Endocrinology, Diabetes and Thyroid Specialists (2024)

Palmetto Endocrinology Blog Signs Your Thyroid Is Making You Gain Weight

Endocrinology, Diabetes and Thyroid Specialists (1)

Going up a couple of pant sizes is one of the top symptoms of hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism, also called an underactive thyroid, is a condition in which your metabolism-running thyroid gland does not make enough thyroid hormones to meet your body's needs.

Hypothyroidism is also much more common than you would think, the metabolic disease affects 4.6% of the U.S. population and millions of people are currently hypothyroid and don't know it.

There are many symptoms of hypothyroidism, and weight gain is one of the most common.

Patients with hypothyroidism will have a generalized slowing of their metabolism and reduction in their basal metabolic rate (or BMR) which can lead to changes in the way their body expends energy. Now, with a lower metabolic rate, people can gain excess weight eating a similar diet. Some of this may be excess fat, but there may also be fluid retention. So,even if you are diligently dieting and working out, you may still gain weight if you have hypothyroidism.

Because early symptoms of the disease are varied and can imitate the symptoms of everyday life, millions of cases of thyroid disease remain undiagnosed or are mistaken for other disorders. If you have recently gained weight, it may be worth coming in for an appointment here at Palmetto Endocrinology to see if you also have any of the symptoms.

Your thyroid gland is the butterfly-shaped gland at the base of your neck. It secretes two all-important hormones that control major bodily functions (including how you use energy, regulate body temperature, and digest food) and organs (including the heart, brain, liver, kidneys and skin).

But with hypothyroidism, your body can have normal to low thyroxine hormone levels and elevated thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels. These high TSH levels are a result of an overworked pituitary gland that is trying to elevate the hormone levels in an inadequately responsive thyroid.

Many things can put you at risk for hypothyroidism, from genetic predispositions to an autoimmune disorder called Hashimoto's thyroiditis (a condition that occurs in 80 percent of those with hypothyroidism in which the immune system attacks the thyroid). Fortunately, when you come in to see us at Palmetto Endocrinology, we can screen your thyroid with a simple blood test, and thyroid trouble can often be fixed with the right prescription.

Here are some of the symptoms of an underactive thyroid

You're Always Tired

Having trouble staying awake even after a full night's sleep? Tiredness, constant fatigue, sleepiness, and lack of energy are issues associated with many conditions, but they're strongly linked with hypothyroidism. When it comes down to it, too little thyroid hormone flowing through your blood means your cells aren't getting that "get going" signal, leading you to feel sluggish. Your hypothyroidism may have tricked you into thinking you don't have enough energy for exercise, but actually, by increasing your physical activity, you can help counter fatigue and improve energy levels.

Your Muscles Feel Sore All The Time

We know exercise is a crucial component in reaching your body goals, but it shouldn't be leaving you constantly seeking out a warm bath. If your muscles don't seem to be recovering even on your days off, this might be explained by a thyroid problem. Yourthyroid gland secretes hormones that control your metabolism—the body's way of converting the food you eat into fuel. Fewer metabolism-controlling hormones mean a slower metabolism and a disruption in how your body burns energy, which can affect how your muscles feel.

You Keep Forgetting Things

You know you had something to do today, but you just cannot remember what it is. Sure, there's sleep deprivation, stress, and aging to blame, but your overall cognitive functioning takes a hit when your thyroid is out of whack. Too little thyroid hormone may cause forgetfulness and poor memory. Because the hormone deficiency slows everything down, neurological functions will also take a toll after some time.

You Have High Cholesterol Levels

Even though your primary care doctor doesn't typically look for thyroid problems during your check-ups, he or she will often measure your cholesterol levels. High blood cholesterol levels can put you at risk of getting heart disease, but they also might be indicative of a thyroid problem.

You've Lost Interest In Sex

Having little or no desire for sex is a side effect of a thyroid disorder. Because of the connection between thyroid function and adrenal glands—the organs that control your "fight or flight" response as well as sexual hormones like testosterone—via the shared hypothalamus and pituitary gland regulators, low levels of thyroid hormone also result in low levels of sex hormones.

