Living with a thyroid disorder is difficult. The thyroid controls so much of your physical and mental health, but it is deceivingly tiny. Here are a few signs that you could be experiencing a thyroid disorder.

1. You're exhausted all of the time.

You could fall asleep while still standing. Coffee may give you a temporary energy boost, but guess what? It interferes with healthy thyroid function as well.

2. You lose your hair.

Your hair can be found everywhere but on your head.

3. You battle depression.

Every day brings a new challenge to overcome, and you're just so tired.

4. Your sleep patterns may be backward...or non-existent.

Night owl? Or 24-hour owl?

5. You have difficulty concentrating.

You try to focus in on something, but your brain feels all squiggly and mushy.

6. The anxiety is real.

Anxiety accompanies depression, and you have to constantly remind yourself that your hormones are playing tricks on you and that this panic attack isn't necessary.

7. Recommended health foods aren't a healthy choice for your thyroid.

Soy is a good source of protein? Actually, you'd better avoid it.

8. Interacting with other humans is exhausting.

It's not that your anti-social, it's just that your body is so drained that you can't function well in large groups.

9. Body weight is hard to control.

Whether you're underweight or overweight, it's extremely difficult to get your weight where you want it.

10. Perfect skin would be a dream come true.

But don't count on your thyroid fulfilling your dreams.

11. People who don't have a thyroid disorder will think your making your symptoms up or making excuses for yourself.

How could such a tiny gland affect so much?

12. Your muscles ache all over.

Exercise is difficult due to aching muscles and overall exhaustion.

13. Your body temperature is uncontrollable.

It could be 100 degrees outside, and you could still be shivering.

14. The medicine won't fix all of your problems.

You'll still experience symptoms, but don't you dare go off your medicine. Your symptoms will exaggerate out of proportion.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it may be time to have your thyroid tested. Oh, but the other tricky thing about thyroid disorders is that they're sometimes difficult to diagnose and/or treat as well! Thankfully, the medical field is beginning to understand more about the thyroid gland and its function. If you currently have a thyroid disorder, don't feel crazy for experiencing these and a myriad of other symptoms. You're not alone!