Have you been feeling unusually cold? Have unexplained hair loss? Extreme fatigue and lacking energy? These signs and symptoms may indicate your thyroid isn’t functioning properly.

The thyroid gland plays a critical role in your health by producing certain hormones. Problems can develop when this gland isn’t functioning correctly. Disease can develop in men and women and can occur from birth until advanced age. Risk factors for developing thyroid problems include genetics, gender (women), age, and having an autoimmune disease, Turner syndrome, celiac disease, Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, lupus, pernicious anemia, thyroid cancer, or thyroid radiation.

There are two different thyroid diseases: Hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. In hyperthyroidism the thyroid is overproducing hormones. Potential causes include nodules in the gland not functioning properly, overabundance of iodine, or genetics. Symptoms include weight loss and increased resting heart rate.

In hypothyroidism the thyroid does not produce enough hormones. Potential causes include genetics, infection, side effects of hyperthyroid medication, cancer, thyroid surgery, and radiation for cancer in the area. The symptoms are more subtle to notice: weight gain and fatigue. However, if not treated it will worsen over a period of years and can lead to serious health issues, such as infertility. The list of progressive symptoms is long and can include cold sensitivity, joint issues, high cholesterol, heavy periods for women, and hair loss among many others. Hashimoto’s disease, where the body’s immune system destroys its own thyroid gland (an autoimmune disease), is a common cause of hypothyroidism. The cause of Hashimoto’s is unknown.

It is important to see your doctor if you experience these symptoms since untreated thyroid disease can cause serious problems. Your doctor also needs to rule out other potential diseases as these symptoms overlap with those of many other diseases. Diagnostic blood tests for hypothyroidism include Thyroid Stimulation Hormone (TSH) and T4 tests. A TSH test determines the severity of demand on the thyroid to make Thyroxine (T4) hormone. If the demand is high, this indicates hypothyroidism. The T4 test determines the amount of T4 in the blood. Thyroid antibodies can be tested to see if it is an auto-immune problem. The T3 test, similar to the T4 test, can help determine how much Triiodothyronine (T3) is in the blood; if it is too much this indicates hyperthyroidism.

Medications prescribed by a doctor are the common treatment for thyroid problems. Thyroxine medication is given to those with hypothyroidism. T3 medication can also be given, and some people take both T4 & T3 medications.

A diet replete with trace minerals, which our body only needs a small amount of, can help support the thyroid: iron, selenium, zinc, and iodine. Sources include meat, beans, iron fortified foods, seafood, walnuts, organ meats, whole grains, iodized salt, milk, yogurt, eggs, cheese, and seaweed.