Nicolette: 0:01

Welcome to the Health Pulse, your go-to source for quick, actionable insights on health, wellness and diagnostics. Whether you're looking to optimize your well-being or stay informed about the latest in medical testing, we've got you covered. Join us as we break down key health topics in just minutes. Let's dive in.

Rachel: 0:19

We've been sending in some stuff about health concerns and we thought today we would zero in on one that has a really surprising reach.

Mark: 0:34

Yeah.

Rachel: 0:34

Your thyroid gland. Oh yeah, it's this little butterfly-shaped grand right at the base of your neck Right.

Mark: 0:43

And it does so much more than you might think. Yeah, it's a huge part of your overall health, right? Like the conductor of a big orchestra Right, and it does so much more than you might think. Yeah, it's a huge, a huge part of your overall health, right? Like the conductor, of a big orchestra Right, trying to keep everything in sync.

Rachel: 0:51

So, in this deep dive, we want to give you the tools to understand what to look for when it comes to your thyroid and maybe some early signs that things are a little off.

Mark: 1:00

Right, and so many people have thyroid issues and they don't even realize it Exactly. So being able to spot those early signs is really really helpful.

Rachel: 1:07

So let's just start with the basics, right? Yeah, what is this thing? What does it do?

Mark: 1:11

Okay, so the thyroid basically, it produces hormones and its main job is to regulate how your body uses energy. Okay, so it releases two main hormones. Okay, t4. Okay, which is thyroxin, uh-huh, and T3 or tridothyronine, and these hormones affect pretty much every system in your body.

Rachel: 1:31

Wow, I mean when you say pretty much every system.

Mark: 1:34

Yeah, it's pretty wild.

Rachel: 1:35

You mean like everything?

Mark: 1:36

Yeah, like pretty much.

Rachel: 1:37

Yeah.

Mark: 1:38

We're talking about your metabolism, like how you turn food into energy Okay, your heart rate Okay how your blood circulates, your body temperature Right, even how quickly you digest food.

Rachel: 1:47

Yeah, that's a lot, it is.

Mark: 1:49

And it goes even further. Okay, so thyroid hormones also play a role in your reproductive health? Okay, your cognitive abilities? Okay, like focusing memory.

Rachel: 1:58

Wow.

Mark: 1:59

And even your mood. That's a pretty big job for a little gland it really is, and all of this is kind of managed by something called the hypothalamic pituitary thyroid axis. Oh, the HPT axis, yeah, the HPT axis. Think of it like a thermostat for your body.

Nicolette: 2:14

Okay.

Mark: 2:15

So your brain, that's the hypothalamus and the pituitary, they sense if your thyroid hormone levels are too high or too low.

Rachel: 2:23

Like the temperature.

Mark: 2:24

Exactly like the temperature and they send signals to the thyroid to adjust production.

Rachel: 2:30

Okay.

Mark: 2:30

So if this communication system gets messed up, maybe because of an autoimmune issue or an iodine imbalance, stress genetics, you name it the temperature can go kind of haywire leading Leading to the thyroid producing too much hormone.

Rachel: 2:46

Okay.

Mark: 2:47

That's hyperthyroidism or not enough.

Rachel: 2:49

Hypothyroidism.

Mark: 2:50

Exactly.

Rachel: 2:51

And so this is what's so interesting to me is like even a little imbalance. Yeah, can really throw things off.

Mark: 2:56

Big time and the American Thyroid Association says thyroid disorders are actually pretty common.

Rachel: 3:02

Especially in women over 35.

Mark: 3:03

Especially in women over 35. Especially in women over 35.

Rachel: 3:05

That's right. So because these hormones are doing so much all over the body, it can be easy to miss the signs that something's up.

Mark: 3:13

Yeah, they can be subtle, Right, but catching them early can be really, really important for preventing bigger problems down the road.

Rachel: 3:20

So that's our mission for this deep dive today.

Mark: 3:23

Okay.

Rachel: 3:23

We're going to walk through 10 key warning signs that your thyroid might be a little bit out of balance and arm you with that information so that you can be proactive.

Mark: 3:33

Awesome.

