8 Little-known Symptoms Of A Thyroid Problem

Thyroid Problem: In addition to the usual symptoms, other lesser-known signs can make you suspect a thyroid disorder. We help you identify them.

Thyroid disorders remain mostly unknown. It is estimated that some 700 million people worldwide have an altered thyroid, And half of them do not even suspect that their body is in imbalance.

The thyroid gland is about 7 centimeters wide and weighs about 30 grams. When “sick,” its size and weight change. But, in general, we do not perceive the changes in its appearance (or instead, in the skin that covers it) until some signs are already very striking or have considerably modified our rhythm of life.

For that reason, it’s worth keeping an eye out for other symptoms that can put you on alert.

1. A Bundle When Drinking Water

This simple test, which you can take anywhere, can give you information on how your thyroid is doing. You have to drink water in front of a mirror by following the steps that we indicate below:

• Step 1. With one hand, hold the mirror (if it is small and portable) or face a larger one (for example, the one in the bathroom, but not too far from it).
• Position yourself so that ​​your neck area closest to the chin (larynx), and the clavicle is reflected.
• Step 2. Tilt your head back slightly as you continue to look at yourself in the mirror.
• Step 3. Take a large sip of water and swallow it.
• Step 4. What happens to your neck while you swallow the ingested liquid?
• It is usually easy to identify a specific lump.
• Step 5. If you notice any lumps or abnormal swelling, see your doctor.
• If the increase in size is uniform, it may be a goiter.
• If it is uneven (with more bulky areas), it could be a thyroid nodule.

2. Your Skin is Dehydrated in Thyroid Problem

If the thyroid is “slow,” as it happens in hypothyroidism, you will notice your skin pale and cold, although there is an ideal temperature in the environment in which you are.

Dryness is another of the obvious signs. Specialists call it cutaneous xerosis, and it can even lead to scales being detached.

The lack of sweating usually accompanies the symptoms mentioned above; although, with hyperthyroidism, the opposite occurs: perspiration is very striking.

3. Yellow Hands in Thyroid Problem

The palms of the hands and the feet’ soles can turn yellow if not enough thyroid hormones are made. It occurs due to not metabolizing vitamin A well. Beta-carotenes (in orange foods) accumulate in the skin, and this disorder, called carotenemia, occurs.

4. Weak Nails in Thyroid Problem

Some people have brittle nails throughout their lives, but if you notice that it has happened for some time – and there are other suspicious symptoms – do not lose sight that it may be your thyroid’s fault.

Nails that break easily can be a clue.

Slower growth than usual would be another sign. Not only do they break, but they grow very slowly. Keep in mind that it is considered average growth if they increase between 0.5 and 2 mm each week.

5. Dry Eyes and Jumps

It is not advisable to be alarmist because there are many causes of a dry eye. Some have no short-term repercussions, such as staying in a positively charged environment or even the passage of time, which usually reduces the possibility of producing tears.

However, sometimes dry eye is a sign of something more serious. If thyroid disease is not stopped, more striking symptoms may appear, such as bulging eyes. The eyeball comes out, which causes the eyes to appear “bulging” and, sometimes, the eyelid to be somewhat retracted.

It is possible, even that it costs to close the eyelids. It occurs when the eyeball is taking up more space (and further out) than usual. This situation can lead to ulcers on the cornea.

6. A “Bite” on the Thighs

Doctors call it centrifugal erythema annular, and it is a reddish lesion that has the appearance of a bite or ring with reddish edges and a whiter central area.

It usually appears on the thighs, buttocks, or forearms and, although rare, is typical of hypothyroidism.

7. Check Your Eyebrows

Losing up to 1/3 of the eyebrows, at the ends, is another indication. If the thyroid is slow, those hair follicles are also altered.

Also, if you see that your hair falls out in clumps, it is advisable to talk about it with your doctor. When thyroid hormones are not manufactured in the necessary quantity, the cycle that marks the birth and loss of hair is altered, and on the head, there are lightened areas that are very striking in some people.

8. When the “Swollen Face” Effect is Given

If hypothyroidism persists over time, there may be a thickening of the soft tissues of the face.

The nose, cheekbones, eyelids, and neck are bulging, resulting in a puffy effect. In many cases, the ankles and feet also swell.