When visiting a thyroid specialist in Singapore, one of the key things you can expect them to do is to thoroughly assess your thyroid health. Also, they will inquire about your symptoms, and medical history, and conduct physical exams, etc.
As part of the assessment, your thyroid specialist in Singapore might order blood tests to check hormone levels and perform imaging scans if necessary. Based on findings, they can diagnose conditions like hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.
Treatment plans may involve medications, lifestyle changes, or in some cases, surgery. The specialist should guide you through managing symptoms and also monitor progress through regular follow-ups.
On this page, we answer the question; what are the signs you need to get your thyroid checked? But first;
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How does your Body feel when you have Thyroid Problems?
There are several myths that are tied to thyroid problems. So if you suspect that you could be having a thyroid problem, a fairly natural question that may constantly bug you is; how does your body feel when you have thyroid problems? Here’s the answer;
If you have a thyroid problem, your body will begin to send signals. So, you may experience fatigue, weight changes, and mood swings. If you’re a woman, you may experience hair loss, dry skin, and irregular periods. For men, you might notice decreased libido.
Constipation and muscle weakness are also common effects that come with having thyroid disorders. You may also feel cold or overly warm, along with a rapid or slow heartbeat. Other possible changes include swelling in the neck and difficulty swallowing.
And, what are the Signs you need to get your Thyroid Checked?
Thyroid health impacts overall well-being. In particular, it can affect your energy levels, metabolism, and also emotional balance. With this in mind, you may want to ask; how do I know if I need my thyroid checked? It is simple, if you suspect that you could be having a thyroid problem but want to be sure which signs to check for, here are the seven most notable ones to keep an eye on;
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Mood Issues
Mood swings are often dismissed as stress-related. However, persistent feelings of sadness or anxiety could hint at an underlying thyroid issue.
This is because thyroid dysfunction can disrupt serotonin levels. When this happens, your mood may suffer and you may find yourself dealing with worrisome changes like depression, fatigue, and sluggishness.
The other mood issues and changes that may suggest it is time to visit your thyroid specialist in Singapore include anxiety, irritability, and sleep disturbances. If you find yourself experiencing unexplained mood changes, consider consulting a thyroid specialist for a thorough evaluation.
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Weight Changes
Hyperthyroidism speeds up metabolism which may lead to weight loss. Also, there is hypothyroidism which slows it down and can cause weight gain.
So, significant weight fluctuations despite unchanged habits shouldn’t be brushed aside as it might point to thyroid issues. For a comprehensive assessment of thyroid health, you will want to monitor weight changes alongside other symptoms like fatigue or mood swings.
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Dry Skin and Brittle Nails
Dry, flaky skin and brittle nails are often associated with hypothyroidism, where decreased thyroid hormone levels can lead to a slowdown in metabolism. This can affect skin regeneration and nail growth.
So, if you notice persistent skin or nail changes despite adequate hydration and skincare, don’t keep waiting. It would be best to also consider thyroid evaluation as part of your overall health assessment.
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Chronic Fatigue
Both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism can induce fatigue. Hyperthyroidism disrupts sleep patterns and this may lead to exhaustion.
On the other hand, hypothyroidism deprives the body of energy due to insufficient thyroxine production. Persistent fatigue, coupled with muscle weakness, calls for thyroid screening.
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Bowel Irregularities
Thyroid hormone levels also influence digestion. Slowed production can lead to constipation.
And, overactivity may cause diarrhea. Persistent bowel issues alongside other symptoms signal potential thyroid dysfunction.
It doesn’t really matter whether it’s constipation associated with hypothyroidism or diarrhea linked to hyperthyroidism. Disruptions in thyroid hormone levels can affect gastrointestinal motility and function. So, make a point of seeing an experienced thyroid specialist in Singapore if you’re experiencing persistent bowel irregularities alongside other symptoms like fatigue or weight changes.
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Temperature Sensitivity
Thyroid function plays a crucial role in regulating body temperature. So, changes in temperature sensitivity can provide valuable insights into thyroid health.
Hyperthyroidism can cause heat sensitivity and excessive sweating, while hypothyroidism can cause feeling cold due to reduced metabolic heat production. If you notice significant fluctuations in your body’s response to temperature changes alongside other symptoms like weight changes or fatigue, discussing your concerns with a healthcare provider is a good next course of action.
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Menstrual Irregularities
Hypothyroidism may hinder ovulation and increase the risk of pregnancy complications. Hyperthyroidism can cause menstrual irregularities and postpartum thyroiditis.
So, irregular menstrual cycles which include heavy or light periods, missed periods, or unusually short or long cycles, could indicate underlying thyroid issues. If you’re experiencing persistent menstrual irregularities or have concerns about fertility, consider discussing the symptoms with a thyroid specialist. They can help with appropriate evaluation and management.
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Hair Changes
Thyroid dysfunction can also lead to hair loss or thinning. Changes that should not be ignored include changes in hair texture especially if they are accompanied by other telltale signs of thyroid issues.
That said, you may also want to monitor your hair health for potential signs of thyroid dysfunction. Changes in hair texture, thickness, or pattern of hair loss can provide valuable clues to underlying thyroid problems.
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Swelling in the Neck
Enlargement of the thyroid gland is known as a goiter. It can also indicate thyroid problems so you shouldn’t also ignore swelling or pain in your neck region.
Now, not all goiters are indicative of thyroid disorders. However, persistent swelling or discomfort in the neck area warrants further evaluation by a thyroid specialist.
In Closing
Other than the signs that may be indicative of thyroid issues, be sure to see your thyroid specialist if recommended by your primary care physician. This is important as their trained eye allows for easy identification of changes that may need checking by a specialist.
Are you looking to schedule an appointment with an experienced thyroid specialist in Singapore? Get in touch now to schedule your appointment. Reach us at;
Ace Specialist Surgery and Endoscopy
3 Mt Elizabeth #15-14
Mt Elizabeth Medical Centre
Singapore 228510
(65) 6737 1800
OR
Gleneagles Medical Centre
6 Napier Road, #05-02
Singapore 258499
(65) 6252 1800
https://acesurgery.sg/