Rachel: 3:34

So let's jump right in. The first sign we want to talk about is persistent fatigue.

Mark: 3:39

Okay, so we're not just talking about I'm a little tired after a long day. This is like a deep, ongoing lack of energy that doesn't go away with rest.

Rachel: 3:48

Yeah.

Mark: 3:48

You know it can interfere with daily life, Right your concentration, even your motivation to do things you usually enjoy.

Rachel: 3:56

And this kind of fatigue is often like a big red flag for hypothyroidism.

Nicolette: 4:01

Yeah.

Rachel: 4:02

Where your thyroid isn't making enough of those important hormones.

Mark: 4:05

Right. When that happens, your whole metabolic rate slows down.

Nicolette: 4:09

Right.

Mark: 4:09

Meaning you've got less energy on a cellular level.

Nicolette: 4:13

Oh, wow.

Mark: 4:14

So you feel sluggish, mentally foggy, just physically exhausted, even if you haven't done that much.

Rachel: 4:20

So I mean, everybody gets tired. Yeah, life is tiring, exactly, but what we're really trying to highlight here is the persistence.

Mark: 4:27

Exactly.

Rachel: 4:27

So if you're constantly feeling this way, even if you're getting enough sleep, you're eating well.

Mark: 4:32

Right.

Rachel: 4:32

You know it's worth thinking about, maybe your thyroid.

Mark: 4:35

Absolutely. The Mayo Clinic says that fatigue is one of the earliest and most frequent signs of an underactive thyroid.

Rachel: 4:42

Yeah.

Mark: 4:43

Especially for women over 40.

Rachel: 4:45

So it's not just about feeling tired. It's like your body's engine isn't running at full speed.

Mark: 4:49

Exactly Like it's got a governor on it or something.

Rachel: 4:51

Which is such a good way to think about it. Right Like, what if you could get that governor off?

Mark: 4:55

Right, exactly.

Rachel: 4:56

You know, and maybe it's as simple as addressing a hormonal imbalance.

Mark: 4:59

Yeah, it can make a big difference in your energy and your whole quality of life.

Rachel: 5:03

That's awesome, all right. So the next one number two on our list unexplained weight changes.

Mark: 5:10

Okay. So if you're suddenly gaining or losing weight without a clear reason, that can be another sign that something's up with your thyroid.

Rachel: 5:21

Okay.

Mark: 5:21

So with hypothyroidism, because the metabolism is slower.

Rachel: 5:25

Yeah.

Mark: 5:26

It often leads to this gradual weight gain that seems to come out of nowhere.

Rachel: 5:29

And that can be so frustrating.

Mark: 5:31

Very frustrating.

Rachel: 5:32

Because you're like I'm doing all the right things.

Mark: 5:34

Yeah, my diet hasn't changed. I'm still active.

Rachel: 5:37

But the number on the scale is just going up.

Mark: 5:39

Exactly. And on the other hand, if your thyroid is overactive, that's hyperthyroidism, right, your metabolism speeds way up.

Rachel: 5:47

OK.

Mark: 5:47

So you might lose weight unexpectedly, even if you're eating normally or even more than usual.

Rachel: 5:52

Yeah, yeah.

Mark: 5:53

And sometimes that comes with an increased appetite or anxiety or even digestive problems.

Rachel: 5:57

Right, so you might be seeing changes on the scale in addition to just feeling off.

Mark: 6:02

Exactly, it's a more visible sign.

Rachel: 6:04

So I mean, obviously weight can fluctuate for all kinds of reasons.

Mark: 6:08

For sure.

Rachel: 6:08

But if it's happening without a clear explanation, and especially if you have other symptoms like fatigue or temperature sensitivity, exactly, it's a good idea to get your thyroid levels checked.

Mark: 6:19

Absolutely. The American Thyroid Association actually lists unexplained weight change as one of the top reasons people get checked for thyroid problems.

Rachel: 6:27

Interesting OK Sign. Number three mood changes and mental health effects.

Mark: 6:32

This one really shows how connected our mental and physical health are. So thyroid hormones have a big impact on your brain chemistry.

Rachel: 6:39

OK.

