Your thyroid is one of the most important glands in your body. It functions as an internal “thermostat” in conjunction with the pituitary gland, controlling the flow of hormones to trigger and regulate your metabolism. It is often referred to as the “master gland”, so a poorly functioning thyroid can wreak major havoc on the body. Because many of the symptoms for thyroid dysfunction can be subtle or vague, blood tests are needed for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Dr Kramer is a certified Functional Medicine Practitioner with extensive training and experience in thyroid health. Call 309.693.9600 to schedule a consultation.
5 Signs of Thyroid Dysfunction
It is estimated that as many as 20% of women, and 10% of men have low thyroid dysfunction, and half of them don’t even know it! Below are five signs of thyroid dysfunction to watch for. If you suffer from any of these, contact your Functional Medicine Practitioner to discuss your symptoms and run simple blood tests to check for thyroid imbalance.
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Brain Fog
If you have trouble concentrating or feel as though your brain is moving in slow motion, your thyroid can be to blame. Forgetfulness, inability to focus on tasks, and other symptoms of brain fog can be a direct result of thyroid dysfunction. When the thryoid isn’t regulating hormones effectively, your brain doesn’t function as efficiently.
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Weight Gain
Because the thyroid produces the hormones that regulate your metabolism, its function has a huge impact on your weight. An under-active thyroid can make it next to impossible for you to lose weight, even with diet and exercise. Conversely, an overactive thyroid can impair your ability to gain weight. Remember, the thyroid hormone is the master metabolism hormone. If your thyroid is out of balance, your metabolism is out of balance, too.
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Low Libido
Having trouble getting “in the mood”? Your thyroid could be to blame for your lack of sex drive. Hormones are regulated by the thyroid, so when it isn’t functioning at it’s best your libido will be directly affected.
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Skin Dryness/Cracking
Your hormones play a significant role in the health of your skin, so when the thyroid is performing poorly the skin will show it. Cracked heels, eczema, chronic dryness, and thinning skin are common symptoms of thyroid dysfunction.
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Hair & Eyebrow Thinning
If you find yourself cleaning a lot of hair out of your brush or shower drain, there is a good chance your thyroid is malfunctioning. In extreme cases, hair can begin to fall out in large chunks, though in most cases it will be more subtle. Eyebrow thinning, in particular, is probably one of the most overlooked symptoms of thyroid dysfunction. When eyebrow hairs thin or disappear on the outer third of the browline, it’s a good indicator of thyroid imbalance.