Thyroid disorder: The sign of the hormonal disorder you can detect on your fingernails

Thyroid disorder often leads to subtle signs in the initial days. They become prominent with time and start affecting the functioning of the body. If successfully detected in the early days, it is possible to reverse the trajectory of the thyroid disease, improve symptoms, and avoid complications related to it.

The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland present at the base of the neck, responsible for producing three prominent hormones for the body. These hormones regulate the body's metabolism, muscle and digestive function and are also needed in brain development and bone maintenance. When the gland does not produce a sufficient amount of hormones the condition is referred to as hypothyroidism or an underactive thyroid. People suffering from this condition are prescribed medications to balance their hormone levels because if the condition is left untreated, it can cause anaemia, confusion, heart failure, or even a coma. Recognising the early signs of the condition can help to take appropriate measures at the right time. Here is a common sign that you can detect on your fingernails.

Your fingernails reveal a lot about your health conditions. The colour, a touch of white, a rosy tinge, or rippling, all these characters are reflections of the internal health. The one that highlights underactive thyroid is slow-growing and brittle nails.

Due to fewer thyroid hormones, all the functions of the body slows down. It also affects the nails, and they become brittle and start growing slowly. According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AADA), underactive thyroid can also lead to ridges in the nails. They may appear curved, and peel, break or crumble more easily. In some patients, the fingernails lift or split from the nail bed. It is a condition called onycholysis or Plummer's nails. As the thyroid hormones control the sweat level, a patient with an underactive thyroid may witness less sweating. It can make the nails, skin and hair appear dry.

Not all patients suffering from hypothyroidism suffer from the same health problems. The signs and symptoms vary depending on the severity of the situation. Here are some other symptoms of hypothyroidism are as follows:

Fatigue

Increased sensitivity to cold

Constipation

Dry skin

Weight gain

Puffy face

Hoarseness

Muscle weakness

Elevated blood cholesterol level

Muscle aches, tenderness and stiffness

Pain, stiffness or swelling in your joints

Irregular menstrual periods

Thinning hair

Slowed heart rate

Depression

Impaired memory

Enlarged thyroid gland

Hypothyroidism can be caused due to a number of factors. Some common ones include autoimmune disease, hyperthyroidism treatments, radiation therapy, thyroid surgery and certain medications. People who are generally at the greater risk of developing this condition are:

Women

Old age

Family history of thyroid disease

Autoimmune conditions

Radiation to your neck or upper chest

Have had thyroid surgery

Pregnancy