Thyroid disorders often fly under the radar, with symptoms that might seem minor or go unnoticed in daily life. The thyroid, a butterfly-shaped gland in your neck, plays a huge role in regulating your metabolism, energy, and even mood. When something goes wrong with how it functions, your body gives off signals that are easy to dismiss or attribute to other causes. Identifying these signs early can make a difference in managing the condition and preventing complications. We're highlighting some overlooked symptoms that could indicate thyroid issues, helping you better understand what to watch for and when to seek care.

1. Unexplained Fatigue

Feeling tired all the time, even after a good night’s sleep, is a common sign of an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism). This condition slows down your body’s processes, leaving you feeling sluggish.

  • What to notice: Struggling to get through daily tasks or needing frequent naps despite no change in lifestyle.
  • Why it happens: Low levels of thyroid hormones reduce energy production in your body, making even routine activities feel like a chore.

2. Sudden Weight Changes

Unexpected weight gain or loss is one of the more noticeable symptoms linked to thyroid problems. This can occur even without changes in diet or physical activity.

  • What to look for: Unexplained weight gain may point to hypothyroidism, while sudden weight loss could signal an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism).
  • Why it matters: Thyroid hormones directly control your metabolism, so hormone imbalances often affect your weight.

3. Hair Thinning or Hair Loss

Changes in your hair’s health can be a subtle yet significant sign of thyroid dysfunction.

  • What’s common: Thinning hair, especially on the scalp, or clumps of hair falling out during brushing or washing. Eyebrow thinning, particularly at the outer edges, is another red flag.
  • The connection to thyroid: Both underactive and overactive thyroid conditions disrupt hair follicle growth cycles, leading to loss or slower regrowth.

4. Dry Skin

Skin that becomes unusually dry, flaky, or itchy could also point to a thyroid issue.

  • What sets it apart: Applying lotion doesn’t seem to help, and dryness becomes more widespread over time. Skin may feel thickened in some cases.
  • Why it happens: Slower metabolism from hypothyroidism reduces your skin’s ability to retain moisture, making it prone to dryness.

5. Feeling Cold or Hot Easily

Becoming extra sensitive to temperature changes might stem from thyroid dysfunction.

  • What this feels like: Feeling cold all the time, even in warm environments, could suggest hypothyroidism. Constantly feeling overheated might be linked to hyperthyroidism.
  • What’s going on: Your thyroid controls your body’s thermostat, so a malfunction often disrupts its ability to regulate temperature.

6. Irregular Menstrual Cycles

Hormone imbalances caused by thyroid disorders can interfere with your menstrual cycle.

  • What women might notice: Heavier or lighter-than-usual periods for hypothyroidism or reduced menstrual flow and skipped periods in hyperthyroidism.
  • Why this matters: Thyroid hormones interact with reproductive hormones, so changes to one can trigger disturbances in the other.

7. Mood Changes

Shifts in your mood or mental clarity often go hand-in-hand with thyroid problems, but might not immediately raise flags.

  • What to watch for: Depression, low energy, and forgetfulness are often linked to hypothyroidism. Anxiety, irritability, or a racing mind may indicate hyperthyroidism.
  • The role of the thyroid: Fluctuations in thyroid hormone levels influence brain chemistry and emotional regulation.

8. Digestive Issues

Your thyroid also affects how efficiently your digestive system works.

  • What it looks like: Constipation may occur with hypothyroidism, as a slower metabolism affects bowel movement regularity. Diarrhea or frequent bowel movements are linked to hyperthyroidism.
  • Why it happens: Thyroid hormones regulate key processes in digestion, so imbalances disrupt the gut’s normal rhythm.

9. Weakness or Muscle Aches

Unexpected muscle weakness or frequent aches might stem from problems in thyroid function.

  • What might stand out: Heavy or weak feeling in the arms or legs and general soreness unrelated to recent exercise.
  • The connection to thyroid health: Low hormone levels can break down muscle tissue and impact how energy gets distributed in the body.

10. Puffy or Swollen Face

Facial swelling, particularly after waking up, is another overlooked symptom of thyroid imbalance.

  • How it appears: Puffy eyes, swollen cheeks, or overall facial bloating that doesn’t quickly subside.
  • Why this happens: Hypothyroidism slows the body’s ability to process fluids efficiently, leading to water retention.

When to See a Doctor

Noticing one or two of these symptoms doesn’t necessarily mean you have a thyroid disorder, but it’s important to pay attention if they persist or combine with other signs. Keep track of your health symptoms with a health journal or a health tracker app like Bearable. Reach out to a healthcare provider if you experience unexplained fatigue, weight changes, or mood shifts that last for several weeks. Blood tests like TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) and T4 levels can determine if a thyroid imbalance is the cause.