11 Signs you May have Hypothyroidism
The thyroid is often referred to as the Master Hormone. Thyroid hormones govern many of our daily functions including metabolism, body weight, energy levels, sex hormones and cognition. Thyroid health even impacts fertility. There are many different presentations of hypothyroidism so it is important to work with an experienced doctor to identify and treat your specific balance. If you are wondering “Do I have hypothyroidism?” There are several signals from your body that can show your thyroid may be suffering.
11 Signs You May Have Hypothyroidism:
Fatigue
Fatigue is the most common symptom of subclinical hypothyroidism. Thyroid governs metabolism and a slow thyroid leads to a slow metabolism, and sluggish energy. If you notice you’ve been feeling lethargic without any identifiable cause, you should have your thyroid evaluated.Bloating
Thyroid hormone is needed to support the digestive process. It is necessary in the production of hydrochloric acid, the stomach acid that helps you absorb nutrients and keeps the bad bugs out. That means without it you can’t break down food to get the nutrients you need to support your thyroid. There are many several ways thyroid imbalance can affect the gut. For example, SIBO is very common in hypothyroid patients and if often the root cause that needs to be address. If you have gas, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, or other gut symptoms then this may be due to hypothyroidism.Constipation
As digestion slows due to lack of thyroid hormone, many individuals will experience constipation. Fiber supplements, stool softeners or laxatives are just ways to manage symptoms, but do not address the root cause, which may be related to thyroid health.High Cholesterol
Cholesterol that does not respond to diet, exercise or even medication can be a sign of hypothyroidism. It is not uncommon for cholesterol levels to improve when the thyroid is properly treated.Weight Gain
Unexplained weight gain, or difficulty losing weight with proper diet and exercise can be a sign of a thyroid disorder. This is related to insulin resistance as described below. If you’ve not changed your workout routine or eating habits, but continue to gain weight, be sure to have your thyroid examined.Insulin Resistance
Insulin Resistance, Blood Sugar Dysregulation, and even Pre-Diabetes, in individuals with otherwise healthy lifestyles diet and exercise routines may be due to hypothyroidism. Some noticeable symptoms of insulin resistance include experiencing ravenous hunger, intense carbohydrate cravings, feeling hungry after eating a meal, and weight gain primarily around the abdomen.Depression
Depression can result from thyroid disease, and it often overlooked as potential factor. Sometimes depression is a missed hypothyroid diagnosis.Muscle Aches & Joint Pain
Aching joints, poor workout recovery, muscular fatigue are all symptoms related to thyroid dysfunction. Without proper thyroid hormone, it is more difficult for the body to recover from physical activity.Hair Loss
Hair loss is a common symptom of a low functioning thyroid. The textbook presentation is hair loss of the lateral third of the eyebrow. However, it is also common for thyroid patients to experience head hair thinning or shedding with a thyroid disorder.Dry Hair, Skin, and Nails
Dry, brittle hair and nails that easily break or crack are often observed in hypothyroidism. Skin that is dry and flaking can also be due to hypothyroidism.Menstrual Irregularities & Infertility
Irregular menses, abnormal bleeding, painful periods or delayed periods may be due to your thyroid. If you are struggling with fertility or miscarriages, it is important to run a full thyroid panel as optimal thyroid levels are crucial in supporting a healthy pregnancy to term.
Dr. Allison Serrano specializes in treating various types of thyroid disorders, including Hashimoto’s, Low T3 Syndrome, and general Hypothyroidism. At Monterey Natural Wellness, we use an integrative medicine approach to managing thyroid conditions that may include functional medicine assessment to identify root cause, nutrition, supplementation, and/or bioidentical hormone replacement when indicated.
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