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How Your Hands Can Indicate Thyroid Problem?
The thyroid gland is located at the base of our neck and is responsible for producing hormones that regulate the metabolism of the body. It is a small butterfly-shaped gland. It is part of the network of glands which are together referred to as the endocrine system. To identify disorders with this gland, a blood test is conducted to measure the level of the thyroid hormone (T4 or thyroxine) and the thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH).
When the thyroid gland is overactive, the condition is referred to as hyperthyroidism, whereas when the thyroid gland is underactive, the condition is referred to as hypothyroidism.
When
the
thyroid
gland
is
underactive,
enough
hormones
are
not
produced.
When
thyroxine
levels
are
low
and
TSH
levels
are
high,
the
condition
is
determined
to
be
that
of
hypothyroidism
(opposite
to
the
condition
of
hyperthyroidism).
The
pituitary
gland
is
responsible
for
releasing
TSH
that
in
turn
stimulates
the
thyroid
gland
to
produce
its
hormones.
It
is
said
that
women
are
more
likely
to
have
thyroid
issues
when
compared
to
men.
Hypothyroidism is sometimes caused by Hashimoto's disease or when a surgery is performed to remove the thyroid gland. Apart from the blood test, you might also be recommended a thyroid scan by your doctor. In this, a radioactive tracer is used to check how your thyroid is working.
Another similar test is the radioactive iodine uptake test. You will be given radioactive iodine by mouth and then a sensor is used to check how much of the iodine your thyroid is able to take in. The tracer is out of your body once you pass urine.
How Hands Can Indicate The Condition Of Hypothyroidism?
Cold hands:
When your hands turn cold, it could be indicating a lack of blood flow. During hypothyroidism, the activity of the thyroid gland is low. This is linked to too much homocysteine. Homocysteine is an amino acid that is associated with the poor flow of blood, stiff vasculature and heart diseases. The reason behind this is that important nutrients that are carried in the blood do not reach the hands and feet.
Wrinkles on hands:
With hypothyroidism, fine lines and wrinkles appear on the skin and are most likely visible on the hands. Underactive thyroid makes you age more rapidly and hence the occurrence of wrinkles is early. Dry skin is also one of the reasons why wrinkles tend to become excessively visible when one has an underactive thyroid gland.
Yellow skin:
Hypothyroidism makes the skin turn pale and yellow. Sometimes this skin colour may also turn orange. The discolouration is due to the decreased thyroid hormone. The skin can look red and flaky at times. It tends to become irritated and itchy as well. The discolouration is usually seen on the palms of the hands.
Yellowish nails and nail beds:
Apart from the skin being discoloured, hypothyroidism can also make your nails and nail beds turn yellow. The lack of blood flow to the extremities also causes the discolouration of the nails and nail beds.
Brittle nails:
Brittle nails are excessively dry and break easily. When a person has hypothyroidism, nails not just get discoloured but also turn brittle in nature. They get chipped often. Nails also appear to have the appearance of being peeled off. Lack of blood flow to the extremities is primarily responsible for splitting of the nail bed from the onycholysis (nail plate).
Onychomycosis:
The lack of blood flow to the hands and feet leads to the deterioration of nails. The nails also become susceptible to fungal infections. This disorder is referred to as onychomycosis. Toenails are more prone to this infection. This condition is characterized by hyperkeratosis of the nail bed. This can lead to the detachment of the nail plate from the nail bed. This also causes the yellow discolouration of the nail plate. There is also presence of subungual debris.
When
you
show
signs
of
hypothyroidism,
it
is
better
to
consult
your
healthcare
provider
at
the
earliest
so
that
the
correct
medication
and
treatment
can
be
provided.
It
is
essential
to
keep
the
condition
under
control
so
that
you
do
not
end
up
worsening
the
symptoms
associated
with
an
underactive
thyroid
gland.
Treatment
ideally
includes
the
doctor
prescribing
thyroid
hormone
pills.
The
dose
needs
to
be
accurate
with
these
pills.
Taking
too
much
of
it
can
lead
to
symptoms
of
hyperthyroidism.
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