Little-Known Signs Your Thyroid Is Out of Whack

27. Dysphagia: A Lump in Your Throat

Difficulty swallowing, or dysphagia, can be a direct physical manifestation of a thyroid that is out of balance. While you may have a goiter, which is a visible swelling, a less obvious symptom is the sensation of a lump in your throat or discomfort when swallowing. This can be caused by an enlarged thyroid gland pressing on the esophagus. Though often benign, any difficulty swallowing should be evaluated by a doctor immediately to rule out more serious issues and assess whether a goiter is the cause. This physical clue is your thyroid’s way of directly signaling a problem.

28. Blood Pressure Out of Whack

While the article mentions cardiovascular symptoms, a specific and often overlooked sign is a change in your blood pressure readings. Hypothyroidism can lead to an increase in blood pressure, specifically the diastolic pressure (the bottom number), as a result of a slowed heart rate and reduced elasticity of blood vessels. On the other hand, hyperthyroidism can cause an increase in systolic pressure (the top number). If your blood pressure is consistently outside of its normal range, it is a strong signal that your cardiovascular system is being impacted, and your thyroid may be to blame.