While too little thyroid hormone could be a contributor to a low libido, the cumulative impact of other hypothyroidism symptoms, such as weight gain, depression, low energy, and body aches, may also play a part.

You Feel Down

While it might not be a primary symptom, feeling particularly down in the dumps can be a debilitating side effect of hypothyroidism. With an underactive thyroid turning many body functions down to low, it's not surprising that your mood might sink too.

Your Skin Feels Dry

You've bought the face creams, the masks, and the moisturizing lotions, but nothing seems to work. It turns out, dry and itchy skin can be a symptom of hypothyroidism. The change in skin texture and appearance is due to reduced circulation as a result of low thyroid function. A reduction in circulation can cause skin cells to receive one-fourth to one-fifth the normal blood supply, leaving them wrinkled and cracked. Also, a slowed metabolism (caused by too little thyroid hormone production), can reducesweating. Without the moisture from sweating, skin can quickly become dry and flaky. If just your skin is dry, you could have eczema, but if it is compounded with brittle nails, poor wound healing, and hair loss, you should be checked by your primary care doctor. Or, you can call us directly at Palmetto Endocrinology to make an appointment.

You're Having Digestive Problems

We know constipation is an embarrassing topic that no one likes to discuss, but if you can't boot your bowel issues, it might be time to call up your primary care doctor. Without enough of the metabolism-controlling thyroid hormone, many of your body's functions slow down. One of these functions is the action of the digestive tract, which will start to slow down. Hypothyroidism can weaken the contraction of the muscles that line your digestive tract, causing stool to move too slowly through the intestine. Your primary care doctor can refer you to us to make a definite diagnosis of your condition.

You're Constantly Wearing 5 Layers

If you are still wearing your winter coat when it's 60 degrees and sunny, you might be suffering from hypothyroidism. It might be easy to adjust the temperature in your house or car, but patients who have hypothyroidism struggle to regulate the temperature in their bodies. Because the thyroid gland controls your body temperature, when hypothyroidism patients' bodies make too little thyroid hormone, body temperature tends to decrease because less energy is being burned by downstream cell targets. Less energy compounded with slow metabolism equals less heat.

So, to conclude July’s blog, don’t go through life feeling that something is not right with your body. Make an appointment and come in to see us so that we can help.

Author

Endocrinology, Diabetes and Thyroid Specialists (2) Joseph Mathews, MD, FACP, FACE, ECNU, CCD Joseph W. Mathews M.D., a board certified Endocrinologist and Medical Director of Palmetto Endocrinology, was born and raised in South Carolina. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology from the College of Charleston, Cum Laude. He then achieved his M.D. at the Medical University of South Carolina where he also completed his residency in Internal Medicine and a Fellowship in Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism.Dr. Mathews is also a Fellow of both the American College of Endocrinology and the American College of Physicians, holds an Endocrine Certification in Neck Ultrasound (ECNU) and is a Certified Clinical Densitometrist (CCD). He has extensive experience performing ultrasound guided fine needle aspiration biopsies. His practice includes a range of specializations including prescribing and fitting patients with insulin pumps.Dr. Mathews' practice has drawn patients from out of state to benefit from his expertise in thyroid disorders, diabetes, cortisol problems and their Endocrine disorders.

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Endocrinology, Diabetes and Thyroid Specialists (2024)

FAQs

Endocrinology, Diabetes and Thyroid Specialists? ›

The reasons for this national shortage of diabetes specialists are manifold: Endocrinologists receive the lowest compensation of all internal medicine (IM) specialties — lower even than practicing general internists — and 76–89% of medical students graduate with astronomical debt.

Why is it so hard to get in to see an endocrinologist? ›

The reasons for this national shortage of diabetes specialists are manifold: Endocrinologists receive the lowest compensation of all internal medicine (IM) specialties — lower even than practicing general internists — and 76–89% of medical students graduate with astronomical debt.

What is the difference between a thyroid specialist and an endocrinologist? ›

Even within the community of endocrinologists there are doctors that obtain additional training in the study of the thyroid. We often refer to ourselves as thyroidologists. Thyroidologists are endocrinologists who specifically study, diagnose, manage and treat the thyroid gland.

