Thyroid dysfunction is so common that over 25 million people in North America are silent sufferers who are undiagnosed. It is estimated that under-active thyroid, known as hypothyroidism, is to blame about 99 percent of all thyroid related issues. In case you are wondering what are the signs, read on!
The Thyroid gland, the small gland at the base of the neck, is responsible for the metabolism, the rate at which cells convert food into energy. This means that the energy levels will suffer if your thyroid gland is not functioning correctly.
SIGNS OF THYROID DYSFUNCTION
- Constantly feeling cold, having cold hands and feet
- Excessive hair loss, brittle nails and dry, cracking skin
- Constipation
- Weight gain or the inability to lose weight
- Mood swings, anxiety, depression and other mood related issues
- Fatigue, even after sleeping 8+ hours at night
- Low sex drive, PMS, irregular periods and infertility – all signs of female hormone imbalance
- Poor concentration, brain fog and inability to focus
HOW TO DETERMINE IF YOUR THYROID IS THE CAUSE
It is recommended that all patients with these symptoms do the following lab tests in order to determine if their thyroid is functioning properly:
- Thyroid Binding Globulin (Protein that binds to Thyroid Hormone)
- Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies (TPO Ab)
- Thyroglobulin Antibodies (TGB Ab)
- TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone)
- Free T4 (Inactive Thyroid Hormone)
- Free T3 (Active Thyroid Hormone)
- Reverse-T3 (Inactivated Thyroid Hormone)
Even if your levels appear normal, they may not be in the ideal range. Therefore, it is recommended to find the underlying cause of why your levels are not optimal.
Source: http://theheartysoul.com/signs-of-thyroid-dysfunction/?t=NSM