5 Signs It's Time to Check Your Thyroid Hormones

This small, butterfly-shaped gland located in the neck may be tiny - but it packs a powerful punch! The thyroid is responsible for controlling our metabolism – how efficiently and quickly we can convert food into energy. A healthy functioning thyroid means that you keep your weight under check as well as maintain good overall health. So, how do you know if your thyroid isn't functioning properly? Here are five signs that it's time to check your thyroid hormones!

1. Fatigue

Do you feel sluggish, despite getting plenty of rest? This could be a sign of hypothyroidism - an underactive thyroid gland can cause sluggishness since it doesn't produce the right amount of hormones needed for your body to function at its best.  It's important to take notice of any drastic changes in energy levels or if you're feeling persistently exhausted despite getting enough rest.

2. Cold Intolerance

One of the best signals your body can give you to alert an underactive thyroid is feeling cold all the time. No matter how warm it might be in a room if your fingers and hands are freezing - that could mean trouble for your system! Make sure you keep tabs on any temperature changes as they may indicate something more than just being chilly.

3. Constipation

Constipation can be an indication of a problem with your thyroid - the key gatekeeper for energy across your body, which includes keeping digestion humming. When something isn't quite right with this hormone-producing gland, things like constipation may crop up as signs that it's time to check in on those levels!

4. Dry, Course Skin & Hair

The thyroid, a power player in the realm of health and wellness, is no stranger to helping keep skin soft and hair shiny. But if the thyroid is underactive, symptoms like rough skin or brittle locks are often surface-level signs that something beneath needs some attention. That's why staying on top of things and getting regular checkups can be crucial to maintaining healthy skin & hair texture.

5. Weight Gain

Have you ever wondered why your healthy diet and regular workouts aren't helping with weight loss? You could be doing everything right and still struggle to maintain a steady weight! Unsolved weight gain is an indicator of potential thyroid issues. Don't ignore the signs, because this is one of the most common symptoms before uncovering the reason for all those extra pounds- an underactive thyroid.Hypothyroidism is one of the most common autoimmune diseases out there and Hashimoto's disease is its leading cause. While anyone can develop it, women are especially at risk, as they are up to 20 times more likely than men to suffer from an underactive thyroid! Thankfully though, all it takes for an accurate diagnosis is a simple blood test that checks thyroid hormone levels – so don't hesitate if something doesn’t feel quite right. If this sounds at all relatable, take charge of your thyroid health and have a doctor test your levels. As always, the medical team at Stark is here if you need!