Who is the best thyroid specialist in the United States? ›

Gary Clayman is one of the most experienced thyroid surgeons and arguably the most experienced thyroid cancer surgeon in the world. Dr. Clayman is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons and the American Head and Neck Society.

What is the most common disease treated by an endocrinologist? ›

Diabetes is one of the most common metabolic conditions. An endocrinologist can specialize in the treatment of different kinds of diabetes and other metabolic conditions such as obesity. Thyroid disease: Many conditions can affect your thyroid, the butterfly-shaped gland in the front of your neck.

Why does an endocrinologist look at your hands? ›

"It used to be common for doctors to look at the hands for important clues to overall health," says endocrinologist Kenneth Blanchard. “Hands can tell you a great deal about circulation, hormones, and thyroid function."

How long is the wait to see an endocrinologist? ›

Waiting times for appointments
Last updated: 13/06/24Referral Waits
Cardiology technicians (heart tests)20 - 25 weeks40 - 45 weeks
Diabetic medicine15 - 20 weeks30 - 35 weeks
Endocrinology (hormones)5 - 10 weeks20 - 28 weeks
Gastroenterology (digestive system)20 - 25 weeks20 - 25 weeks
41 more rows
Jun 13, 2024

What is considered a dangerously high TSH level? ›

A: For an adult, a TSH level above 4.2 mIU/L is considered high and should be treated. Q: What happens if TSH is over 100? A: A high level of TSH is an indication that you have hypothyroidism. This can cause a number of symptoms such as tiredness, sensitivity to the cold and weight gain.

Which specialist is best for thyroid? ›

An endocrinologist is particularly knowledgeable about the function of the thyroid gland and the body's other hormone-secreting glands.

What does an endocrinologist do on the first visit thyroid? ›

The endocrinologist will take a detailed medical history, perform a thorough physical examination, and review any previous test results. This process aids in understanding your overall health status and the nature of your endocrine-related concerns.

What is the best diabetic clinic in the US? ›

Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, ranks No. 1 for diabetes and endocrinology in the U.S. News & World Report Best Hospitals rankings. Mayo Clinic in Phoenix/Scottsdale, Arizona, and Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida, are ranked among the Best Hospitals for diabetes and endocrinology by U.S. News & World Report.

What is the best endocrinologist hospital in the US? ›

The Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, has repeated as the No. 1 hospital in the U.S. for diabetes and endocrinology, according to the U.S. News & World Report's 2024-2025 Best Hospitals rankings.

Should I see an ENT or endocrinologist for thyroid? ›

Should I see an ENT or endocrinologist for thyroid? If you have thyroid issues, your doctor can tell you whether to see an endocrinologist or an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist. Most often, a thyroid issue will be best suited to an endocrinologist.

What is the most common female endocrine disorder? ›

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrinopathy among women of reproductive age, impacting 5-10% of premenopausal American women.

What does an endocrinologist do for diabetes? ›

Your endocrinologist can help with pharmacological interventions like adjusting medication and insulin doses to better manage your condition. Additionally, they can suggest diet and exercise adjustments to help you optimize your health.

What symptoms would send you to an endocrinologist? ›

If you have these conditions or any of the following symptoms, an endocrinologist can help.
  • Fatigue.
  • Unexplained weight gain or loss.
  • Anxiety or depression.
  • New or increased hair growth.
  • Changes in menstrual periods.
  • Muscle weakness.
  • Feeling cold.
  • Hot flashes.

Why is there an endocrinologist shortage? ›

There is an alarming shortage of U.S. medical students choosing to enter the field of endocrinology, a situation exacerbated by the declining number of practicing endocrinologists in the United States to treat a rapidly growing number of people with endocrine-related diseases.

Can you self refer to an endocrinologist? ›

If you ask your GP to refer you to a specialist, they'll probably suggest that you first try various tests or treatment options to see whether your condition improves. Generally, you cannot self-refer to a specialist at a hospital within the NHS, except when accessing sexual health clinics or A&E treatment.

At what point should you see an endocrinologist? ›

Patients should share any abnormalities with their PCP as soon as possible. The PCP can run a battery of tests to analyze a patient's glucose, thyroid function tests, testosterone, estrogen and other hormones. If the results fall outside of the normal range, patients can be referred to an endocrinologist.

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