Signs of an Underactive Thyroid: Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore
Are you experiencing fatigue, brain fog, or unexplained weight gain? These could be signs of an underactive thyroid. The thyroid is a small but powerful gland in the throat that produces hormones essential for energy, metabolism, and digestion. Every single cell in the body relies on thyroid hormones to function properly. However, hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid) and Hashimoto’s often go undiagnosed for years in conventional medicine.
In this post, you learn what the key symptoms are and what to do next if you suspect that your thyroid isn’t working properly.
What Does Your Thyroid Do?
The thyroid plays a crucial role in converting food into energy (ATP). Since every single cell in the body relies on thyroid hormones, an underactive thyroid can cause widespread symptoms—from low energy and sluggish digestion to brain fog and weight gain.
Common Symptoms of an Underactive Thyroid
Fatigue & Brain Fog
Since thyroid hormone is primarily used in digestion and the transformation of food into human energy, it’s only reasonable that if your thyroid hormones are low, your energy will be low.
Our brains require at least 20% of the fuel our body makes, so if we aren’t able to metabolize food well, this is going to have a huge impact on our brain health. Thyroid health is brain health (and gut health, and joint health, and skin health…and…and…and).
Weight Gain & Slowed Metabolism
Think of thyroid hormone like fuel for your metabolism. If there’s not enough to go around, your body will slow down to conserve energy—leading to weight gain and fatigue.
Even though the thyroid produces other types of thyroid hormone, T3 and T4 are the most important. T3 impacts how efficiently your body burns calories, so higher T3 leads to more calorie burn and weight loss, and lower T3 leads to less calorie burn and weight gain or an inability to lose weight. T3 and T4 work together to regulate fat breakdown and how fat is stored.
Hair Thinning & Dry Skin
Under active thyroid (hypothyroidism + Hashimoto’s) lead to hair loss, dry skin, and brittle nails. Since every cell in the body uses thyroid hormone, and the body is most interested in keeping the organs working above all else, the hair, skin and nails are often the first parts to be neglected.
What to Do If You Have These Symptoms
If you suspect you have hypothyroidism or Hashimoto’s, the first step is comprehensive lab testing—not just TSH, but a full thyroid panel. Many doctors only check basic markers, but a holistic approach gives a clearer picture. If you’re looking for expert guidance, I’d love to help—schedule a consultation today!
The best ways to support a healthy thyroid are with a real food diet (no more processed foods), proper exercise for you body (this is different for everyone), and acupuncture.