Your thyroid is an important gland that produces hormones for a variety of activities in your body. It produces hormones that affect a range of bodily functions like how fast a person metabolizes food and how rapidly a heart beats. Because of the vital roles it performs, it can be extremely problematic if your thyroid gland isn’t working properly. Here’s a look at five signs that you may have an issue with your thyroid gland.

You Tire Easily

Feeling tired or exhausted all the time is one of the most common symptoms of hypothyroidism, a condition categorized by underproduction of the thyroid hormone. If you constantly feel tired even after getting a good night’s sleep, you may have an issue with your thyroid gland.

Low Moods

If you’ve been feeling down in the dumps for no particular reason, if could be caused by the thyroid hormone. Medical research has shown that too little thyroid hormone production can impact serotonin levels in your brain. Serotonin is a chemical that affects our mood, and if serotonin levels are low or imbalanced, it can negatively affect your mood.

Increased Appetite

Research has shown that hypothyroidism can increase a person’s appetite and leave them feeling hungry all the time. The overproduction of the hormone can help offset the increase in calories, so weight gain isn’t always a side effect, but it is still a possibility.

Dry Skin

If your thyroid gland isn’t producing the appropriate amount of hormones, it can reduce the amount of sweat and moisture to the skin. Skin that can’t properly moisturize can become cracked and flaky, meaning someone with a thyroid condition may suffer from dry skin.

High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure is another predictor of a thyroid issue. Both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism can contribute to an elevated blood pressure. Because of this, people with a thyroid condition are roughly 2-3 times more likely to develop hypertension. Doctors believe that low levels of thyroid hormone can affect the heart’s pumping strength and blood wall flexibility, which can both increase blood pressure.