The thyroid is an immensely vital hormonal gland that plays a major role in the metabolism, growth, and maturation of the human body. It’s part of an intricate network of glands called the endocrine system. It helps to regulate many body functions by constantly and steadily releasing hormones into the bloodstream.
The thyroid gland is essential. But, it can be a tricky little thing.
The National Graves Foundation estimates that about 13 million Americans, mostly women, are affected by thyroid disorders. Women often overlook their symptoms or mistake them for symptoms of other conditions. And according to the Thyroid Foundation of America, more than half of thyroid disorders are never diagnosed because symptoms are similar to those of other conditions such as menopause.
See? They’re tricky!
Look for these signs that may indicate a dysfunctional thyroid:
- Unexplained weight gain (or loss)
- Exhaustion
- Unusual Depression
- Anxiety or Jittery feeling
- High blood pressure
- Brain fog
- Appetite and taste buds are altered
- Very dry skin
- Unpredictable bowels
- Irregular menstrual cycles
- Irregular body temperature (too hot or too cold)
- Disruptive sleep patterns
- Your voice is hoarse and/or your neck feels funny
This is not an exhaustive list by any means. Any one of these symptoms can be an indicator of other conditions or issues. It’s always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to your health.
You would think that there would be a simple test to see exactly what’s going on with your thyroid.
Nope. Think again. More trickery.
The “gold standard” go-to for doctors is a blood test to measure how much thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) the pituitary gland secretes into the bloodstream. The problem is that it’s not the ONLY test needed.
Along with the THS test, you need to get readings on your Free T3, Free T4, Reverse T3, Thyroid peroxidase and thyroglobulin antibodies, Sex hormone binding globulin, and iron levels, along with the non-blood test of RADIOACTIVE IODINE UPTAKE (iodine is a big deal).
Your body will tell you when something is wrong. Your thyroid might just try to trick you into thinking it’s something it’s not. Trust your gut. If you feel like something isn’t right. Check it out. There’s no reason for you to not live your best life. Your thyroid may try to control you, but you can take back control and show it who’s boss!
Sources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMHT0012407/
https://www.thyroid.org/thyroid-function-tests/
https://www.uclahealth.org/endocrine-center/radioactive-iodine-uptake-test