Thyroid issues can sneak up on you. Maybe you dismissed your fatigue as normal stress or a sign of getting older. But feeling constantly exhausted, gaining weight and just not feeling like yourself could be your body giving you clues about your thyroid health.
The thyroid is a small gland that releases hormones to regulate your metabolism. When the thyroid is underactive (hypothyroidism) or overactive (hyperthyroidism), it can cause wide-ranging symptoms. Let's explore the signs of potential thyroid problems and why a test like Labcorp OnDemand’s Standard Thyroid Test is important for women.
How common are thyroid issues in women?
Thyroid disorders affect women disproportionately more than men for reasons doctors don’t fully understand. Women are five to eight times more likely to have thyroid problems, and the risk increases with age.
Paying close attention to your symptoms is key so you can take proactive action through testing and work with your healthcare provider on next steps. Here are a few signs that your thyroid may be the cause of symptoms you are experiencing:
Signs your thyroid may be out of balance
The thyroid produces hormones that control your metabolism. Too much hormone (hyperthyroidism) speeds up metabolism, while too little (hypothyroidism) slows it down. Thyroid hormone imbalance can cause symptoms like:
- Fatigue: Feeling exhausted despite adequate rest is a common symptom of hypothyroidism
- Unexpected weight changes: Hypothyroidism often leads to weight gain as metabolism slows; Hyperthyroidism speeds up metabolism, causing weight loss
- Hair loss: Hormone fluctuations disrupt the hair growth cycle causing hair to thin or fall out
- Dry skin and brittle nails: When thyroid hormones are low, skin can become dry and flaky; Nails may crack easily
- Constipation: With hypothyroidism, digestion slows down, leading to constipation
- Irregular periods: Thyroid disorders can cause menstrual irregularities, heavier or lighter flow and more painful cramps
- Mood changes: Anxiety, depression and forgetfulness may indicate a thyroid problem; Cognitive issues like “brain fog” are common
It is best not to brush off these vague but disruptive symptoms. Understanding possible thyroid dysfunction empowers you to work with your healthcare provider to detect a potential problem and find solutions earlier rather than later.
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Why thyroid testing is important
Getting tested can provide insights if your thyroid hormone levels are out of balance. The Labcorp OnDemand Standard Thyroid Test is a blood test that measures two key hormones, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and Free T4 (Thyroxine), to assess thyroid function.
TSH is a pituitary hormone that regulates thyroid activity. High TSH levels usually indicates hypothyroidism, while low TSH levels may suggest hyperthyroidism. Free T4 measures the main thyroid hormone in your bloodstream and reflects how the thyroid gland is functioning when checked with a TSH
Testing provides vital health information you can share with your healthcare provider to create an appropriate treatment plan if needed. Thyroid conditions often respond well to treatment, allowing you to get back on track feeling like yourself again. But left untreated, the impact on your daily life can be exhausting.
Take charge of your health by listening to your body and getting tested.
