The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland in your neck. It controls metabolism, energy, and body functions. When it doesn’t work properly, it can cause major health problems.
Now, many people have symptoms but don’t know their thyroid is the cause. Since the signs can be vague, they often go unnoticed.
If left untreated, thyroid issues can lead to serious complications. A thyroid specialist, also called an endocrinologist, diagnoses and treats thyroid problems.
Read more: https://nctansurgery.sg/thyroid-nodules/. If you have ongoing symptoms, seeing one early can help prevent worse conditions.
But, how do you know if you need a thyroid check? On this page, you will learn about 10 warning signs that may mean it’s time to visit a specialist. But first;
A thyroid specialist is also medically known as an endocrinologist. They focus on hormone-related conditions. You may be referred to a thyroid specialist in Singapore if you have symptoms which are suggestive of conditions like:
To confirm a thyroid issue, the doctor may order tests like:
Treatment depends on the problem. It can include medication, lifestyle changes, or even surgery.
If you haven’t dealt with a thyroid problem before, it is very easy to miss the signs that it is time to see a thyroid specialist. If you’re worried about your thyroid health, here are the ten key signs you should see a thyroid specialist;
Are you gaining or losing weight without trying? It could be your thyroid. If you have hypothyroidism, your metabolism slows down, a process which may lead to unintended weight gain.
Hyperthyroidism on the other hand speeds up metabolism which can cause weight loss. That said, if your weight changes don’t match your diet or activity, your thyroid may be off balance.
It isn’t normal to constantly feel tired even after sleeping well. If you’re struggling with insomnia, chances are your thyroid is responsible.
Hypothyroidism makes you feel drained all the time. Hyperthyroidism can cause restlessness and difficulty sleeping. If you’re exhausted for no reason, please consider checking your thyroid.
Did you also know that your thyroid affects hair growth? Yes, you read that right. If you have hypothyroidism, your hair can become brittle and thin out.
This symptom is most likely to be seen on the eyebrows. If you have hyperthyroidism, your hair may fall out in clumps. Having said that, if your hair is falling out more than usual, it may help to schedule an appointment with your thyroid specialist in Singapore for thorough assessment and treatment planning.
If you are feeling down or unusually anxious, it may have to do with your thyroid not functioning as intended. For example, hypothyroidism can cause depression, brain fog, and low motivation.
Hyperthyroidism can trigger anxiety, nervousness, or irritability. If your mood is off without a clear reason, your thyroid hormones might be unbalanced. An appointment with a knowledgeable thyroid specialist could be all you need to fix your thyroid hormone levels.
Look in the mirror. Do you see or feel a lump in your neck? If you nodded or said yes, this could be a goiter (thyroid swelling) or thyroid nodules.
While it is common, this isn’t a symptom to ignore. In some cases, it can be a sign of thyroid cancer. So, see a specialist if you notice swelling or discomfort in your throat.
You may not know this but, your thyroid also affects your heart. So, if you have a thyroid disorder, your heart rate may become abnormal.
Hyperthyroidism can cause a fast, pounding heart or palpitations while hypothyroidism can slow your heart rate.
It can make you feel weak or dizzy. If your heart rate is off, your thyroid could be to blame.
Many people who visit our clinic when referred to a thyroid specialist in Singapore often seem surprised when informed that their dry skin, brittle nails or puffy face could be due to bad thyroid health. Just so you know, your skin and nails reflect your thyroid health.
Hypothyroidism can cause dry, rough skin, brittle nails, and a puffy face and hyperthyroidism can make skin thin and sweaty. If your skin feels different even after trying different skin treatments, it may be due to a thyroid problem. Plan to see a specialist for thorough assessment.
Your thyroid controls digestion. So, not every case of constipation or diarrhea is due to the food you’ve consumed.
This is especially true if this issue is persistent despite having taken digestive problems medications. Hypothyroidism slows digestion, something which can lead to constipation.
Hyperthyroidism does the opposite by speeding it up. This might be the reason for frequent diarrhea if you have been experiencing the symptom. If you have ongoing digestive issues, your thyroid could be the cause.
For women, thyroid problems can affect reproductive health and even cause symptoms which are quite uncomfortable. Hypothyroidism for example, can cause heavy, prolonged periods. While hyperthyroidism can make periods light or irregular.
Both can actually cause fertility problems. If your cycle is off or you’re struggling to conceive, consider checking your thyroid. It could be the culprit.
Are you always freezing or sweating for no reason? That isn’t normal so you shouldn’t keep ignoring the symptom.
Hypothyroidism makes you feel cold all the time. Hyperthyroidism on the other hand, can cause excessive sweating. Temperature sensitivity can be a sign of thyroid trouble.
The simple answer is yes, thyroid issues are treatable. However, before recommending any treatment, a good thyroid specialist in Singapore will take their time to confirm that indeed, what you have is a thyroid problem.
To confirm a diagnosis, your doctor may order:
These tests help diagnose thyroid disorders and determine the right treatment. If you’re diagnosed with hypothyroidism for example, you may be prescribed daily medication (levothyroxine) to replace missing hormones.
And if you’ve been diagnosed with hyperthyroidism, you may be recommended medication, radioactive iodine therapy, or surgery. If you have thyroid nodules or cancer, your thyroid specialist in Singapore may decide to monitor it, perform surgery, or recommend further treatment.
Thyroid issues can be managed with early diagnosis and treatment. A simple blood test can confirm if your thyroid is the cause.
If you have symptoms, book an appointment with a thyroid specialist in Singapore today. See details below;
NC Tan Surgery - Dr Tan Ngian Chye | Thyroid Head & Neck Specialist Singapore
1 Farrer Park Station Rd, #14-02 Connexion, Singapore 217562
Phone: +65 9731 7973