Mark: 6:39

And when they're imbalanced, it can affect your mood.

Rachel: 6:42

So how so Like? What does it look like?

Mark: 6:45

So with hypothyroidism you might start to feel depressed.

Rachel: 6:48

OK.

Mark: 6:48

You know, low mood, lack of motivation, more irritable or maybe even emotionally flat, yeah, and like fatigue. These changes can be really subtle at first.

Nicolette: 6:58

Okay.

Mark: 6:58

And then with hyperthyroidism it's a bit different.

Nicolette: 7:01

Okay.

Mark: 7:01

You might experience more anxiety, restlessness or mood swings. Some people even have trouble sleeping or feel like their thoughts are racing.

Rachel: 7:11

Yeah, it's almost like it can mimic other mental health conditions.

Mark: 7:14

Right Like generalized anxiety disorder or panic disorder Right. Right Like generalized anxiety disorder or panic disorder Right. And research has actually confirmed a strong link between thyroid hormone imbalances and mood disorders.

Rachel: 7:25

Really.

Mark: 7:26

Yeah, the Journal of Thyroid Research has shown that, and it seems to be especially true for women.

Rachel: 7:30

Interesting.

Mark: 7:31

So, because mental health symptoms can have so many causes, checking thyroid function is often recommended for people with new or worsening depression or anxiety, especially if they also have physical changes like fatigue or weight fluctuations. So getting that underlying hormonal issue sorted out can be a big step towards feeling better emotionally.

Rachel: 7:53

Yeah, I mean, that's such a huge takeaway for me, like this is not just about your physical health. Absolutely this is about your mental health as well.

Mark: 7:59

Your whole well-being.

Rachel: 8:01

Okay, Number four hair thinning or hair loss.

Mark: 8:05

This one can be really distressing.

Nicolette: 8:07

Oh yeah.

Mark: 8:07

And sometimes people think it's just a cosmetic issue. But it can be a sign of a thyroid problem.

Rachel: 8:13

Okay.

Mark: 8:13

Both hypo and hyperthyroidism can mess with your hair growth cycle.

Rachel: 8:18

Okay.

Mark: 8:19

Which can lead to overall thinning or even patches of hair loss.

Rachel: 8:22

So with hypothyroidism, since the metabolism is slower. Yeah it affects how well nutrients and oxygen get to your hair follicles.

Mark: 8:31

Exactly so. The hair strands get weaker, okay, the growth phase gets shorter.

Rachel: 8:36

Okay.

Mark: 8:36

And you shed more hair when you brush or wash it.

Rachel: 8:39

So it's not just about losing hair, it's also about the texture.

Mark: 8:42

Yes, absolutely. People might notice that their hair is drier, coarser, more brittle and sometimes there's this thinning of the outer third of the eyebrows.

Rachel: 8:54

Yeah, I've heard about that.

Mark: 8:56

It's kind of a classic sign, although it doesn't happen to everyone.

Rachel: 8:58

Okay.

Mark: 8:59

And with hyperthyroidism you can also have thinning, but for a different reason.

Rachel: 9:03

OK.

Mark: 9:04

It kind of speeds up the whole hair growth and loss cycle.

Rachel: 9:07

OK. So, you lose hair prematurely. So the good news is, according to the Endocrine Society, these hair changes are often reversible Right Once you get those hormone levels back to normal.

Mark: 9:20

Exactly, but remember hair loss can have other causes too, like stress or nutritional deficiencies. So if you're seeing hair changes along with other symptoms, it's good to get your thyroid checked.

Rachel: 9:29

That makes sense, Okay. Number five sensitivity to cold or heat.

Mark: 9:35

Right. So this is all about how your body regulates its temperature.

Rachel: 9:38

Okay.

Mark: 9:39

Feeling unusually sensitive to temperature changes can be a common sign.

Rachel: 9:43

So like what does that look like?

Mark: 9:45

So people with hypothyroidism often feel cold more than usual. Okay, even when they're in a warm environment.

Rachel: 9:52

Okay.

Mark: 9:53

Because the slower metabolism means they're not generating as much heat.

