Is it a Thyroid Problem?

Sofia Vergara, Rod Stewart, Oprah, Missy Elliot and Zoe Saldana aren’t just celebrities, they’re also known to have battled thyroid conditions.

Some of these people reported they knew something was wrong when they felt a lump on their neck, were so exhausted that they could barely function or experienced extreme weight fluctuations. In fact, My Big Fat Greek Wedding actress Nia Vardalos says her thyroid problems even contributed to her infertility.

So, how do you know if you’re one of the 20 million Americans with a thyroid condition—especially since 60% don’t even know we have a problem? The good news is your doctor can screen for thyroid issues with a simple blood test.

However, it’s also important to know what a thyroid does. This gland in our necks helps regulate hormones related to metabolism, heart rate, body temperature, brain development and even cell regeneration.

But when there’s a problem with our health, the thyroid doesn’t often come to mind first. That’s because thyroid-related symptoms have a lot in common with other conditions. Oprah, for example, initially thought her symptoms were due to menopause.

That’s why it’s important to be aware of what thyroid problems are common and the symptoms of these conditions:

An overactive thyroid, or hyperthyroidism, often comes with clammy or sweaty skin, anxiety, difficulty sleeping, rapid heart rate and unexpected weight loss. The thyroid-related autoimmune condition Graves’ disease has similar symptoms but also can include changes in hair and skin as well as goiter formation. (This swelling of the butterfly-shaped gland may look like a lump at the front of the throat.)

An underactive thyroid, or hypothyroidism, can cause depression, dry skin, sensitivity to cold, fatigue, slow heart rate and unexplained weight gain. The thyroid-related autoimmune condition Hashimoto’s disease has similar symptoms but can also include changes in hair and skin as well as goiter formation. (This swelling of the butterfly-shaped gland may look like a lump at the front of the throat.)

Thyroid cancer warning signs include a lump on the neck that changes in size as well as difficulty swallowing, breathing or voice changes like hoarseness.

People at higher risk for thyroid problems include those with a family history of thyroid or autoimmune disease, women, people 60 and older, smokers and anyone who’s undergone thyroid surgery. However, extreme hormone fluctuations, like pregnancy or menopause, also can increase your risks.

If you think your symptoms might be due to a thyroid condition, it’s important to talk to your doctor right away. If left untreated, it can lead to weight gain, muscle and bone loss, mental health conditions and heart irregularities. In addition, thyroid cancers can cause breathing and swallowing issues in addition to spreading to other parts of the body.

Remember, early detection can help you and your doctor manage your symptoms better.

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