The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of the neck, just below the Adam’s apple.
Though small, it has a major influence on how your body functions. The thyroid controls metabolism, energy levels, and hormone balance throughout the body.
When it isn’t working properly, it can lead to a wide range of health issues, including fatigue, weight changes, mood swings, and heart problems.
What Does the Thyroid Do?
The thyroid produces hormones that regulate how the body uses energy.
These hormones affect nearly every organ and system, from the heart and brain to the muscles and skin. The two main thyroid hormones are:
- Thyroxine (T4)
- Triiodothyronine (T3)
These hormones are controlled by the pituitary gland, which releases thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) to signal the thyroid when to produce more or less.
When this balance is disrupted, two main conditions can develop:
- Hypothyroidism: The thyroid is underactive and does not produce enough hormones. This can cause fatigue, weight gain, dry skin, depression, and sensitivity to cold.
- Hyperthyroidism: The thyroid is overactive and produces too many hormones. This can lead to anxiety, weight loss, rapid heartbeat, and sensitivity to heat.
Maintaining proper thyroid function is essential for keeping your metabolism and energy stable.
What Causes Thyroid Problems?
Thyroid issues can arise from autoimmune disorders, iodine imbalances, medications, or underlying health conditions.
Common Causes
- Autoimmune disease: Conditions such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (causing hypothyroidism) and Graves’ disease (causing hyperthyroidism) are the most frequent causes.
- Iodine deficiency or excess: The thyroid needs iodine to produce hormones, but too little or too much can disrupt function.
- Hormonal imbalances: Changes in estrogen or stress hormones can influence thyroid regulation.
- Medications: Some drugs for heart disease, mental health, or cancer can affect thyroid activity.
- Radiation exposure: Radiation therapy to the neck or chest can damage thyroid cells.
- Genetic predisposition: Family history of thyroid disorders increases risk.
Many thyroid problems develop gradually, which makes testing the most effective way to detect early dysfunction.
Common Symptoms of Thyroid Disorders
Symptoms vary depending on whether the thyroid is overactive or underactive.
Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid):
- Fatigue and low energy
- Weight gain
- Dry skin or hair loss
- Sensitivity to cold
- Depression or brain fog
- Slow heart rate
Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid):
- Weight loss despite normal eating habits
- Anxiety or irritability
- Tremors or restlessness
- Sweating and heat sensitivity
- Rapid heartbeat
- Trouble sleeping
Because these symptoms can mimic other conditions, proper testing is crucial for an accurate diagnosis.
How to Get Tested for Thyroid Function
Thyroid testing measures how well the gland is producing and regulating hormones. A simple blood test is the primary way to assess thyroid health.
Common Screening Tests
- TSH (Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone): The most sensitive test for thyroid function. High TSH usually means an underactive thyroid, while low TSH indicates overactivity.
- Free T4 (Thyroxine): Measures the amount of available thyroid hormone in your blood.
- Free T3 (Triiodothyronine): Helps evaluate metabolism and energy regulation, especially in hyperthyroidism.
- Thyroid antibody tests: Detect autoimmune conditions like Hashimoto’s or Graves’ disease.
- Ultrasound: Used to check for nodules or enlargement of the thyroid gland.
How to Support Thyroid Health
Lifestyle habits and nutrition play a key role in maintaining thyroid balance.
Tips to Keep Your Thyroid Healthy
- Eat foods rich in iodine, selenium, and zinc, such as seafood, eggs, and nuts
- Manage stress and get enough sleep to support hormone regulation
- Avoid excessive soy or processed foods, which can interfere with thyroid function in some people
- Stay consistent with prescribed medications if you are being treated for thyroid disease
- Get regular thyroid screenings, especially if you have a family history of thyroid disorders
By keeping your thyroid in balance, you can support better metabolism, mood, and energy levels.
Take Charge of Your Thyroid Health
The thyroid influences everything from how fast your heart beats to how your body burns calories.
Regular screening and proactive care can catch problems before they affect your daily life.
Schedule your thyroid screening near you today and take control of your energy and metabolism.