Rachel: 9:56

Okay.

Mark: 9:56

So they might feel chilly, cold hands and feet, uncomfortable even in normal temperatures.

Nicolette: 10:01

Okay.

Mark: 10:02

And then with hyperthyroidism, it's the opposite. Okay, the metabolism is in overdrive, producing extra heat. Yeah, so they might sweat a lot, feel intolerant to heat, constantly overheated, even when others feel fine.

Rachel: 10:16

So it's not just a matter of preference.

Mark: 10:17

No, it's physiological. It's your body responding to the hormone disruption Okay. So if you're consistently cold, even when it's warm, yeah. Or struggling with heat when it's not that hot.

Rachel: 10:28

Right.

Mark: 10:28

Especially along with other symptoms.

Rachel: 10:30

Yeah.

Mark: 10:31

That's a good sign to get your thyroid checked.

Rachel: 10:33

The Mayo Clinic says these unexplained changes in temperature response can be a strong indicator.

Mark: 10:38

Yeah, they're a good clue that something's up.

Rachel: 10:40

So interesting. Okay, number six menstrual irregularities and fertility issues.

Mark: 10:46

This one highlights how important the thyroid is for the reproductive system. Yeah, thyroid hormones are essential for regulating everything there, okay. So when they're imbalanced, it can affect both your menstrual health and your fertility.

Rachel: 11:00

So with hypothyroidism the hormonal rhythms slow down.

Mark: 11:03

Yeah.

Rachel: 11:03

And that can lead to heavier, longer or more frequent periods.

Mark: 11:07

Exactly, and some women also experience breakthrough bleeding or worse PMS symptoms.

Rachel: 11:14

Okay, so with hyper it's like the opposite.

Mark: 11:17

Yeah, often things speed up, right, so women might have lighter or shorter periods. Okay, maybe with hyper it's like the opposite. Yeah, often things speed up, right, so women might have lighter or shorter periods. Okay, maybe they skip cycles or even stop menstruating for a bit.

Rachel: 11:24

And these changes can be really confusing, right.

Mark: 11:26

Right, they can be mistaken for stress or perimenopause, especially for women in their 40s and 50s. Right, and it's not just the menstrual cycle Thyroid dysfunction can also affect fertility.

Nicolette: 11:36

Oh wow can also affect fertility.

Mark: 11:37

It can interfere with ovulation, the production of other reproductive hormones and even the development of the uterine lining.

Rachel: 11:43

So what are some things people should be looking for?

Mark: 11:46

So unexplained changes in their cycle, okay. Irregular or absent periods, difficulty conceiving, even when you seem to be ovulating regularly Okay. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists actually recommends checking thyroid function for women with these issues.

Nicolette: 12:04

Okay.

Mark: 12:05

The good news is, with the right diagnosis and treatment, hormonal balance can often be restored.

Rachel: 12:11

Okay.

Mark: 12:12

Which can really improve reproductive health.

Rachel: 12:14

Okay, great Number seven cognitive impairment and brain fog.

Mark: 12:18

So this one's all about mental clarity and sharpness, how well your brain is working.

Rachel: 12:23

Okay.

Mark: 12:24

Cognitive impairment or brain fog? Is this noticeable decline in your usual mental sharpness?

Rachel: 12:30

So it's not just forgetting where you put your keys.

Mark: 12:32

No, it's more than that. It's a persistent struggle with concentration, memory, mental processing.

Nicolette: 12:38

Okay.

Mark: 12:39

It can make everyday tasks really hard and with hypothyroidism it's thought that the brain might not be getting enough stimulation from those hormones.

Rachel: 12:47

Okay.

Mark: 12:48

People describe slow thinking, trouble finding words.

Rachel: 12:52

Yeah.

Mark: 12:52

Just a general feeling of mental dullness.

Rachel: 12:55

Okay, okay.

Mark: 12:56

And then hyperthyroidism is a bit different. Okay, you might have racing thoughts, mm-hmm. Restlessness, difficulty focusing.

Rachel: 13:02

Like you can't slow down.

Mark: 13:04

Exactly.

Rachel: 13:04

Okay. So I mean, everyone gets distracted sometimes.

