If you’re feeling unusually tired, it may not just be the seasonal changes affecting your energy levels. Persistent fatigue can be a sign of an underlying issue, and one of the key systems to consider is your thyroid.
This small, butterfly-shaped gland located in your neck plays a vital role in regulating your metabolism, energy production, and overall well-being. When the thyroid isn’t functioning properly, it can lead to a range of symptoms, with fatigue being one of the most common.
What is the Thyroid and How Does It Work?
Your thyroid produces hormones—primarily thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3)—which help control how your body uses energy. These hormones affect almost every cell and organ in your body, regulating important processes such as heart rate, body temperature, and metabolism. A healthy thyroid ensures that your cells get the right amount of energy to keep you going throughout the day.
Hypothyroidism: A Common Cause of Fatigue
When your thyroid is underactive (known as hypothyroidism), it doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormones to keep your body functioning optimally. This can slow down your metabolism and make you feel constantly tired or sluggish, even after a full night’s sleep. Some other common symptoms of hypothyroidism include weight gain, dry skin, cold sensitivity, and mood changes.
Hyperthyroidism: When Your Body Burns Out
On the other hand, an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) produces too much thyroid hormone, speeding up your metabolism. While this may initially give you bursts of energy, it can eventually lead to feelings of exhaustion as your body struggles to keep up with the increased demands. Hyperthyroidism can also cause symptoms like unintentional weight loss, anxiety, rapid heartbeat, and sleep disturbances, which can contribute to fatigue.
How Functional Medicine Can Help?
Functional medicine offers a comprehensive approach to treating thyroid imbalances, focusing on addressing the root cause of dysfunction. Through detailed assessments, functional medicine practitioners explore factors like nutritional deficiencies, gut health, and stress that may be contributing to thyroid issues.
Nutritional Deficiencies: Nutrients like iodine, selenium, and vitamin D play a critical role in supporting thyroid hormone production. A functional medicine practitioner may test for deficiencies and recommend targeted supplementation.
Gut Health: Poor gut health can impair the absorption of essential nutrients needed for thyroid function. Conditions like small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) or leaky gut can trigger or worsen thyroid dysfunction. Improving gut health through diet and probiotic supplementation can enhance thyroid performance.
Stress and Adrenal Health: Chronic stress can disrupt the delicate balance between your thyroid and adrenal glands. Functional medicine focuses on stress reduction techniques, such as mindfulness or yoga, and supporting adrenal health to help rebalance the body.
Supporting Thyroid Health
If your fatigue has been lingering longer than usual, it may be worth considering whether your thyroid is at the root of the problem. By addressing the underlying causes of thyroid dysfunction you can regain your energy and start feeling more like yourself again.
If you suspect your fatigue may be related to thyroid dysfunction, functional testing including TSH, free T3, free T4, and thyroid antibodies, can provide a clearer picture of your thyroid health and help guide treatment.
At Functional You we take a holistic approach to your health, combining nutritional support, lifestyle changes, and, when necessary, natural supplements to help restore your thyroid function and energy levels.
If you need a bit of extra support or want to dive deeper into the causes of your fatigue, we are here to help.
Best of luck and warm wishes,
Diane & The Functional You Team
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