Tired all the time? Your thyroid could be out of whack

Thyroid disorders affect 10 times more women than men worldwide and become more common as we grow older.

Iodine deficiency has also re-emerged as a concern in Australia, with national studies showing that approximately 50% of Australian children and a similar percentage of pregnant women suffer from iodine deficiency, which can cause hypothyroidism.

When you're feeling tired all the time, it can be tempting to blame your busy lifestyle or menopause. But it could be your hormones are out of whack because of thyroid disease. Here are some of the signs to look out for:

1. You poo a lot more (or less)

If you notice you're suddenly constipated or you're pooing all the time, it could be related to either hypothyroidism (not enough thyroid hormones) or hyperthyroidism (too much).

"This isn't, 'I've always been constipated since I was 15,'" says endocrinologist Kathleen Figaro. "It's more, 'I was doing quite well, and all of a sudden I'm constipated.'" That's because your thyroid hormones can make your organs operate more quickly (hyperthyroidism) or more slowly (hypothyroidism) when they get screwy.

2. Your eyes look bigger

If anyone ever tells you that your eyes look bigger or that it looks like you're staring (like, all the time), it may be a sign of the most common form of hyperthyroidism, the autoimmune disorder Graves disease, says Figaro. Your eyes appear larger because your eyelids are elevated, since tissues behind the eye are inflamed.

3. Your hair stops growing

If your hair feels coarser or you have less of it anywhere on your body—including your head—it could be a sign of hypothyroidism, since thyroid hormones are in charge of hair growth, says Figaro.

4. You forget things

While brain fog is a well-known symptom of hypothyroidism, poor short-term memory can also be a warning sign. Why? Low thyroid hormone levels control the brain's metabolism—and slower brain function affects your ability to pay attention in the moment and make memories, says Figaro.

5. Your skin is dry

Flaky, dry skin can also be a sign of hypothyroidism, says Figaro. When you're producing less thyroid hormone, it slows down your skin's metabolism, too—which means it produces less of the oils that keep you moist.

Other signs of hypothyroidism can include:

>> tiredness

>> being unable to tolerate the cold

>> weight gain

>> puffy and pale face

>> muscle pain

>> heavier than normal periods

>> depression

Other signs of hyperthyroidism can include:

>> an enlarged thyroid

>> breathlessness

>> increased appetite

>> tremors