While lab tests are the best way to verify a thyroid condition, mbg spoke with integrative medicine doctors and endocrinologists to better understand the signs. Here are the most common symptoms, along with tips for managing hypothyroidism. There are many different causes of hypothyroidism, one of the most common being an autoimmune condition, like Hashimoto’s disease. “In this scenario the body makes antibodies to its own thyroid cells. The antibodies target the thyroid gland and destroy the cells, causing decreased production,” reproductive endocrinologist Sheeva Talebian, M.D., tells mbg. “When it’s running low, so are you,” internal medicine and board-certified family physician, Aviva Romm, M.D., previously told mbg. When suffering from hypothyroidism, “you might be anywhere from a little more tired than usual, to excruciatingly fatigued,” she wrote. Along with gaining weight, Talebian says hypothyroidism can also lead to an inability to lose weight. “As a result, constipation is a common symptom of low thyroid function, along with gas and bloating,” Romm says. “Thyroid disease also can cause your periods to stop for several months or longer, a condition called amenorrhea,” the Office of Women’s Health says. Sure, this symptom may seem random, but research has shown that 40% of participants with low-thyroid hormones feel more sensitive to cold7. This is because hypothyroidism often leads to poor circulation. If you think you may have hypothyroidism or it’s been confirmed with a blood test, consult with a doctor about which treatments will work best for you. While medications are the most commonly prescribed course of action, some integrative medicine doctors, like Taz Bhatia, M.D., recommend pairing that Western approach with a holistic Eastern approach. This may include taking prescribed medication, while also eating an anti-inflammatory diet full of iodine-rich and other thyroid-supporting foods.
