How Do You Know If You Have Thyroid Issues? The Hidden Signs of Thyroid Imbalance

How do you know if you have thyroid issues if your symptoms of fatigue, moodiness, weight changes, and irregular menstrual cycles are brushed off as part of aging, stress, or perimenopause? Well, you’re not alone!

In many cases, the root of these symptoms might actually be your thyroid. Because thyroid dysfunction can look like so many other things, and most doctors aren’t running comprehensive thyroid labs, it often goes undetected for years. Thankfully, with the right support these symptoms can often be effectively managed or resolved.

What Does the Thyroid Do?

Your thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland at the base of your neck, but its role in your health is massive. Think of it as your body’s thermostat. It regulates temperature, metabolism, energy production, and impacts mood, menstrual cycles, digestion, heart rate, and more. When the thyroid is underperforming or working in overdrive, your body starts sending signals. However, these signals can be subtle or easily dismissed.

Signs Your Thyroid Might Be Off

Hypothyroidism, slow or underactive thyroid function, is more common than you might think, especially in women, and often develops slowly over time. It’s frequently misdiagnosed or overlooked because the symptoms overlap with stress, aging, and hormone fluctuations. 

Signs of Hypothyroidism:

• Persistent fatigue
• Weight gain or weight loss resistance (despite a healthy diet and regular exercise)
• Constipation or sluggish digestion
• Brain fog or trouble focusing
• Depression or low mood
• Dry skin, thinning hair, or hair loss
• Feeling cold or poor circulation
• Irregular or heavy menstrual periods

Hyperthyroidism, or overactive thyroid function, can be equally as disruptive as hypothyroidism. The body essentially speeds up, burning through resources quickly and leaving you feeling wired, depleted, or both.

Signs of Hyperthyroidism:

• Anxiety and nervousness
• Unexplained weight loss without changes in diet
• Heart palpitations or a racing heartbeat
• Trouble falling asleep or staying asleep
• Frequent bowel movements or diarrhea
• Feeling hot or excessive sweating
• Irregular or absent menstrual periods
  

What to Do If You Suspect a Thyroid Issue

Thyroid dysfunction can be triggered by a variety of root causes, from chronic stress and nutrient deficiencies to autoimmune conditions, gut imbalances, or mold illness. Learning about what influences thyroid health is essential to understanding your own body’s signals.

If any of the symptoms above resonate with you, it’s worth exploring a deeper look into your thyroid function, beyond standard TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) testing. Comprehensive thyroid panels, like our Complete Thyroid Hormone Testing Package, look at a much more complete picture of your thyroid function. Check out our YouTube video for more information on how to decode thyroid symptoms, uncover root causes, and take the first steps toward healing.

Written by Romana Brennan, MS, RDN