Thyroid Health

When You Don’t Feel “Right”

If you suspect your thyroid is struggling or know that you have thyroid dysfunction, most likely your doctor ran a TSH test and either told you there’s no problem or started you on thyroid replacement medication. Labs to be repeated in a year.

If it’s really that simple, why do you still not feel well?

The thyroid system and how it works in your body is pretty complex. Here’s the deal – understanding the thyroid system isn’t always straightforward. Just because your brain is sending out TSH (that’s thyroid stimulating hormone) within normal levels, doesn’t mean your thyroid is getting the message. Your thyroid might not be making enough T4 or thyroxine, which is the inactive form that moves from your thyroid to other parts of your body. Plus, T4 might not be converting properly to T3 or triiodothyronine, which is the active thyroid hormone that affects how your cells work. Your immune system could also play a role here. If your body is producing high levels of thyroid antibodies, it might be going after your thyroid and causing issues with its job. If any of these parts aren’t in sync, you could experience symptoms similar to thyroid problems, even if your TSH level looks normal on paper.

And don’t forget your thyroid talks to the rest of your body.

If your thyroid isn’t working well, it’s very likely that other systems are compensating or also malfunctioning. A good example is your adrenal system, which produces cortisol and other hormones that help you manage stress. If your thyroid is not working normally, your adrenal system might be overcompensating to keep up with the body’s demands, leading to symptoms like fatigue, anxiety and insomnia. Your sex hormones are also influenced by your thyroid function. This is why women with thyroid issues often experience menstrual irregularities, low libido, and fertility problems. Other factors such as stress, sleep patterns, nutrition choices, and environmental toxins can also affect how your thyroid system works.