5 Signs You Might Need To Check Your Thyroid Hormones

The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland that lies in the front of your neck in a position just below your Adam’s apple. About 1 in 20 people have a thyroid related disorder in the UAE with roughly 60% still unaware of it. That’s problematic because your thyroid controls – literally – everything that happens in your body and mind.

What Does A Thyroid Do?

One of the most important jobs that the thyroid gland does in the body is controlling your metabolism – I keep hearing this word but what does it really mean? – Think of metabolism as your body’s generator.

This process uses the raw energy that comes from the food you eat and transforms it into power that is used by your entire body to work properly. An unregulated metabolism means unregulated use of energy, body temperature, tissue repair and growth. It also means unregulated processes in the brain, heart, kidneys, bones, hair, skin, and nails. AND an under or overactive thyroid gland would have to do with all of that!

Here are 5 signs to keep on your watch list

1. Inexplicable weight gain or loss – your thyroid activity controls your basal metabolic rate (BMR) – that is the amount of energy burnt in order to accomplish basic bodily functions – which in return affects losing or putting on weight.
   
2. Irregular body temperature – your thyroid acts like your body’s thermostat by regulating your heating/cooling system. If you find yourself to be sweating or freezing 24/7, a thyroid check might be in order.
3. Insomnia & Exhaustion – an overactive thyroid can overstimulate the nervous system, making it difficult for you to get a quality night’s sleep and leaving you exhausted during the rest of the day.
4. Skin, Hair, and Nail changes – thinning of hair & skin, redness in your face, elbows, & palms, rashes & hives, or unexpectedly going gray at a young age might all be due to irregular thyroid hormone levels.
5. And for the ladies, Irregular menstrual cycle – elevated levels of thyroid hormones can throw your other female hormone levels out of whack disrupting your menstrual cycle.

What You Can Do About It

Unfortunately this wide range of signs and symptoms can cause people to go for years without receiving proper treatment. Think you might be experiencing symptoms related to thyroid function? The most efficient way for you to find out is to check your blood work. Get the at-home advanced test with Valeo and uncover any thyroid imbalances. With in-app explanations, personalized expert result analysis and a one-one-one live health coaching session, you’ll receive all the guidance needed to get your thyroid back in full function.