Key takeaways
- Fatigue, weight change and feeling too cold or too hot are common signs.
- A fast heartbeat or shaky hands can mean an overactive thyroid.
- A neck lump should always be checked.
- A TSH blood test is the usual first step.
Your thyroid is a small gland in the front of your neck. It sets the pace for much of your body. When it makes too little or too much hormone, you can feel it in many ways.
Signs of an underactive thyroid
- Tiredness that sleep does not fix
- Feeling cold when others are comfortable
- Weight gain or puffiness
- Constipation
- Dry skin, brittle nails or thinning hair
Signs of an overactive thyroid
- A fast or pounding heartbeat
- Shaky hands, nervousness or trouble sleeping
- Weight loss without trying
- Feeling hot and sweaty
A sign for both
- A lump, swelling or fullness in the front of the neck
How to get checked
Ask your doctor for a TSH blood test. If it is abnormal, free T4 and antibody tests help find the cause. A thyroid ultrasound is used for lumps. An endocrinologist can help when results are unclear or symptoms continue.
Next step
Learn more on our page about Thyroid care in Chicago, or get in touch to request a visit.
From the practice of Dr. Mahwash Siddiqui, MD, DABOM, FACE
Triple board-certified endocrinologist and obesity medicine specialist in Chicago. This article is for general education and is not medical advice.