3. Feeling Cold—or Hot—All the Time
10 Urgent Signs Your Thyroid May Be in Trouble: Symptoms You Should Never Ignore
An underactive thyroid may cause you to feel unusually cold even when others are comfortable.
An overactive thyroid can make you:
- Sweat excessively
- Feel overheated
- Have difficulty tolerating warm weather
Persistent temperature sensitivity deserves medical evaluation.
4. Changes in Your Heart Rate
Thyroid hormones directly influence your heart.
Hypothyroidism may lead to:
- A slower heart rate
- Reduced exercise tolerance
Hyperthyroidism may cause:
- Rapid heartbeat
- Heart palpitations
- Irregular heart rhythm
- Feeling anxious or shaky
A racing or irregular heartbeat should never be ignored, particularly if it’s new or accompanied by chest pain, dizziness, or shortness of breath.
5. Hair Thinning and Dry Skin
Healthy thyroid hormone levels help maintain normal skin and hair growth.
Common symptoms include:
- Hair thinning across the scalp
- Dry, coarse hair
- Brittle nails
- Dry, flaky skin
- Reduced sweating
Although these symptoms have many possible causes, thyroid disorders are among them.