Mark: 13:09

For sure, right. But if these changes are happening, a lot.

Rachel: 13:12

Yeah.

Mark: 13:13

And they're not going away.

Rachel: 13:14

Right.

Mark: 13:15

Especially with other symptoms. Mm-hmm, it's worth getting your thyroid checked. Research in frontiers in endocrinology found that both hypo and hyperthyroidism are linked to problems with executive functions.

Rachel: 13:27

It's planning and organization, that kind of thing Exactly. Yeah.

Mark: 13:30

And they found that these cognitive symptoms often improve a lot with treatment.

Rachel: 13:34

So it's really important to address this, not just for physical health.

Mark: 13:37

Yeah.

Rachel: 13:38

But also for mental clarity and quality of life. Okay, Number eight digestive changes.

Mark: 13:45

So our gut health can actually tell us a lot about our thyroid too.

Rachel: 13:50

Really.

Mark: 13:50

Yeah, the thyroid has a direct impact on how your digestive system works. Okay, so when hormone levels are off, it often leads to changes in your digestion.

Rachel: 13:59

So what kind of changes?

Mark: 14:00

With hypothyroidism, the slower metabolism can slow down the movement in your gut. Okay, so you might get constipation, bloating, abdominal discomfort, feeling full all the time.

Rachel: 14:12

Yeah.

Mark: 14:13

And that constipation might not even get better with more fiber or water.

Rachel: 14:17

Right.

Mark: 14:17

And then with hyperthyroidism, the faster metabolism speeds things up okay you might have more frequent bowel movements or even diarrhea. Okay, along with cramping, urgency, sometimes even weight loss so these are pretty common symptoms, right? It's easy to think it's something else yeah, they can be mistaken for food sensitivities or stress, which can delay diagnosis the national institute of diabetes and Kidney Diseases actually says that gastrointestinal symptoms are often overlooked as signs of thyroid disease. Yeah, they're often under-recognized.

Rachel: 14:47

So if you're having persistent digestive problems, especially with other symptoms, it's worth considering that your thyroid might be involved. Absolutely Okay. Number nine dry skin and brittle nails.

Mark: 15:00

So these are external changes that can reflect what's happening internally.

Nicolette: 15:04

Okay.

Mark: 15:04

Number nine dry skin and brittle nails. So these are external changes that can reflect what's happening internally.

Rachel: 15:11

Okay, Thyroid hormones affect skin cell turnover, blood circulation to the skin and skin hydration. Yeah, so skin cells renew more slowly.

Mark: 15:18

Right.

Rachel: 15:19

And blood flow to the skin is reduced.

Mark: 15:21

Exactly so. The skin might feel dry, rough, flaky or itchy. Yeah, especially on the lower legs and elbows.

Nicolette: 15:28

OK.

Mark: 15:29

And your nails can also be affected. Ok, they might grow slower. Yeah, become brittle and prone to breaking.

Rachel: 15:34

Right.

Mark: 15:35

Or develop ridges peeling, splitting.

Rachel: 15:38

Like your body's not keeping up with maintaining healthy tissue.

Mark: 15:41

That's a good way to put it.

Rachel: 15:42

Okay, so again, lots of things can cause skin and nail problems, but if you're seeing these changes along with other symptoms like fatigue or cold sensitivity, it could point to a thyroid issue. It's a good clue to investigate further. The National Library of Medicine actually says that worsening dry skin that doesn't respond to treatment should prompt a thyroid evaluation.

Mark: 16:07

Yeah, especially if you have other systemic symptoms.

Rachel: 16:10

That's good to know. All right, our final sign at number 10, neck swelling or discomfort.

Mark: 16:15

Okay, so this is a more direct physical sign that something might be up with the thyroid itself.

Rachel: 16:22

Right. So if you see or feel changes in your neck, that's something to pay attention to.

Mark: 16:27

Absolutely. One thing to watch for is swelling at the base of your neck, which is called a goiter. Okay, it's an enlargement of the thyroid gland. It might be subtle at first, but can get bigger over time.

Rachel: 16:37

And that can cause other problems right.

