Thyroid Health

Thyroid dysfunction can manifest in numerous ways, often developing gradually and being mistakenly attributed to other causes like stress or aging. When your thyroid is underactive (hypothyroidism), you may experience persistent fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest, unexplained weight gain or difficulty losing weight despite diet and exercise efforts, and feeling cold even when others are comfortable. Brain fog, difficulty concentrating, memory problems, and slower thinking are common, along with mood changes including depression, anxiety, or general feelings of overwhelm.

Physical symptoms of hypothyroidism often include dry skin and hair, hair thinning or loss, brittle nails, and constipation. Many people notice their heart rate seems slower, they feel short of breath with minimal exertion, or they experience muscle weakness and joint stiffness. Sleep disturbances, heavy or irregular menstrual periods in women, and decreased libido are also frequently reported.

Conversely, an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) can cause symptoms like unexplained weight loss despite increased appetite, feeling hot or sweating excessively, rapid or irregular heartbeat, and feeling anxious, jittery, or restless. You might experience difficulty sleeping, frequent bowel movements, trembling hands, or feeling like your mind is racing.

Many people with thyroid issues have been told their lab values are “normal” despite experiencing significant symptoms, or they’ve been prescribed thyroid medication that hasn’t resolved their symptoms. This often indicates that standard thyroid testing isn’t comprehensive enough to identify the full scope of thyroid dysfunction or that underlying factors affecting thyroid function haven’t been addressed.