What are the Early Warning Signs of Thyroid Problems?

Thyroid problems can sap your energy and leave you with a general feeling of unwellness for years before you receive a diagnosis. Traditional medicine misses many of the earliest signs of thyroid problems, but a naturopathic approach uses a more detailed and comprehensive assessment that can pick up even subtle signs of thyroid dysfunction.

What Does the Thyroid Do?

The thyroid gland forms a vital part of the endocrine system. It regulates many aspects of your body’s metabolism and energy use. Thyroid hormones affect health factors like:

• Heart rate
• Body temperature
• Energy production
• Rate of metabolism

Because it affects so many body systems, the thyroid gland can cause a wide range of symptoms. It often takes a naturopathic doctor with an eye for related symptoms and environmental factors to piece together a health mystery. If you have experienced nonspecific symptoms like this for a long time but never received a diagnosis, a naturopathic doctor will help you find out if a thyroid problem may be causing it. 

What are the Early Warning Signs of Thyroid Problems?

The early warning signs of thyroid problems vary widely from person to person. Common signs of hypothyroidism or low thyroid function include:

• Always feeling cold
• Brittle hair and nails that break easily
• Fatigue or sleepiness
• Weight changes
• Difficulty with concentration and focus
• Dry skin
• Digestive problems

A naturopathic doctor like Dr. Cutler will ask essential questions to understand the root causes of your thyroid problems, not just your symptoms. If you have signs of thyroid problems, Dr. Cutler will order a panel of thyroid tests. While traditional medicine often only orders a thyroid-stimulating hormone (THS) level, Dr. Cutler will also order T3 and T4 tests to get a more comprehensive picture of your thyroid levels. He will also look for other imbalances such as insulin levels, immune function, and emotional or cognitive issues.