19 signs of thyroid problems

Dry skin Shutterstock Just like your nails, your skin can also become increasingly dry as a result of your thyroid not functioning properly. "If your thyroid gland is underperforming, your metabolism is slowed down. This, in turn, can reduce the skin's ability to sweat and secrete natural moisturizers, leading to Digestive issues Shutterstock A thyroid not functioning like it should can cause digestive problems like constipation and diarrhea—it all depends on whether it is producing too much or too little of the hormone thyroxine (T4). "Constipation is one of the first signs the body may be slowing down due to hypothyroidism," explains thyroid expert Heart palpitations Shutterstock When there is too much thyroid hormone in the body, it tends to function in overdrive. As such, "a hyperthyroid patient can develop a racing heart rate and markedly elevated blood pressure that, if left untreated, could cause serious complications like heart attack, stroke, and blindness," explains Jason Cohen, MD, a surgical oncologist and thyroid specialist at Throat pain Shutterstock According to ASCO, another thyroid cancer symptom to watch out for is throat pain accompanied by a persistent cough. However, thyroid cancer often presents with no symptoms at all, so make sure you're seeing your doctor regularly regardless of whether or not you're experiencing anything out of the ordinary.