Signs You Have a Thyroid Imbalance
By Lesley Oakes
Your thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located in your neck that plays a significant role in regulating nearly every system in your body. The function of your thyroid affects energy levels, your metabolism and even your moods! Thyroid issues can develop quietly, and go unnoticed over time with symptoms that slowly stack up and can be mistakenly linked to other health issues.
What does the thyroid do?
The thyroid gland produces hormones, primarily thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) but others too, and these hormones have a huge influence on your metabolism, heart rate, body temperature, and energy production. They’re like the body’s energy managers, ensuring everything runs smoothly. When the thyroid isn’t functioning as it should be, it can either become underactive (hypothyroidism) or overactive (hyperthyroidism), with a set of symptoms that can point to one or the other extreme.
Common Symptoms of Thyroid Imbalances
Signs of Hypothyroidism (Underactive Thyroid) include:
Fatigue and Low Energy: Feeling tired despite adequate sleep.
Unexplained Weight Gain: Difficulty losing weight or gradual weight gain without changes to diet or exercise.
Cold Sensitivity: Feeling unusually cold, even in warmer weather.
Hair and Skin Changes: Dry skin, brittle hair, or hair loss.
Brain Fog: Difficulty concentrating or memory problems.
Digestive Issues: Sluggish digestion or constipation.
Mood Changes: Depression, low motivation, or feeling “flat.”
Signs of Hyperthyroidism (Overactive Thyroid) are typically the opposite of those linked to Hypothyroidism, and can include:
Unexplained Weight Loss: Losing weight without trying.
Increased Appetite: Feeling constantly hungry.
Heat Sensitivity: Feeling overheated or sweating excessively.
Heart Palpitations: A racing or irregular heartbeat.
Anxiety or Nervousness: Feeling jittery or overly anxious.
Tremors: Shaking hands or trembling.
Sleep Issues: Trouble falling or staying asleep.
What Causes Thyroid Imbalances?
There are many factors that might contribute to thyroid dysfunction, including too little or too much iodine in your diet; deficiencies in nutrients like selenium, zinc, and iron; or exposure to certain chemicals, such as bromine and fluoride.
Chronic stress impacts your adrenal glands and is one factor that can interfere with thyroid function increasingly over time. Autoimmune conditions like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and Graves’ disease are also commonly associated with thyroid imbalances.
How Can You Test for a Thyroid Imbalance?
If you suspect you might have a thyroid issue, testing is the first step. Your GP might arrange a blood test, and typically this will test for levels of TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) in the blood. Sometimes people might get a normal result, but when symptoms persist without any other explanation, that’s often when they come to see me for a more indepth investigation. Comprehensive testing of the thyroid will include TSH, as well as Free T3, Free T4, and thyroid antibodies. I usually recommend saliva testing as this can provide a more accurate picture of your thyroid function.
In a consultation we also look at:
Nutritional status (iodine, selenium, and zinc levels).
Stress hormones, such as cortisol.
Overall hormonal balance, as oestrogen, progesterone, and testosterone can affect thyroid function.
Natural Approaches to Supporting Thyroid Health
As a naturopath, I take a holistic approach to thyroid health, aim to treat the root causes and support your body’s natural healing abilities.
What Are Some Natural Ways to Treat Thyroid Dysfunction?
Once we have a clear idea of what the imbalance is, we can more effectively treat and resolve the issue.
Some of the strategies we might use include diet modifications to increase selenium-rich foods (Brazil nuts, eggs) and iodine sources (seaweed, fish) - depending of course on whether you’re displaying signs of deficiencies or not. Based on your test results, I’d recommend specific targeted supplements like zinc, selenium, or adaptogenic herbal medicines to support your system to recover.
Finding ways to reduce stress levels that best suit you and your lifestyle - whether that’s regular walks, yoga, breathing exercises, or working with a life coach to shift mindset - is always beneficial to any health issue. You might also look at reducing exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals in personal care products and household cleaners.
When to Get Help with Thyroid Problems
If you recognise any of the symptoms listed above or have a family history of thyroid disorders, it is definitely worth seeing your GP for some initial tests, or if you want more comprehensive testing and a holistic approach, make an appointment with me here at PNMC. I specialise in thyroid health and work with the latest research and technologies to uncover the root causes of hormone imbalances while supporting you with natural, evidence-based solutions.
Book an appointment with Lesley Oakes today at PNMC today for comprehensive support managing your hormones. Book online or call us on 08 9328 9233 to make your appointment.