LEXINGTON, Ky. – If you are experiencing chronic tiredness and anxiety, you might have a thyroid problem.

The thyroid is a small gland in your neck that plays a big role in how your body functions. It impacts everything from your heart rate to your energy level. So, if the thyroid isn’t working properly, this can affect your entire body.

“The thyroid controls your overall metabolic rate,” said Dr. Philip Kern, a professor of endocrinology at the University of Kentucky. “So, if your metabolic rate slows down, you will slow down and you will feel it.”

Who Gets Thyroid Problems?

Anyone can get a thyroid problem. But certain factors make them more likely.

They can include:

  • Being a woman
  • Older age
  • A family history of thyroid problems
  • Previous thyroid surgery
  • Radiation therapy to the head or neck

Do You Have a Thyroid Problem?

Symptoms of thyroid problems vary from person to person. The also vary depending on the type of thyroid problem. Some cause you to feel tired, be forgetful, or get cold easily. Others cause you to lose or gain weight, have an irregular heartbeat, or get a lump in your neck. Some even have no symptoms at all.

Thyroid symptoms can be easy to confuse with symptoms of other conditions. For this reason, it can take a long time to diagnose thyroid problems.

Why Treatment is Needed

A thyroid problem should be treated even if it doesn’t cause symptoms. This is because without proper care, a thyroid problem can cause other health issues.

These include heart problems, bone loss, cholesterol problems, or infertility. In rare cases, a thyroid problem could even be due to cancer.

Most thyroid problems are related to issues with thyroid function. The two types of functional thyroid problems are hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.

Hypothyroidism

The thyroid gland is underactive. This means it makes less thyroid hormone than the body needs.

Symptoms of Hypothyroidism

  • Tiredness, loss of energy
  • Weight gain
  • Puffiness in the face, hands, ankles, or feet
  • Hair loss
  • Heavier menstrual periods
  • Dry skin
  • Depression
  • Constipation

Hyperthyroidism

The thyroid gland is overactive. This means it makes more thyroid hormone than the body needs. A person can also become hyperthyroid if he or she has a nodule or goiter.

Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism

  • Feeling anxious or shaky
  • Fast or irregular heart rate
  • Weight loss
  • Feeling hot and sweaty
  • Shortness of breath
  • Tiredness or sleeplessness
  • Lighter or irregular menstrual periods
  • Vision changes
  • Bulging of the eyes

Treatment for Thyroid Problems

Your doctor or thyroid specialist will work with you to create a treatment plan for your thyroid problem.