Signs It’s Time to Get Your Thyroid Checked (And What We Can Do)
- Breanne Pflanz, APRN-BC
- Apr 11, 2021
- 4 min read
Updated: Oct 16
The thyroid gland may be small, but its impact on your overall health is enormous. Responsible for regulating your metabolism, energy, mood, and even heart rate, the thyroid plays a critical role in how you feel day to day. Despite its importance, thyroid dysfunction is one of the most commonly overlooked and underdiagnosed conditions—especially in women. If you’ve been struggling with fatigue, weight changes, or mood swings, your thyroid could be to blame. In this article, we’ll cover the top signs it’s time to get your thyroid checked and how Balanced You can help you find answers.
What Is the Thyroid and What Does It Do?
The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located in the front of your neck, just below the Adam’s apple. It produces key hormones—T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine)—that influence nearly every system in your body. These hormones regulate your metabolism, energy production, body temperature, and even your emotional well-being.
Another hormone, TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone), is produced by the pituitary gland and signals the thyroid to release T3 and T4. When the thyroid isn’t functioning properly, these hormones can become imbalanced, leading to a wide range of symptoms.
Common Thyroid Imbalances
There are several types of thyroid dysfunction, but the most common are:
Hypothyroidism: When the thyroid doesn’t produce enough hormones. Often caused by Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (an autoimmune condition).
Hyperthyroidism: When the thyroid produces too much hormone. Often caused by Graves’ disease (another autoimmune disorder).
Other conditions include goiters (thyroid gland enlargement), thyroid nodules, and subclinical thyroid dysfunction where lab results appear normal but symptoms persist.
10 Signs You May Need to Get Your Thyroid Checked
Fatigue and Low Energy: Feeling tired even after a full night’s sleep is a hallmark symptom of hypothyroidism.
Unexplained Weight Gain or Loss: Hypothyroidism can lead to weight gain, while hyperthyroidism can cause rapid weight loss.
Depression or Anxiety: Mood swings, depression, and anxiety are common with both types of thyroid dysfunction.
Hair Thinning or Hair Loss: The thyroid helps regulate hair growth, and imbalances can lead to thinning or bald patches.
Sensitivity to Cold or Heat: People with hypothyroidism may feel unusually cold; those with hyperthyroidism may overheat easily.
Dry Skin and Brittle Nails: Slowed metabolism from low thyroid hormone can lead to poor skin and nail health.
Constipation or Digestive Changes: Digestive sluggishness is common with low thyroid function.
Brain Fog and Poor Concentration: Difficulty thinking clearly or remembering things is often linked to thyroid imbalance.
Irregular Menstrual Cycles: Thyroid dysfunction can disrupt estrogen and progesterone levels.
Slow Heart Rate or Palpitations: Hypothyroidism can slow your heart rate; hyperthyroidism may cause rapid or irregular beats.
The Link Between Hormonal Imbalance and Thyroid Dysfunction
Thyroid issues rarely occur in isolation. Estrogen dominance—often seen during perimenopause—can suppress thyroid function. Likewise, adrenal fatigue caused by chronic stress can interfere with the HPA axis, which in turn affects thyroid hormone production.
This is why a full-spectrum hormone evaluation is essential. At Balanced You, we don’t just look at your thyroid in a vacuum—we assess the broader hormonal picture to address root causes, not just symptoms.
How Balanced You Diagnoses Thyroid Conditions
Our approach starts with a comprehensive lab panel that goes beyond basic TSH testing. We assess:
Free T3 and Free T4
Reverse T3
Thyroid antibodies (for autoimmune conditions)
Cortisol, estrogen, progesterone, and other related hormones
We combine this with a symptom-based clinical evaluation to uncover patterns traditional testing might miss. Our goal is to give you real answers and a clear plan for healing.
Thyroid Imbalance Treatment Options
Treatment plans at Balanced You are customized based on your lab results, symptoms, and health goals. Options may include:
Nutritional Support: Selenium, iodine, and zinc support thyroid function.
Lifestyle Changes: Stress management, sleep hygiene, and moderate exercise.
Thyroid Medication: Natural desiccated thyroid or synthetic options like levothyroxine, depending on your needs.
BHRT Integration: Many patients benefit from combining thyroid treatment with BHRT to address coexisting hormone issues.
FAQs: Thyroid Imbalance Treatment
How long does it take to feel better?
Some patients notice improvements within weeks, while others take several months depending on the severity and root causes.
Do I need medication forever?
Not necessarily. Some people stabilize with lifestyle and dietary changes, but others may require long-term thyroid support.
Can thyroid issues cause weight problems?
Absolutely. A sluggish thyroid can slow your metabolism, while hyperthyroidism can cause unhealthy weight loss.
Will I need ongoing lab testing? Yes. Regular monitoring ensures your treatment remains safe and effective as your body changes.
When to See a Provider
If you’ve been dealing with fatigue, weight changes, mood fluctuations, or any of the symptoms listed above, don’t ignore them. These are not just signs of aging—they could be warning flags from your thyroid.
Self-treating with supplements or guessing based on internet advice can lead to further imbalance. A professional evaluation gives you the answers and direction you need.
Final Thoughts:
Your thyroid may be small, but it has a mighty impact on your energy, mood, and metabolism. If you suspect your thyroid might be out of balance, now is the time to act. With the right testing and personalized treatment, you can reclaim your vitality and start feeling like yourself again.
Take our free online thyroid and hormone assessment today. For expert care and customized solutions, contact Balanced You Medical Wellness and schedule your consultation.
Sources
Mayo Clinic. (2023). Thyroid disease overview.
American Thyroid Association. (2022). Thyroid hormone facts.
Endocrine Society. (2023). Clinical guidelines for thyroid dysfunction.
Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. (2022). Thyroid treatment outcomes.
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