Low thyroid function occurs when the thyroid doesn’t make adequate amounts of hormones. This affects the body in many different ways resulting in a number of signs.
How many apply to you?
1. You’re tired most of the time.
Your body relies on thyroid hormones to produce energy. You may notice that you feel generally exhausted just going about your usual day-to-day activities. Tiredness brought on through low thyroid function tends to be persistent throughout the day. Waking up in the morning, after a full nights sleep, but feeling unrefreshed is common.
2. Dry skin.
A decreased amount of thyroid hormones can cause the skin to become flaky and dry. You may notice that your scalp and the heels of your feet are dry and flaky as well.
3.Thinning hair or hair loss.
A key sign of low thyroid function is thinning or falling hair. Nails can become brittle too.
4. Low mood.
When the body doesn’t have enough thyroid hormones most systems will slow down. This can greatly affect your mood and make you feel down and sometimes anxious.
5. You’re Constipated
Constipation is a very common symptom of low thyroid function. The digestive system slows down as energy production is limited. If you have less than one bowel movement a day then you may be constipated.
6. Poor memory or brain fog.
This can be a sign that your brain isn’t receiving enough thyroid hormones. Mental function becomes sluggish, concentration is tricky and you can become forgetful.
7. Weight gain.
Weight gain that is stubborn and doesn’t shift is the main sign of low thyroid function. The body’s metabolism slows down considerably. Weight loss becomes near impossible without correcting thyroid function.
It is not uncommon to have a blood test for thyroid function, ran by your GP, and be told the results are ‘normal’. These tests usually measure just one thyroid hormone and are not very sensitive.
We recommend using tests that measure all the thyroid hormones as well as thyroid antibodies and key nutrients that can impact conversion of hormones.
Dealing with low thyroid function is something that takes time, dedication, and a strong understanding of your body. By making an appointment with us we can guide you on choosing the right testing and help you understand and manage the underlying cause of your hypothyroidism symptoms. This can help you effectively manage your health and move forward.
