To know if there may be thyroid issues, look for key symptoms such as unexplained fatigue, changes in weight (gain or loss), sensitivity to cold or heat, changes in skin texture, hair thinning or loss, mood swings, irregular menstrual cycles in women, muscle weakness or pain, constipation or diarrhea, memory problems or brain fog, and swelling or a lump in the neck (goiter). Both underactive (hypothyroidism) and overactive (hyperthyroidism) thyroid conditions show different but sometimes overlapping signs like fatigue, temperature sensitivity, and changes in heart rate. A practical step to check for thyroid enlargement is to perform a neck self-exam with a mirror while swallowing, to look for bulges or protrusions in the lower front neck area. If symptoms are present or a neck lump is noticed, the best way to confirm thyroid issues is through blood tests ordered by a healthcare professional, which measure thyroid hormone levels (TSH, T3, T4) and may include thyroid antibodies if autoimmune conditions like Hashimoto’s or Graves’ disease are suspected. A physical exam by a doctor can further assess for thyroid enlargement and other physical signs. In summary, awareness of symptoms combined with medical testing is required to diagnose thyroid problems accurately and differentiate between underactive or overactive thyroid conditions.
