Detecting and Treating Thyroid Problems: 101

Thyroid concerns are surprisingly common – yet they often go unnoticed for years. When your thyroid isn't functioning optimally, it can lead to a wide range of symptoms that affect your daily well-being, from mood changes and fatigue to weight fluctuations and reproductive health challenges.

Your thyroid plays a vital role in your body's harmony, influencing nearly every organ from your skin to your brain and digestive system. That's why we believe it's so important to understand and support your thyroid's health. The encouraging news? Thyroid concerns are manageable with the right care and support.

Your thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland nestled near the front of your neck. Think of it as your body's energy conductor – its job is to release hormones that help your body function smoothly and efficiently.

These thyroid hormones help regulate your metabolism, which is how your body converts the food you eat into the energy you need. Your thyroid provides energy support to almost every organ, influencing your heart, digestive system, and so much more.

Two of the key hormones your thyroid produces are T4 (thyroxine) and T3 (triiodothyronine). These important messengers help your body create and balance other hormones like adrenaline and dopamine. Adrenaline supports your emotional and physical responses to excitement and stress, while dopamine is connected to feelings of pleasure and satisfaction.

Simply put, your thyroid is incredibly important to how you feel every day. Unfortunately, this hardworking gland can sometimes experience challenges that cause it to produce too much or too little of these essential hormones. We've noticed that women tend to experience thyroid concerns more often than men.

Hypothyroidism happens when your thyroid doesn't produce enough hormones. Sometimes called an "under-active thyroid," this condition affects about 4.6 percent of Americans older than 12. The reassuring news is that it can be supported safely and effectively with proper care.

The signs of hypothyroidism can vary greatly from person to person. Some people experience more noticeable symptoms, while others find them more manageable. Common signs that your thyroid might need extra support include:

• Feeling down or experiencing mood changes
• Persistent fatigue, even with adequate rest
• Unexplained weight changes
• Facial puffiness or sensitivity
• Changes in fertility or reproductive health
• Digestive concerns like constipation
• Feeling cold more often than usual
• Changes in sweating patterns
• Heart rate changes
• Cholesterol level fluctuations
• Dry skin or hair changes
• Difficulty concentrating or brain fog
• Muscle or joint discomfort
• Unexpected menstrual changes

Several factors can contribute to hypothyroidism, and understanding these can help you work with your healthcare provider:

• Thyroiditis – inflammation of the thyroid gland
• Hashimoto's thyroiditis – a common autoimmune condition where the body's immune system affects the thyroid
• Postpartum thyroiditis – a condition that occurs in 5% to 9% of people after childbirth, which is usually temporary
• Iodine levels – since your thyroid needs iodine to produce hormones
• Congenital thyroid concerns – where the thyroid doesn't function optimally from birth (newborns are typically screened before leaving the hospital)
• Certain medications – such as lithium and amiodarone (Pacerone), an antiarrhythmic medication

Also called an over-active thyroid, hyperthyroidism occurs when your thyroid gland produces too many hormones. This can lead to metabolism that's working overtime, and it's important to address for heart health reasons.

Around 1 in every 100 Americans aged 12 and older experience hyperthyroidism. The good news is that hyperthyroidism can be managed through medication, radioactive iodine treatment, or – in some cases – surgery.

While hyperthyroidism symptoms can vary from person to person, these are the most commonly experienced signs:

• A goiter (visible swelling in the neck area)
• Unexplained weight changes
• More frequent bowel movements
• Increased appetite
• Heightened anxiety or restlessness
• Difficulty feeling settled
• Concentration challenges
• Heart rhythm changes
• Sleep difficulties
• Eye changes or protrusion
• Hair texture changes or hair loss
• Nausea or vomiting
• Menstrual irregularities

• Thyroiditis – swelling of the thyroid that can temporarily cause stored hormones to be released
• Graves' disease – an autoimmune condition that causes the thyroid to produce excess hormones
• Thyroid nodules – small growths on the thyroid
• Too much iodine – when your body has more iodine than it needs, leading to excess hormone production

Supporting your thyroid health begins with understanding what's happening in your body. Your first step is connecting with a healthcare provider who will listen to your concerns and understand your symptoms. They'll typically conduct a comprehensive physical exam and discuss your personal and family health history.

From there, your doctor will likely recommend some blood work. These tests typically include:

• Blood work measuring T4, free T4, and T3 (thyroid hormones)
• Blood work measuring thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels
• Cholesterol and triglyceride assessment

Your healthcare provider might also suggest an ultrasound to check for any changes in the thyroid gland, or CT or MRI scans to explore whether a pituitary concern might be contributing to your symptoms.

At Knew Health, we understand that these diagnostic tests represent an important investment in your wellness journey. That's why our Community Members have access to a wide range of individual blood work panels and specialty health assessments that you can access when you need them. You can learn more about this and other services available to Knew Health Members here.

We're so encouraged to share that thyroid concerns are very manageable. When you receive a thyroid-related diagnosis, your healthcare provider will work with you to create a supportive treatment plan. They might also suggest some lifestyle approaches to help you feel your best.

Hypothyroidism is typically supported with levothyroxine (Levoxyl, Synthroid). Your healthcare provider will work closely with you to find the right dosage, as your needs may change over time. Usually, your thyroid hormone and TSH levels will be monitored regularly to ensure your treatment is working optimally for you.

Hyperthyroidism can be addressed with radioactive iodine treatment, which helps the thyroid return to a more balanced size. After this treatment, some people develop hypothyroidism, which means they'll benefit from levothyroxine support. Alternatively, hyperthyroidism can be managed with anti-thyroid medications like methimazole (Tapazole) and propylithiouracil.

Because some supplements can interact with thyroid medications, it's important to keep your healthcare provider informed about any new supplements you're considering. For example, levothyroxine works best when taken on an empty stomach.

Healthy lifestyle choices – like getting restorative sleep and nourishing your body with balanced nutrition – can be incredibly supportive as you manage thyroid-related symptoms. For instance, feelings of sadness and anxiety are often more manageable when you're well-nourished and well-rested.

Your healthcare provider might also be able to share guidance about foods and movement practices that will work well with your body and lifestyle. Speaking with a nutritionist or wellness professional could also provide you with personalized ideas for supporting your journey.

If you're experiencing – or suspect you might be experiencing – thyroid-related symptoms, building a strong partnership with healthcare professionals is so important. Knew Health Members are welcome to connect with our Medical Concierge services , which can help you find reasonably priced, quality medical care that aligns with your values.

Many people find it challenging to receive a thyroid-related diagnosis because the symptoms can seem related to other life stresses. If you believe you might be experiencing thyroid concerns, we encourage you to request comprehensive thyroid blood work. Remember, you have the right to ask your healthcare provider to send you your results directly.

If you feel you'd benefit from a second opinion, remember that Knew Health Members can access complimentary second opinions for new diagnoses. We also offer services like medical bill negotiation and telemedicine options. Together with our medical cost sharing approach, this makes it easier to receive the diagnosis and effective care you deserve.

Living with thyroid concerns can present some uncomfortable symptoms – but these conditions can be supported and managed effectively with the right care team and approach.

Resources

Disclaimer: This information is being provided to you for educational and informational purposes only. It is being provided to educate you about how to take care of your body and as a self-help tool for your own use so that you can reach your own health goals. It is not intended to treat or cure any specific illness and is not to replace the guidance provided by your own medical practitioner. This information is to be used at your own risk based on your own judgment. If you suspect you have a medical problem, we urge you to take appropriate action by seeking medical attention.