15 Signs Your Thyroid Might Be Underactive! | Here's How To Check it

Is Your Thyroid the Reason You’re Always Tired, Gaining Weight, or Losing Hair? Have you ever felt constantly tired, noticed your skin getting dry,

Is Your Thyroid the Reason You’re Always Tired, Gaining Weight, or Losing Hair?

 Have you ever felt constantly tired, noticed your skin getting dry, your hair thinning, or your weight creeping up even when your lifestyle hasn’t changed much? You might be surprised to learn that a tiny gland in your neck could be to blame.

The thyroid gland, located just above your collarbones, plays a huge role in regulating your metabolism, energy, and overall well-being. When it’s underactive a condition known as hypothyroidism, it can throw your entire body off balance. The worst part? Millions of people have it and don’t even know.

What Is Hypothyroidism?

 Hypothyroidism happens when your thyroid doesn’t produce enough hormones. This slows everything down your metabolism, your energy levels, even how your skin and hair renew themselves. It can affect anyone, but it's especially common in women and often linked to Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, an autoimmune disorder.

15 Signs Your Thyroid Might Be Underactive

Here are some of the most common symptoms to watch out for:

1. Constant fatigue

2. Dry, cracked, or rough skin

3. Thinning hair or hair loss (including eyebrows and body hair)

4. Brittle or thickened nails with ridges

5. Feeling cold all the time

6. Unexplained weight gain

7. Frequent constipation

8. Depression, anxiety, or brain fog

9. Irregular or heavy periods

10. Swelling in the neck (goiter)

11. Puffy face or swelling under the eyes (myxedema)

12. Yellowish or orange-toned skin (carotenemia)

13. Tingling or numbness in the hands (carpal tunnel syndrome)

14. Snoring or sleep apnea due to tissue swelling

15. Slowed heart rate and reactions

A Quick At-Home Check

You can try a simple test at home: with a mirror and a sip of water, tilt your head back and swallow while watching the base of your neck. If you see a noticeable bulge or movement, it could be an enlarged thyroid something to mention to your doctor.

Thyroid Self-Check

What Causes Hypothyroidism?

Historically, iodine deficiency was the main cause (hence why it’s added to table salt). But today, thanks to restrictive diets and trendy natural salts, iodine deficiency is making a comeback. In developed countries, Hashimoto’s disease is now the leading cause.

How Is It Diagnosed?

Diagnosis is straightforward—a blood test measuring TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) and thyroid hormone levels (T3 and T4). High TSH typically signals an underactive thyroid.

The Good News: It’s Treatable

Treatment usually involves a daily dose of  levothyroxine, a synthetic thyroid hormone. Your doctor will adjust your dosage based on blood work, and many people feel significantly better once their levels stabilize.

Don’t ignore what your body is trying to tell you. With a little awareness and the right treatment, you can feel like yourself again.