She is always tired, her hair is falling more than usual, and she feels cold when everyone else is comfortable. The family says it is “just stress” or “age”. Sometimes it is. But sometimes these small signs point to the thyroid, a small gland in the neck that controls how the body uses energy.
Thyroid problems are more common in women than in men, and they can appear at any age, including during and after pregnancy.
Signs of an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism)
- Tiredness that does not go away with rest
- Weight gain without a clear reason
- Feeling cold more than others
- Dry skin, hair fall, constipation
- Heavy or irregular periods
- Low mood or slow thinking
Signs of an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism)
- Weight loss despite eating well
- Fast or pounding heartbeat
- Feeling hot and sweating a lot
- Anxiety, irritability or trouble sleeping
- Shaky hands
Which tests are done?
The most common starting test is TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone). Depending on the result and symptoms, your doctor may also ask for T3, T4 or free T4, and sometimes thyroid antibodies. These tests usually do not need fasting.
If you already take thyroid tablets, ask your doctor whether to take the tablet before or after the sample on the test day.
Why it matters
Untreated thyroid problems can affect periods, fertility, pregnancy, heart health and cholesterol. The good news is that thyroid conditions are usually easy to detect with a simple blood test and are manageable with treatment and regular follow-up.
If these signs sound familiar, do not wait for them to become “normal”. Talk to your doctor and get tested.
Need a test done? Medlab Diagnostics, Pearl Towers, Choondi offers home sample collection and online reports. Book on WhatsApp or call us, and our team will guide you on preparation before the visit.
This article is for general awareness only. Please follow your doctor’s advice for your own health condition.