The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located at the front of your neck, but its influence on the body is anything but small.

It produces hormones that help regulate metabolism, energy use, body temperature, heart rate, digestion, and many other processes. When the thyroid produces too little or too much hormone, the effects can appear throughout the body.

The tricky part is that thyroid problems don't always announce themselves with an obvious symptom.

Instead, they may begin with changes that seem easy to explain away: feeling unusually tired, gaining or losing weight, struggling with sleep, noticing changes in your hair, or feeling colder or warmer than everyone else.

These symptoms can occur for many different reasons, so having one or two of them does not mean you have thyroid disease.

However, when several changes appear together—or persist without an obvious explanation—it may be worth talking with a healthcare professional.

Here are 10 signs that may be associated with a thyroid problem.

1. Unexplained Changes in Your Weight

One of the most commonly recognized thyroid-related symptoms is an unexplained change in body weight.

The thyroid helps regulate how quickly the body uses energy. When thyroid hormone levels are too low, metabolism can slow, potentially contributing to weight gain.

An underactive thyroid, known as hypothyroidism, may be associated with:

• Gradual weight gain

• Difficulty losing weight

• Increased sensitivity to cold

• Fatigue

• Constipation

• Dry skin

On the other hand, an overactive thyroid, known as hyperthyroidism, can increase energy expenditure and may contribute to unexplained weight loss.

Some people with hyperthyroidism may also experience:

• Increased appetite

• Sweating

• Feeling unusually warm

• Rapid heartbeat

• Anxiety or nervousness

However, weight change alone is not a reliable way to diagnose a thyroid disorder.

Changes in diet, physical activity, sleep, stress, medications, menopause, diabetes, and many other conditions can affect body weight.

The key concern is unexplained or persistent change, especially when it occurs alongside other symptoms.

2. Feeling Extremely Tired or Drained

Everyone gets tired sometimes.