for skin to slowly become drier through a person’s 30s, 40s, and beyond, so on its own, dry skin may not be cause for concern about your thyroid. When coupled with hair loss and other symptoms, however, it could be one more reason to test your thyroid and make sure it’s functioning as it should.

3. Splitting nails.

Problems with your nails typically indicate vitamin deficiencies or that something in your system is off in some way, and splitting nails often indicate thyroid problems, particularly when coupled with hair loss and dry skin.

4. Less sweating during exercise.

While this may seem like a positive change, it can be a sign that something’s going on with your thyroid and is not a normal occurrence with age.

5. Depression and lack of interest in sex.

Many thyroid symptoms may seem like just normal signs of aging or hormonal changes. You may think you are just getting older or that you’ve had a rough year when you begin to feel down more often or lose interest in sex, but these could be symptoms of a thyroid condition as well.

6. Weight gain.

If you gain weight despite consistent healthy eating habits or dieting, it could be due to hypothyroidism. Getting treatment to bring your thyroid hormones back into balance could be just what you need to enable you to lose the weight when nothing else seems to work.

7. Brain fog.

Many people experience brain fog for a variety of reasons, and one of those reasons could be an underactive thyroid, according to Mount Sinai Roosevelt Hospital endocrinologist Ashita Gupta. Having more than the normal amount of trouble remembering things or just overall mental fatigue are other related signs that your thyroid may need some attention.

“Without enough thyroid hormones, every system in the body slows down,” author of “The Supercharged Hormone Diet” Natasha Turner told Reader’s Digest.

The bottom line is, if these or other similar symptoms are impacting your life, you may want to find out whether your thyroid is working as it should.

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