Are you experiencing signs of thyroid disorder and considering a visit to the thyroid doctor? Thyroid disorders can come in a few different forms, but no matter the form, they can all create similar symptoms. The thyroid gland influences metabolic processes within the body, and many of the thyroid disorders that exist involve irregular production of thyroid hormones. 

Molecules of thyroid hormones T3 and T4. Triiodothyronine and thyroxine, 3D illustration

What Causes Thyroid Issues?

There are two main kinds of thyroid disorders: hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. Both of these disorders are ultimately caused by other diseases that impact how your thyroid works. 

Some conditions that cause hypothyroidism are:

  • Thyroiditis
  • Postpartum thyroiditis
  • Non-functioning thyroid gland
  • Hashimoto’s thyroiditis

Meanwhile, some conditions that cause hyperthyroidism are:

  • Nodules
  • Thyroiditis
  • Graves’ disease
  • Excessive iodine

If you’re ever concerned that you may have one of these conditions, it’s best to consult a thyroid doctor before trying to treat any symptoms. It is good to reach out to a specialist, such as a thyroid specialist Chicago.

Common Symptoms Of Thyroid Disorders

  • Fatigue

This is one of the most known symptoms of a problem with the thyroid. Fatigue is specifically a result of a thyroid that is underactive because of the decrease in thyroid hormone production. Fatigue has the potential to appear slowly, creeping up on you, or hit you very suddenly.

  • Gaining Or Losing weight

Any unexplained weight change could potentially be a sign of thyroid issues. Hypothyroidism can cause weight gain, while hyperthyroidism is more likely to cause weight loss with no significant diet change.

  • Body Temperature Issues

Depending on what thyroid disorder you’re facing, it’s possible to face temperature sensitivity. Hypothyroidism can result in feeling cold, while hyperthyroidism can cause uncomfortable hot spells.

  • Mental Health Problems

While this symptom may be surprising, mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, or other mood disorders can be related to thyroid disorders. Panic disorders or panic attacks have also reportedly been symptoms of thyroid issues.

  • Neck Or Throat Issues

One of the most obvious symptoms or signs of a thyroid disorder is a goiter, which is an enlarged thyroid, but there are other neck and throat issues that can relate to thyroid disorders as well. A few specific symptoms include:

  • Swelling or fullness in the neck
  • Ear or jaw pain
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Neck tenderness
  • Visibly larger neck

This being said, it’s important to remember that neck swelling can be a result of potentially worse conditions, and if any of these symptoms arise, you’ll want to contact your thyroid doctor immediately. 

  • Forgetfulness Or Other Cognitive Issues

There are a few different possible symptoms within this category that can include:

  • Trouble focusing
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Confusion
  • Problems thinking clearly
  • Short-term memory issues
  • Long-term memory issues
  • Forgetfulness

These kinds of symptoms are more often related to hypothyroidism. 

Combatting Thyroid Disorder Symptoms

There are different options for how to control the symptoms relating to thyroid disorders. Two main ways to combat these symptoms, however, are fairly simple and cost-effective. The first way is through a diet change. 

Several nutrients that are important to include in a diet aimed at combatting thyroid disorder symptoms include:

  • Iodine – an essential mineral that’s needed in producing thyroid hormones in the body and can be found in fish, dairy, eggs, and seaweed.  
  • Selenium – a powerful mineral that aids in activating thyroid hormones, which, in turn, allows them to be used by the body. Selenium can be found in foods like nuts, sardines, tuna, and eggs.
  • Zinc – a nutrient that also helps activate thyroid hormones to be used within the body. Zinc can also help regulate thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) in the body. You’ll find zinc in foods like beef, shellfish, and chicken. 

Some of the foods you must include in your diet when looking to gain some control of your symptoms are eggs, meat, fish, vegetables, dairy, and gluten-free grains and seeds. 

With that being said, diet alone might not work for everyone. Another way to control your symptoms would be to add supplements, which can give your body additional nutrients it’s not getting naturally and help return your body to a more ‘normal’ state. 

If it’s difficult to include the necessary vitamins to improve thyroid health in your diet, that’s when supplements can be of use. Many thyroid supplements will include selenium, zinc, and vitamin A. You may also consider taking dietary supplements such as the Douglas Labs supplements for hormonal support.

Conclusion

It’s important to be aware of these symptoms in your daily life, and if any seem to become regular indications, it’s a good idea to have yourself checked by your doctor. While there are ways to manage thyroid disorders, from diets to supplements, to certain medications, the first step in knowing what to treat is knowing what your symptoms are pointing to.