Signs You May Have a Thyroid Problem

Your thyroid is a small, bowtie-shaped gland in your neck, but it plays a surprisingly big role in how your body feels and functions. It helps regulate your metabolism, energy, heart rate, digestion, and even your mood. When it’s working well, you barely notice it. When it’s not, the symptoms can be confusing and easy to overlook.

At Michigan Avenue Primary Care in Chicago, we help you identify thyroid problems early and manage them with personalized, evidence-based care.

Signs of an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism)

When your thyroid doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormone, your metabolism slows down. This can lead to symptoms that develop gradually and may be mistaken for normal aging, stress, or a busy lifestyle. Still, certain patterns can signal that your thyroid is underactive.

Common signs of hypothyroidism include:

• Persistent fatigue or feeling unusually low on energy
• Unexplained weight gain or difficulty losing weight
• Sensitivity to cold or feeling chilled more often
• Dry skin, brittle hair, or noticeable hair thinning
• Digestive changes, such as constipation

If you recognize several of these symptoms, it may be time to have your thyroid levels checked. Hypothyroidism is common and very treatable once diagnosed.

Signs of an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism)

When the thyroid produces too much hormone, everything speeds up — your metabolism, your heart rate, and even your thoughts. Symptoms can feel alarming when they appear suddenly, but they can also come on gradually.

Possible signs of hyperthyroidism include:

• Unexplained weight loss despite normal eating habits
• Feeling unusually overheated or sweating more than usual
• A rapid or irregular heartbeat, sometimes felt as palpitations
• Increased anxiety, irritability, or restlessness
• Difficulty sleeping or feeling “wired” at night
• Shaky hands or tremors

If these symptoms feel familiar, especially when they occur together, your thyroid may be working overtime.

Symptoms that can occur in both conditions

While hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism have opposite effects on the body, some symptoms show up in either condition, which is why self-diagnosing based on symptoms alone can be tricky.

Shared symptoms may include:

• Changes in your menstrual cycle or fertility
• Swelling in the front of the neck from an enlarged thyroid (goiter)
• Changes in appetite
• Mood changes or difficulty concentrating

These overlapping signs can sometimes mask what’s happening under the surface. A simple blood test is often the quickest way to get answers.

When to seek care — and how we can help

It’s easy to brush off thyroid symptoms as byproducts of stress, aging, or lifestyle changes, but if you’re noticing a pattern, it’s worth getting checked. Early diagnosis helps prevent complications such as heart problems, bone loss, or long-term metabolic issues.

At Michigan Avenue Primary Care, we offer comprehensive thyroid management, including evaluation, diagnostic testing, medication management, and ongoing monitoring to ensure you feel your best long-term. Whether your thyroid is underactive, overactive, or simply needs a closer look, we’ll help you understand your results and build a treatment plan that supports your health.

If you think your thyroid may be out of balance — or you’re simply tired of feeling tired — we’re here to help. Call Michigan Avenue Primary Care in Chicago, Illinois, or book your appointment online today to get expert support and clear answers about your thyroid health.