Thyroid Deficiency (Hypothyroidism) – What You Need to Know

If you’ve felt constantly tired, gained weight without changing your diet, or notice your hair falling out more than usual, your thyroid might be the culprit. A sluggish thyroid—also called hypothyroidism—means your gland isn’t making enough hormones to keep metabolism humming.

Common Signs and Symptoms

People often chalk these signs up to stress or aging, but they’re classic red flags for low thyroid activity:

• Persistent fatigue even after a full night’s sleep
• Unexplained weight gain or difficulty losing pounds
• Dry skin, brittle nails, and hair that feels coarse
• Feeling cold when others are comfortable
• Memory lapses, brain fog, or trouble concentrating
• Irregular menstrual cycles for women

If you notice several of these together, it’s worth checking your thyroid levels with a simple blood test.

Managing Thyroid Deficiency

The good news is that hypothyroidism is usually treatable. Doctors prescribe synthetic hormone levothyroxine, which mimics the natural hormone you’re missing. The dose is customized based on your lab results and symptoms, then tweaked over a few weeks.

Besides medication, everyday habits can help keep your thyroid steady:

• Eat enough iodine‑rich foods like seaweed, dairy, and eggs—but avoid excess; too much iodine can backfire.
• Selenium sources such as Brazil nuts or sunflower seeds support hormone conversion.
• Limit soy and highly processed carbs if they seem to worsen fatigue.
• Stay active with moderate exercise—walks, yoga, or light weight training boost metabolism.
• Manage stress through meditation, deep breathing, or hobbies you enjoy. Chronic stress can interfere with hormone balance.

Regular follow‑ups are key. Your doctor will recheck your TSH (thyroid‑stimulating hormone) every 6–12 weeks after starting treatment, then annually once stable. If you’re pregnant or planning pregnancy, tighter monitoring is essential because thyroid health directly affects fetal development.

Sometimes other conditions hide behind the same symptoms—like anemia, depression, or vitamin D deficiency. A thorough exam helps rule those out and ensures you get the right plan.

Bottom line: don’t ignore a sluggish feeling that lasts months. Simple blood work can confirm thyroid deficiency, and with the right medication plus lifestyle tweaks, you’ll feel back to normal in a few weeks.