Denise Richards Thanks Eagle-Eyed 'RHOBH' Viewers For Spotting Thyroid Problem

Mary Papenfuss
Updated

A grateful Denise Richards is thanking fans of “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” for spotting her enlarged thyroid on a recent reunion show.

The actor-turned-reality star said Monday on Instagram that her health had improved.

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The most common causes of an enlarged thyroid are autoimmune diseases like Graves’ disease or Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, according to Cleveland Clinic, or it can occur when a person is receiving other medical treatments for conditions like cancer. (A lack of iodine in the body is also a common cause of an enlarged thyroid, but that issue has virtually been wiped out in the U.S. due to commonplace items like table salt.)

An enlarged thyroid is usually painless, but it may cause coughing and difficulty breathing. The best way to find out what’s causing such an issue is to check with a doctor. A physician can run tests and recommend a treatment plan, whether it’s through medication, lifestyle changes like diet, or both.

Richards noted on Instagram that she had excluded gluten from her diet. Although a gluten-free diet can help people with celiac disease or a gluten sensitivity ― both of which can be tested for by a doctor ― there is little medical evidence suggesting omitting gluten will help with an enlarged thyroid.

This was Richards’ first season on the “Real Housewives” franchise. She married actor Aaron Phypers, whom she called the “love of my life,” on the show. She has two teenage daughters, Sami and Lola, with ex-husband Charlie Sheen, and a younger adopted daughter, Eloise. Phypers was previously married to “Desperate Housewives” star Nicollette Sheridan.

Earlier this year, “Inside Edition” anchor Deborah Norville underwent surgery for a cancerous thyroid nodule after it was spotted by a viewer.

Rebecca Kogan contributed to this report.

This post has been updated with more information about medical conditions that can cause an enlarged thyroid.

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You’re tired all the time

“<a href="http://www.theactivetimes.com/fitness/your-first-time/10-reasons-why-you-are-tired-all-time" target="_hplink">Fatigue</a> is a very important sign of low thyroid,” Dr. Hall says. Since hyperthyroidism increases your metabolism, many individuals initially have a lot of energy, <a href="http://www.thyroidawareness.com/" target="_hplink">according</a> to the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists. However, as the hyperthyroidism continues, the body tends to break down, so <a href="http://www.theactivetimes.com/content/13-workouts-when-you-re-too-tired-workout" target="_hplink">being tired </a>is very common. If you are constantly tired after <a href="http://www.theactivetimes.com/fitness/your-first-time/popular-sleeping-myths-you-should-never-believe" target="_hplink">sleeping enough hours</a> and not doing a strenuous activity, check your thyroid gland. <em>Photo Credit: Shutterstock</a></em> <a href="http://www.theactivetimes.com/content/top-17-signs-there-s-something-wrong-your-thyroid?slide=4?slide=4?slide=4?slide=4?slide=4?utm_source=huffington%2Bpost&utm_medium=partner&utm_campaign=health" target="_hplink"><strong>Click Here to See Signs There’s Something Wrong With Your Thyroid</strong></a>

You’re feeling blue or depressed

Thyroid disorders can have a significant impact on your attitude and temperament. Hypothyroidism tends to make people <a href="http://www.theactivetimes.com/fitness/n/difference-between-being-sad-and-depressed" target="_hplink">feel depressed</a>. This is due to the fact that too little thyroid hormones decreases the “happiness” hormone, serotonin, in the brain. Do a quick mental check, Dr. Hall says. Ask yourself <a href="http://www.theactivetimes.com/fitness/n/11-diy-ways-will-help-you-fight-winter-blues" target="_hplink">if feeling blue is happening all the time</a>, if it’s becoming a common problem in your life, or if you’re taking birth control pills. “They are a major cause of fatigue because they bring the estrogen levels down to menopausal levels,” Dr. Hall says. <em>Photo Credit: Shutterstock</a></em>

Your appetite has changed

Loss of appetite, as well as <a href="http://www.theactivetimes.com/hunger-games-how-hormones-affect-appetite" target="_hplink">greater appetite</a> because of an overactive thyroid, is a common symptom, <a href="http://www.thyroid.org/thyroid-and-weight/" target="_hplink">according</a> to the American Thyroid Association. It is normal to be hungry after exercising or another intense physical activity. But feeling like you need more – and that happens every day for several weeks – may be <a href="http://www.healthline.com/symptom/increased-appetite" target="_hplink">a sign</a> of diabetes or thyroid abnormalities. <em>Photo Credit: Shutterstock</a></em> <a href="http://www.theactivetimes.com/content/top-17-signs-there-s-something-wrong-your-thyroid?slide=4?slide=4?slide=4?slide=4?utm_source=huffington%2Bpost&utm_medium=partner&utm_campaign=health" target="_hplink"><strong>Click Here to See Signs There’s Something Wrong With Your Thyroid</strong></a>

You have dry, itchy skin and brittle nails

Itchy and dry skin is another common symptom of hypothyroidism. This has to do with skin turnover, Dr. Hall says. “It slows down which means there are older cells still on the skin.” You may <a href="http://www.theactivetimes.com/content/signs-you-need-more-iron-your-diet" target="_hplink">find your nails very breakable</a> all of a sudden. Insufficient thyroid hormone <a href="http://www.theactivetimes.com/fitness/n/10-widespread-myths-about-metabolism" target="_hplink">slows down metabolism</a>, which reduces sweating. The <a href="http://www.thyroid.ca/e9b.php" target="_hplink">dryness can be extreme</a>, this may cause no sweating and the palms and soles to get thick and dry. <em>Photo Credit: Shutterstock</a></em>

Mood swings and irritability

If there is too much thyroid hormone, every function of the body tends to speed up. That’s why it is not surprising then that some of the symptoms of hyperthyroidism are <a href="http://www.theactivetimes.com/fitness/your-first-time/15-ways-tell-if-you-re-suffering-anxiety-disorder" target="_hplink">anxiety</a>, nervousness, irritability and mood swings, according to AACE. <a href="http://www.theactivetimes.com/content/top-17-signs-there-s-something-wrong-your-thyroid?slide=4?slide=4?slide=4?slide=4?slide=4?utm_source=huffington%2Bpost&utm_medium=partner&utm_campaign=health" target="_hplink"><strong>Click Here to See Signs There’s Something Wrong With Your Thyroid</strong></a> <em>Photo Credit: Shutterstock </a></em>

This article originally appeared on HuffPost.

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