Know Your Numbers Series Part 4: Is It My Thyroid? Understanding Thyroid Health and Testing
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As a Naturopathic Doctor, I frequently see patients who are concerned about thyroid health. And if you've been feeling fatigued, experiencing weight gain, struggling with dry skin, dealing with hair loss, or noticing slow bowel movements, you might be wondering: Is it my thyroid? In this blog post, I’ll explain the thyroid’s role in your health, what tests can give us more insight, and how we can identify and treat thyroid imbalances.
The truth is, the only way to truly know if your thyroid is the culprit of the symptoms listed above is through proper blood tests. And with my Know Your Numbers series, we’re getting to the bottom of common nutrient deficiencies by learning how to spot your deficiencies, and what to do about them. Welcome to Part 5: Thyroid health!
Let’s get into it!
What Is the Thyroid and Why Does It Matter?
Your thyroid is a small butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of your neck, and it plays a significant role in regulating energy production, metabolism, and many other essential functions in your body.
Thyroid conditions are more common than you might think. In Canada, 1 in 8 women and 1 in 10 people are affected by thyroid dysfunction.
When the thyroid is not functioning properly, it can disrupt your metabolism and lead to a variety of symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, dry skin, hair thinning, and constipation.
However, these symptoms can also be caused by other health issues, which is why proper testing is key to identifying the root cause.
KEY THYROID TESTS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT:
You have very likely had your TSH tested before, this is the very basic screening test, it gives insight on the thyroid function but doesn’t tell the whole picture. You can have a normal TSH and still have symptoms and concerns.
TSH: Elevated TSH levels often indicate an underactive thyroid, or hypothyroidism, while low levels may suggest an overactive thyroid, or hyperthyroidism.
T4→ T3 are the hormones the thyroid gland is producing. Measuring these in conjunction with the TSH tells us more about the actual function.
The other VERY important test is to look at thyroid antibodies:
Thyroid Antibody Tests, TPO (thyroid peroxidase antibodies) and TG (thyroglobulin antibodies). High levels of these can be indicative of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the thyroid gland.
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is the most common cause of hypothyroidism. This autoimmune condition leads to gradual damage of the thyroid gland. The TPO and anti-TG can be elevated years before we see any noticeable symptoms or see changes in thyroid function.
Unfortunately, these are not normally tested in regular thyroid screening as there is no medication to treat them. However from my perspective, early detection allows us to take a more proactive approach and to slow down the autoimmune process and manage symptoms before they worsen.
When to Test for Thyroid Dysfunction:
Thyroid testing should be part of regular bloodwork, but especially during times of hormonal transition such as postpartum, perimenopause, and postmenopause.
The TSH, and especially thyroid antibodies should also be screened if you have a strong family history of thyroid concerns.
Please reach out if you have any questions at janinebw@ndguelph.ca
Hi, I’m Dr. Janine, ND
I’m a Naturopathic Doctor currently practicing in Guelph, Ontario, Canada.
I truly believe that our enjoyment of life is closely tied to how we feel physically. When we’re healthy, we can take on anything. But when we feel off, even the simplest tasks become overwhelming. I’ve been through hormonal shifts, sleepless nights as a parent, and the stress of balancing everything. But I also know that with the right strategy, we can go from surviving to thriving—and create a healthy, thriving family in the process.
I look forward to meeting you soon.
- Dr. Janine, ND
Follow me on social media, @dr.janine.nd