Thyroid is a tiny gland located in the front of the neck. It produces hormones that help regulate many of the body's functions, including metabolism, growth and development, body temperature, and heart rate and blood pressure.
A thyroid disorder occurs when the thyroid gland produces too much or too little of necessary hormones, leading to a variety of symptoms. But to understand these symptoms, it is first crucial to know the different types of thyroid problems.
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Common Thyroid Disorder And Their Symptoms![]()
There are several types of thyroid disorders. Two major thyroid diseases include:
Hyperthyroidism, also known as an overactive thyroid, is a condition in which the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone, causing a faster metabolism. Common symptoms include a fast or irregular heartbeat, weight loss, sweating, and nervousness.
Hypothyroidism, or an underactive thyroid, occurs when the thyroid gland doesn't produce enough thyroid hormone, which can slow your metabolism. Some of the common symptoms include a slower heart rate, weight gain, fatigue, and sensitivity to cold.
Can Thyroid Problems Cause Fatigue?![]()
Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can lead to fatigue, says Dr Satyam Chakraborty, Endocrinologist at Fortis Hospital, Anandapur.
Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland produces insufficient hormones, resulting in a slower metabolism. This decline in metabolic function decreases the body's ability to generate energy, leaving individuals feeling sluggish and exhausted.
On the other hand, hyperthyroidism is characterised by an overproduction of thyroid hormones, which accelerates metabolism. While this may initially seem like it would increase energy levels, the excess hormone production can actually lead to disrupted sleep patterns and increased energy expenditure, eventually causing fatigue, the doctor explained.
A study involving over 5,000 individuals with hypothyroidism revealed that more than 95% of participants reported brain fog, along with symptoms like fatigue, forgetfulness, sleepiness, and difficulty concentrating. These challenges are likely to impact daily life, highlighting the importance of timely diagnosis and treatment to manage symptoms and improve overall thyroid health.
How To Know If Your Fatigue Is A Symptom Of Thyroid Disorder![]()
To confirm your diagnosis, Dr Chakraborty recommended several tests that can help determine if fatigue is related to a thyroid disorder. These include:
- Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH): Measures the amount of TSH, a hormone that regulates thyroid function.
- T3 and T4: Measure the levels of thyroid hormones T3 and T4.
- Thyroid ultrasound: Examines the thyroid gland for abnormalities.
- Thyroid scan: Evaluates thyroid function and identifies any nodules.
If you experience persistent fatigue, consult a healthcare professional for appropriate testing and diagnosis.
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How Thyroid Medications Can Help
If you have thyroid problems and experience frequent fatigue, here’s how thyroid medications can help reduce the symptom:
Balancing hormone levels: In hypothyroidism, medications replace missing thyroid hormones, restoring normal metabolism and energy levels.
Controlling hyperthyroidism: Medications can slow down an overactive thyroid, reducing excessive hormone production and regulating energy expenditure.
Additionally, lifestyle changes, like maintaining a healthy diet rich in nutrients, engaging in moderate physical activity, stress management, and getting adequate sleep, preferably for 7-9 hours, can help promote optimal thyroid function, Dr Chakraborty concluded.