Small cause, big effect - Why you should have your thyroid function tested

Sometimes you just know something's wrong with your body. Most people probably call it feminine intuition, others simply a profound connection between body and mind. Regardless of the specific term, it's a fact that we women notice very quickly when something is out of balance in our bodies. However, finding the cause is usually a bit more complex, as universal symptoms like fatigue, lack of energy, or the onset of hair loss can be attributed to numerous possible causes. Statistically speaking, a thyroid dysfunction is responsible for these symptoms in one out of every eight cases. Therefore, in this article, we'll examine the importance of the thyroid gland in detail and how you can recognize when something is wrong with it.

Basic information about the thyroid gland

The symptoms described at the beginning are usually due to an underactive thyroid, which simply means that the butterfly-shaped organ produces too low a concentration of thyroid hormones, which, among other things, have a significant impact on metabolic activity. Unfortunately, an underactive thyroid cannot be definitively diagnosed without a doctor, so you can only gather initial clues based on some symptoms and discuss your suspicions with your family doctor. The latter is particularly important because, due to the universality of the symptoms, over half of all thyroid dysfunctions go undetected despite medical consultation. Accordingly, you will find below a list of possible symptoms that may indicate an underactive thyroid. The more symptoms you experience, the more likely the corresponding dysfunction is.

Possible symptoms of hypothyroidism:

• Persistent fatigue, especially between 2 pm and 4 pm
• Increasing forgetfulness
• Dry skin
• Thinning eyebrows
• Constipation and digestive problems
• A persistent feeling of cold, especially in the hands and feet.
• Sudden allergic reactions to certain foods
• Gallbladder problems
• Sometimes massive disruptions to the menstrual cycle
• In the worst case, infertility or miscarriages.

Of course, these symptoms are not necessarily linked to an underactive thyroid, as mineral deficiencies, stress, or a less-than-ideal diet can also sometimes lead to such symptoms. Nevertheless, you should take such signs seriously and consult a doctor if in doubt. Other possible causes could include insufficient vitamin D or vitamin B12 levels.

It's not as simple as it seems.

At this point, it's important to know that a large proportion of people with hypothyroidism also suffer from Hashimoto's thyroiditis, also known as autoimmune thyroiditis. To complicate matters further, those affected exhibit symptoms of both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. Typical signs include, among others:

• Hot flashes and night sweats
• Heart pounding
• Discontent and unease
• Swelling of the neck
• Feeling of immobility immediately after getting up
• Problems with recovery after training
• Diagnosed hypothyroidism
• Low estrogen levels
• Low libido
• Bloodshot eyes

A particularly characteristic feature of Hashimoto's syndrome is the fluctuating nature of symptoms, indicating both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. Therefore, if you experience any such symptoms, you should definitely consult your doctor to obtain a reliable diagnosis through blood tests, as even experienced physicians often struggle with simply observing the symptoms.

A negative test for Hashimoto's syndrome doesn't necessarily mean anything.
It sounds paradoxical, but even a negative test result doesn't necessarily mean you don't have Hashimoto's disease, as this can still be the case even if the concentration of the corresponding antibodies in your blood is within the normal range. However, even if this is the case, all is not lost, as medicine offers other health markers that can help you and your doctor make a clear diagnosis. One of these prominent markers is the concentration of white blood cells in your bloodstream, which play a crucial role in your immune system. To be on the safe side in this regard, a standard blood test is insufficient for most women, as the white blood cell count is usually so low that it can only be determined using more precise methods. Furthermore, specific inflammatory markers in the blood can also be a clear indicator of thyroid dysfunction or its onset. Inflammatory markers are particularly important with regard to this last point, as they can detect potential thyroid problems at an early stage. Furthermore, the presence of other antibodies, such as transglutaminase, can also be a sign of Hashimoto's syndrome. However, only a detailed blood test can provide definitive confirmation.

The final word on wisdom

The complexity of thyroid problems, however, means that many older diagnoses are inaccurate, leading many women to undergo suboptimal treatment. Therefore, it is all the more important that any symptoms are not treated superficially, but rather properly assessed through a thorough and conscientious analysis. If you notice the characteristic interplay of these symptoms, it is advisable not only to consult your doctor, but also to proactively remind them of Hashimoto's disease.