Top Warning Signs You Might Need Your Thyroid Checked

Feeling off lately, but not sure why? If you’re tired all the time, gaining or losing weight without explanation, or just not feeling like yourself, your thyroid could be to blame. This small gland in your neck plays a big role in how your body functions—and when it’s not working properly, it can affect nearly every part of your health.

At Rapid Healthcare in Joliet, we help patients understand and manage the root causes of their symptoms, including issues related to thyroid dysfunction. Whether it’s an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) or an overactive one (hyperthyroidism), early detection and treatment can help you feel like yourself again.

Here are the top warning signs that it might be time to get your thyroid checked.

1. Unexplained Fatigue or Exhaustion

One of the most common signs of thyroid imbalance—especially hypothyroidism—is feeling persistently tired, no matter how much sleep you get. If your thyroid isn’t producing enough hormones, your body’s systems slow down, leading to that constant “sluggish” feeling.

If you’re relying heavily on caffeine to get through the day, or if you feel mentally foggy even after a full night’s rest, it could be more than just a busy lifestyle. It might be your thyroid.

2. Weight Changes Without Lifestyle Changes

Gaining or losing weight unexpectedly is another red flag.

• Weight gain without a change in diet or exercise may point to an underactive thyroid.
• Weight loss, especially if paired with a rapid heartbeat or anxiety, may signal an overactive thyroid.

Your thyroid helps regulate metabolism, so when it’s out of balance, your body can start to store or burn energy inefficiently.

3. Changes in Mood or Mental Clarity

Hormonal imbalances caused by thyroid dysfunction can have a serious impact on your emotional and cognitive health.

• Hypothyroidism is commonly linked to depression, slowed thinking, and memory issues.
• Hyperthyroidism may cause anxiety, restlessness, or irritability.

If you’re suddenly feeling more emotional, overwhelmed, or mentally “off,” it’s worth checking in with your primary care provider or a hormone specialist.

4. Hair Thinning or Hair Loss

Your hair needs steady hormone levels to grow and stay healthy. When thyroid hormone levels are too low or too high, it can disrupt the hair growth cycle—leading to hair thinning or excessive shedding.

Patients often report:

• Hair loss at the scalp or thinning around the eyebrows
• Brittle, dry strands
• Slower regrowth

If your hairbrush is suddenly full and your ponytail feels thinner, it might not just be seasonal—it could be a thyroid issue.

5. Cold or Heat Intolerance

Do you find yourself freezing when others are fine, or overheating in mild temperatures? An underactive thyroid can leave you sensitive to the cold, while an overactive one can make you sweat excessively and feel overheated.

Your thyroid regulates body temperature, so extremes in tolerance may point to hormonal imbalance.

6. Irregular Menstrual Cycles or Fertility Issues

Thyroid disorders can disrupt the delicate hormonal balance needed for regular menstrual cycles and fertility.

• Hypothyroidism can cause heavier, longer periods or make cycles more spaced out.
• Hyperthyroidism may lead to lighter, shorter periods or missed cycles altogether.

If you’re trying to conceive or dealing with cycle irregularities, it’s important to include a thyroid test as part of your health screening.

7. Dry Skin and Brittle Nails

Slow metabolism from hypothyroidism can reduce sweating, leading to:

• Dry, flaky, or itchy skin
• Cracked heels or dry patches
• Brittle nails that break or peel easily

These changes can creep up gradually and are often dismissed as seasonal—but when paired with other symptoms, they’re worth investigating.

8. Constipation or Digestive Issues

Thyroid hormones affect the speed of digestion. When levels are low, your digestive system may slow down, leading to constipation and bloating. Conversely, an overactive thyroid may cause more frequent bowel movements or diarrhea.

If digestive issues persist without dietary changes, a thyroid imbalance may be playing a role.

9. Puffy Face or Swelling in the Neck

Facial puffiness and swelling, especially around the eyes, can be a visible symptom of hypothyroidism.

A swelling in the neck or feeling of fullness in the throat may also indicate an enlarged thyroid gland, known as a goiter. This may not be painful but is a clear sign that your thyroid is under stress.

10. Slow Heart Rate or Palpitations

Thyroid hormones influence your heart rate and rhythm.

• Hypothyroidism can slow your heart rate, making you feel tired or faint.
• Hyperthyroidism can cause a fast or irregular heartbeat, sometimes described as heart palpitations or fluttering in the chest.

These cardiovascular signs shouldn’t be ignored—and a simple blood test can help identify if your thyroid is involved.

How Is Thyroid Dysfunction Diagnosed?

At Rapid Healthcare in Joliet, we take a comprehensive approach. If thyroid issues are suspected, we may order:

• A TSH test (thyroid-stimulating hormone)
• T3 and T4 levels (active thyroid hormones)
• Additional testing for thyroid antibodies if autoimmune disorders like Hashimoto’s disease or Graves’ disease are suspected

These tests are quick, non-invasive, and highly effective in determining whether your symptoms are hormone-related.

When to Schedule a Thyroid Check

You should consider getting your thyroid tested if:

• You have several symptoms listed above
• You have a family history of thyroid disorders
• You’re a woman over age 30 (thyroid issues are more common in women)
• You have a personal history of autoimmune disease
• Your energy levels or weight have changed dramatically without cause

Get Answers at Rapid Healthcare in Joliet

Don’t ignore what your body is trying to tell you. At Rapid Healthcare, we’re committed to helping patients uncover the root cause of their symptoms—and empowering them with effective, compassionate care.

If you think your thyroid might be to blame for how you’re feeling, schedule a visit with our team today. We’ll walk you through testing options, explain the results clearly, and guide you through your next steps toward feeling better.