13 March 2024 , 19:45
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Spotting one surprising symptom when you go to the toilet could mean you need to see the doctor.
Staying on top of your health isn't always easy, but even subtle changes to your body can indicate that everything isn't quite right. If you spot this symptom when you go to the toilet for a number two, it could be a sign that you are suffering from a dangerous disease, so it's important to keep a keen eye out for anything out of the ordinary in your stool.
Changes to poo can be caused by relatively innocuous things, like suffering from a temporary bout of diarrhoea, or not getting enough fibre in your diet leading you to a couple of days of unpleasant constipation - but your stool can also reveal a lot about the overall state of your health, so it's crucial to be aware of what is the normal state of play for you.
As reported in The Express, experts have explained that there can be a variety of reasons why you're experiencing changes to your stool, particularly if you find yourself suffering from loose, runny poo - or diarrhoea.
An overactive thyroid - medically known as hyperthyroidism - can be dangerous if it is left untreated, and it's a condition that is most often diagnosed in women aged between 20 and 40, with women ten times more likely to suffer from it, according to the NHS.
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It occurs when the thyroid gland, a butterfly shaped gland in your windpipe, produces too many of its hormones, and can cause bulging eyes, double vision or a life-threatening 'thyroid storm' if it isn't treated properly.
Diarrhoea is a common symptom of hyperthyroidism, but the condition has a range of symptoms associated with it, and many of them can also be caused by other issues, so it's a good idea to keep notes or a diary of what symptoms you've been suffering from to take to your doctor if you think you may have this condition.
Other common symptoms include: a swelling at your neck from the gland enlarging, mood swings, irritability, anxiety, trouble falling asleep, regularly feeling tired or weak, weight loss, heart palpitations, twitching or trembling, and feeling sensitive to heat.
"Loose poo or diarrhoea may be caused by a gut infection, food intolerances, certain medications, an overactive thyroid, or a disease of the intestine like Crohn's disease," explained Dr Rhianna McClymont, lead GP at Livi, adding "Certain foods can be culprits too, like alcohol, caffeine and spicy or oily foods".
Equally this symptom is very common in those who suffer from irritable bowel syndrome, the expert explains, so while it's important not to jump the gun and assume the worst as there can be a variety of causes, she believes "It's important to normalise talking about poo, because issues with it can indicate a problem in the digestive tract. If it's something serious, it's crucial to catch it early."
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