Signs of Trouble
Hypo-and hyperthyroidism can often have opposing suites of symptoms. The former, more prevalent ailment is what hit Kristin. In many cases, though, hypothyroidism signs are subtler and increase in intensity over time. Unexpected or sudden weight gain may occur, but since that can be due to a variety of factors, it's not enough to indicate hypothyroidism. Some experts also look for the following symptoms: dry skin, hair loss, forgetfulness, fatigue, frequent chills, constipation, and irregular periods. Another red flag for hypothyroidism is feeling very weak during a workout you used to have no problem getting through. "Thyroid hormone regulates how much energy reaches all cells, including muscle cells," notes endocrinologist Jeffrey R. Garber, M.D., an associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School.
Much easier to identify is hyperthyroidism (Graves' disease is a common type), in which the thyroid unleashes a flood of excess hormone. This can shock your body into sudden weight loss, rapid heartbeat, insomnia, or bouts of diarrhea. Sufferers can feel constantly wired, warm, and shaky, as if they're hooked up to an IV filled with espresso. Similar to the warning signs of hypothyroidism, the symptoms of hyperthyroidism can become worse or more persistent over time—but both conditions are highly treatable with prescription meds.
Protect Yourself
The best way to safeguard your energy center is to catch a problem early. If you suspect an issue, ask your M.D. about a simple blood screen called a thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) test that can detect a gland gone haywire. Just know that while the test itself is safe, there's controversy around who should be given one: As awareness of thyroid disease rises, young women are flocking to their physicians for TSH tests, even if they have no symptoms (in other words, just in case). As a result, some doctors simply check every female patient; others believe that's overkill. "The problem with routine screening is that a lot of women may be borderline hypothyroid, and though they have no symptoms, their doctors put them on unnecessary medicine that could eventually result in hyperthyroidism," says Garber. On the other hand, untreated thyroid disorders can lead to infertility, chronic depression, cardiac ills, or high cholesterol. The bottom line: If you're showing warning signs and your doctor blows off your test request, get a second opinion or see an endocrinologist.
If you have hypothyroidism, your physician will likely prescribe a daily dose of a synthetic thyroid hormone called levothyroxine and do follow-up tests every six weeks for the first six months to make sure the dosage is right, says endocrinologist Eric Epstein, M.D., of Montefiore Medical Specialists in Scarsdale, New York. For hyperthyroidism, treatment may involve a daily drug (such as tapazole) that slows down your overactive gland. In most cases, thyroid meds are very effective, though the ideal, of course, is to ward off the issue in the first place.