Did your new year’s resolution include a goal for your health? Have you vowed to lose weight, eat healthier, be more active, or find answers to an underlying health concern? Before reaching your goal, you may also need to assess whether your thyroid is functioning optimally. This small, butterfly-shaped gland is located in the neck and can influence everything from mood to weight. Below, I’ll share symptoms of thyroid problems, and in the upcoming articles, I’ll tell you how to both test for imbalances and care for your health, regardless of whether your results indicate an issue.

Overactive Thyroid Symptoms

While many associate thyroid problems with weight gain, the opposite can also be true. When this small gland is overperforming (also known as hyperthyroidism), any of the following symptoms may be present:

• Enlarged thyroid gland
• Loose stools
• Difficulty sleeping
• Anxiety
• Vision problems
• Bulging eyes
• Changes in hair, including hair loss, thinning, and breakage
• Rapid heart beat
• Excessive nail growth
• Sweating
• Muscle weakness
• Menstrual changes
• Increased appetite
• Weight loss
• Graves Disease, an autoimmune condition

Symptoms can occur both on their own or in combination with others.

Underactive Thyroid Symptoms

The thyroid can also swing in the other direction. People experiencing an underactive thyroid, or hypothyroidism, may have any of the following symptoms:

• Depression
• Constipation
• Menstrual changes
• Hair loss
• Slow heart rate
• Sensitivity to cold
• Fatigue
• Swollen thyroid gland
• Carpal tunnel
• Weight gain
• Hashimoto’s Disease, an autoimmune condition

In the articles that follow, I’ll discuss what to do if you’re experiencing any of these symptoms. Many bloodwork panels neglect to test for each of type of thyroid hormone and also miss fluctuations in their levels. You can start to heal today by nourishing your body with organic, whole foods, eliminating grains, sugars, and processed foods from your diet, and also keeping track of symptoms as they occur.  Be sure to address added sources of stress in your life, and also engage in stress-relieving practices like acupuncture or yoga. Always remember to be kind to yourself through this process of both discovery and healing.