How Do I Know if I Need My Thyroid Checked?

Have you felt more tired than usual or needed an extra layer even when it’s not cold out? Maybe you’ve noticed some unexplainable fluctuations in your weight.

You might brush off these signs as the fallout of a busy life or simply growing older. However, these symptoms could point to a thyroid disorder.

Thyroid disorder symptoms often mimic those of other, more benign conditions like fatigue, which you may attribute to a poor night’s sleep, or weight changes you might believe are triggered by your diet. 

Identifying thyroid disorder early gives the team at ARA Integrative and Functional Medicine in Glen Mills, Pennsylvania, a chance to intervene and prevent your symptoms from becoming debilitating. 

Dr. Rina Kapoor, a double board-certified internal and integrative medicine specialist, has years of experience diagnosing and treating thyroid issues before they escalate into chronic conditions. 

Here, she details how to identify and address thyroid problems early on, preventing them from developing into more severe health concerns.

What to know about your thyroid health 

Your thyroid is a small gland at the base of your neck that regulates your metabolism, energy, temperature, and mood. It affects your heart rate, breathing, and even your thinking. A thyroid that doesn’t function correctly can affect your overall well-being.

When your thyroid produces too much of the thyroid hormone, you develop a condition called hyperthyroidism. When it produces too little, it’s called hypothyroidism.

Signs you need your thyroid checked?

If you notice any of the following signs or symptoms, schedule a thyroid checkup with Dr. Kapoor as soon as possible.

Unexplained weight changes

Sudden weight loss or gain that doesn't seem the result of diet or exercise can be a red flag that something’s wrong with your thyroid. An underactive thyroid can slow metabolism, leading to weight gain, and an overactive one can quicken it, causing weight loss.

Energy fluctuations 

Your energy levels are dictated significantly by how active your thyroid is. If you have an underactive thyroid, you may feel unusually tired even after a good night's sleep or a nap. Conversely, an overactive one can leave you feeling wired or anxious.

Mood swings 

The hormones your thyroid regulates can also affect your brain and mood. Feeling depressed or emotionally flat can signal hypothyroidism; feeling unusually anxious or irritable might indicate hyperthyroidism.

Irregular body temperatures

Feeling too cold or hot without apparent reason can be a subtle sign of a thyroid problem. Feeling constantly cold can indicate hypothyroidism, and feeling unusually hot or sweaty might point to hyperthyroidism.

Why early detection matters

Catching thyroid issues early spares you a host of health complications. Treatment can reduce your risk of cardiovascular, reproductive, and metabolic problems. If you detect changes in your weight, energy, mood, or body temperature, it's time to consult with Dr. Kapoor. 

She conducts an extensive thyroid evaluation that considers the severity of your symptoms, your lifestyle, and your medical history. She also orders advanced diagnostic tests to understand what’s going on with your thyroid so she can create an effective treatment plan.

If you notice any signs, no matter how subtle, that could be related to your thyroid health, don’t dismiss them. Request a consultation online at ARA Integrative and Functional Medicine or call our Philadelphia-area office at 610-358-3300 to ensure your thyroid functions properly.