Hormones can quietly influence energy levels, mood, weight, sleep, and even fertility. They can also affect your skin and contribute to hair loss. When something is not right with your health or hormones, consulting an endocrinologist, doctors who specialize in hormones and glands such as the thyroid, pancreas, ovaries, testes, pituitary, and adrenals can make a difference, as they can notice early changes.
Here are 12 symptoms endocrinologists say you should never ignore:
- Unexplained weight changes, whether sudden gain or loss, despite having the same diet and activity, may be linked to thyroid, cortisol, or insulin shifts.
- Constant fatigue or weakness that doesn’t improve with rest may suggest thyroid, adrenal, or blood sugar disorders.
- Excessive thirst and frequent urination, especially at night, can be problematic and a sign of diabetes or high calcium levels.
- Heart palpitations, shakiness, or a racing heartbeat, sometimes with anxiety and sweating, may signal an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism).
- Sensitivity to cold or heat, along with dry skin or sweating changes, is common with an underactive or overactive thyroid.
- Irregular or missed periods and fertility difficulties can reflect thyroid disease, PCOS, or testosterone issues.
- Sudden mood changes, anxiety, irritability, or depressed feelings.
- New or worsening headaches or vision changes, though rare, require expert consultation.
- Neck swelling or trouble swallowing may be due to thyroid enlargement and requires a professional exam.
- Dark, velvety skin patches (acanthosis nigricans), persistent acne, or unusual hair growth patterns suggest insulin resistance or PCOS.
- Numbness, tingling, or burning in the hands or feet can signal long-standing blood sugar issues affecting nerves.
- Low blood sugar episodes (shakiness, sweating, confusion), whether or not you have diabetes, require careful review of causes and medications.
Conclusion
None of these symptoms proves a diagnosis on its own, but when persistent, they require attention. Track what you notice, including timing, triggers, medications, weight, blood pressure, temperature, and glucose readings if available.
If you are also experiencing any of the above symptoms, don’t ignore them, consult with an endocrinologist right away. Dr. Folawewo at Hilltop Internal Medicine and Endocrinology provides expert care for hormonal and metabolic disorders.
To schedule an appointment, call us at (301) 567-9570 today and get the expert care you deserve.
