The thyroid gland controls major body functions related to the brain and heart. An overactive thyroid causes hyperthyroidism with symptoms like mood swings, irregular periods, weight loss and fatigue. An underactive thyroid results in hypothyroidism with symptoms such as depression, constipation, weight gain and fatigue. Some warning signs of potential thyroid problems include unexplained mood swings, changes in menstrual periods, bowel issues, weight fluctuations, fatigue, a family history of thyroid disorders, cholesterol problems, neck swelling, dull hair and skin, and constant body aches. Any combination of these symptoms could indicate an underlying thyroid problem that requires medical attention.

1. 10 SIGNS OF A THYROID PROBLEM
THE WARNING SIGNALS YOU MUST NOT IGNORE

2. THE THYROID GLAND
• This tiny butterfly-shaped gland in your neck, controls major body
functions related to the brain and the heart.
• An overactive thyroid gland leads to hyperthyroidism.
• An underactive thyroid gland causes hypothyroidism.
• Both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism can lead to major fluctuations
in the normal functioning of your heart rate, digestion, hormones, and
sleep pattern.

3. 1.MOOD SWINGS
• An overactive thyroid gland can cause irritability, panic attacks,
restlessness, and anxiety.
• An underactive thyroid gland can lead to depression and memory loss.
• Sudden and unexplained mood swings can indicate a pressing thyroid
problem. You may feel exhilarated one day and extremely low the next.
You must consult a doctor immediately.

4. 2.IRREGULAR MENSES
• Irregular periods are the most common sign, in girls and young women,
of a thyroid problem.
• Hypothyroidism can cause heavy bleeding and frequent periods which
are sometimes shorter than a normal 28-day cycle.
• Hyperthyroidism leads to skipped periods which may get delayed for
several months.

5. 3.BOWEL DYSFUNCTION
• The thyroid plays an important role in controlling and monitoring gut
function.
• A slow thyroid will leave you feeling acidic and constipated. Bowels will
be hard and painful.
• A hyperactive thyroid can cause diarrhoea and Irritable Bowel
Syndrome.

6. 4.WEIGHT FLUCTUATION
• The thyroid gland plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy body
metabolism.
• A slow thyroid function causes weight gain due to a sluggish metabolism.
• An overactive thyroid speeds up the metabolism beyond normal rates
and leads to severe weight loss.

7. 5.UNEXPLAINED FATIGUE
• The thyroid gland secretes hormones that help the body maintain
adequate sleep levels.
• Hyperthyroidism leads to restlessness and insomnia. This leaves you
feeling tired, with muscle pain, all day long.
• Hypothyroidism makes you feel sleepy and dull all day inspite of having
had a complete nights’ rest. Often you will feel the need to sleep for
over 10 to 11 hours at a stretch inspite of very little physical exhaustion.

8. 6.FAMILY HISTORY
• Thyroid disorders are often caused by autoimmune diseases. These
diseases are usually passed on genetically.
• If you have a family history of thyroid complications, do get yourself
checked regularly, even if you don’t show any symptoms of thyroid
dysfunction.
• Thyroid complications, if left untreated, can lead to other genetically
passed on conditions such as heart disease and cancer.

9. 7. CHOLESTEROL PROBLEMS
• Low levels of the thyroid hormone don’t allow the body to break down
bad cholesterol or LDL at an optimum rate. This causes a build-up of
cholesterol in the body.
• High levels of the thyroid hormone have the opposite effect on
cholesterol. Hyperthyroidism leads to abnormally low cholesterol.
• Thyroid issues, if left unattended, can lead to heart disease and
hypertension.

10. 8.NECK SWELLING
• A swollen thyroid is a condition called goiter.
• The swelling can be caused by an overactive or an underactive thyroid.
• Any neck swelling should be taken seriously. Get it checked by your
doctor to rule out cancer. Non-cancerous swellings are treated with
hormone replacement and radioactivity.

11. 9.DULL HAIR AND SKIN
• Thyroid disorders often manifest in the form of brittle nails, dry skin, and
dull hair.
• A major thyroid dysfunction can cause severe hair loss.
• Other symptoms of thyroid problems include cracked heels, shedding
eyebrows, scanty eyelashes, and eczema.

12. 10.CONSTANT BODY ACHE
• Thyroid disorders are caused by autoimmune diseases in which the
white blood cells attack the muscles, causing fatigue.
• Constant muscle pain, cramps, joint pains, and body fatigue are
symptoms of a thyroid problem.
• The body’s sluggish response to activity can lead to other problems
including weight gain.

13. THANK YOU