Mark: 16:38

Yeah, you might feel tightness in your neck, okay. Difficulty swallowing hoarseness. So what causes goiters? They can occur in both hypo and hyperthyroidism, as well as autoimmune thyroid diseases like Hashimoto's and Graves Right. Sometimes the thyroid can also develop nodules.

Rachel: 16:56

What are those?

Mark: 16:57

They're small lumps in the gland. They're usually benign.

Nicolette: 17:00

Okay.

Mark: 17:01

But you still need to get them checked out.

Rachel: 17:02

Right right.

Mark: 17:03

The American Thyroid Association says any persistent neck swelling or discomfort should be examined by a doctor.

Rachel: 17:10

Makes sense, so they might do a physical exam.

Mark: 17:12

Right.

Rachel: 17:13

Maybe an ultrasound of the thyroid.

Mark: 17:15

Yeah.

Rachel: 17:16

And blood tests to check your hormone levels.

Mark: 17:19

Exactly To figure out if it's a thyroid problem or something else.

Rachel: 17:22

Okay.

Mark: 17:23

And catching it early is key here, because it can lead to better treatment and prevent complications.

Rachel: 17:29

Right, Because if it gets too big it can press on your airway.

Mark: 17:33

Exactly yeah, or cause hormone imbalances to get worse.

Rachel: 17:37

So, to wrap things up, yeah, if you're experiencing just one or two of these signs, it might not be anything to worry about. But if you have several of these symptoms and they're persistent or getting worse, it's a good idea to consider that something might be going on with your thyroid.

Mark: 17:54

Yeah, it's worth exploring further.

Rachel: 17:56

Because thyroid dysfunction often develops gradually.

Mark: 17:58

Yeah, it sneaks up on you.

Rachel: 17:59

Right, so it's easy to dismiss the early signs.

Mark: 18:02

You might think it's just stress or part of getting older.

Rachel: 18:05

So if you've been experiencing unexplained fatigue, mood swings, weight changes, temperature sensitivity, any of these things we talked about and they're not getting better, right, talk to your doctor.

Mark: 18:17

Absolutely.

Rachel: 18:17

A simple blood test can give you so much information.

Mark: 18:21

Yeah, they can measure your TSH, t3, and T4 levels.

Rachel: 18:25

Okay.

Mark: 18:26

Which tells you how your thyroid is functioning.

Rachel: 18:28

And the Endocrine Society recommends routine thyroid screening for people with a family history of thyroid disease. Right Autoimmune conditions yeah, or those persistent unexplained symptoms.

Mark: 18:39

It's a good idea to be proactive.

Rachel: 18:41

And the good news is early diagnosis often leads to effective treatment.

Mark: 18:47

Absolutely.

Rachel: 18:48

And many people experience significant relief once their thyroid levels are managed.

Mark: 18:52

Yeah, it can make a big difference.

Rachel: 18:53

So, as you go about your day-to-day, think about any subtle changes you've noticed. Maybe you're a little more tired, your mood is a little more tired, right, your mood is a little different.

Mark: 19:02

Yeah.

Rachel: 19:03

Your skin feels different. Consider that these seemingly separate symptoms might be connected.

Mark: 19:08

It could be part of a bigger picture.

Rachel: 19:10

And paying attention to these signs and being proactive about your health can make a world of difference.

Mark: 19:16

It's all about taking charge of your well-being.

Rachel: 19:19

Exactly.

Mark: 19:20

And advocating for yourself.

Rachel: 19:22

Awesome. Thanks for being here.

Mark: 19:23

Thank you for having me.

Rachel: 19:24

This was a really interesting deep dive.

Mark: 19:26

Yeah, I hope it helps people.

Rachel: 19:28

Me too. Okay, well, until next time.

Mark: 19:31

Yeah.

Rachel: 19:32

Stay well, everybody Take care.

Nicolette: 19:37

Thanks for tuning into the Health Pulse. If you found this episode helpful, don't forget to subscribe and share it with someone who might benefit. For more health insights and diagnostics, visit us online at wwwquicklabmobilecom. Stay informed, stay healthy and we'll catch you in the next episode.