If you’ve really packed on the pounds lately and you haven’t changed your diet or exercise routine, there is a chance your thyroid might not be functioning correctly. Over 11 million Americans suffer with an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), and experts suspect millions more have it but don’t know it.
Look for these signs: Fatigue, dry and rough skin, especially dry and coarse hair, extreme sensitivity to cold, irregular or heavy periods, unexpected weight gain, puffy face, depression, muscle cramps, pain and tenderness, or constipation.
If you’re experiencing any one of these symptoms there’s a simple way to discover whether your thyroid might be to blame. Check your neck: Take a sip of water. Tip your head back and hold a mirror so that you can see the lower half of your neck between your collarbone and your Adam’s apple. If you notice any significant bulges when you swallow, see your doctor – but don’t panic.
There are several reasons why a thyroid can turn sluggish. The gland may have become inflamed or damaged, causing it to under-produce. Or another gland, the pituitary, may have slacked off and stopped making enough of its own hormone to stimulate the thyroid. And in rare cases, iodine deficiency could be causing thyroid issues. Your doctor will have the answer. You might want to make an appointment with an endocrinologist, a specialist in this area.
The good news? If it is hypothyroidism, treating the condition is relatively easy. Often, you just need to take a medication that supplies the hormones your thyroid isn't making. And as your thyroid gets healthier, so will you.
