THYROID HEALTH: BEYOND TSH
Your thyroid is a master regulator of metabolism, energy, mood, and brain function. Many people feel off — fatigue, brain fog, stubborn weight gain — yet their standard labs may appear “normal.” That’s why a comprehensive thyroid evaluation is so important. We go beyond TSH to look at free thyroid hormones, antibodies, nutrient status, gut health, inflammation, and stress physiology. This broader approach often uncovers contributors that limited testing misses.
Hypothyroid
Subclinical Thyroid Dysfunction
Subclinical Thyroid Dysfunction
Occurs when the thyroid doesn’t make enough hormone. Common signs:
- Fatigue or low energy
- Weight gain or difficulty losing weight
- Cold intolerance, dry skin, hair thinning
- Constipation or slowed digestion
- Slowed thinking or low mood
Why labs matter: Standard TSH alone may miss early or subtle hypothyroidism. Free T3 and T4 levels, nutrient deficiencies (iodine, selenium, iron, zinc), and inflammation markers help identify the root cause and guide personalized treatment.
Checklist:
☐ Persistent fatigue
☐ Unexplained weight gain
☐ Cold hands/feet or dry skin
Subclinical Thyroid Dysfunction
Subclinical Thyroid Dysfunction
Subclinical Thyroid Dysfunction
Lab values may look “normal,” but symptoms are present. This early thyroid imbalance can cause:
- Fatigue, sluggishness
- Brain fog or trouble concentrating
- Mild weight changes
- Sleep disturbances or low exercise tolerance
Why labs matter: Detecting subtle hormone imbalances, nutrient deficiencies, or stress-related hormone disruption early can prevent progression to full hypothyroidism and improve quality of life.
Checklist:
☐ Feeling tired despite enough sleep
☐ Mild weight gain or bloating
☐ Trouble concentrating
☐ Sleep or energy inconsistencies
Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis
Thyroid-Related Fatigue, Weight Gain, and Brain Fog
Thyroid-Related Fatigue, Weight Gain, and Brain Fog
An autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks thyroid tissue. Symptoms can fluctuate:
- Fatigue and brain fog
- Weight changes
- Hair thinning or hair loss
- Mood swings, anxiety, or depression
Why labs matter: Thyroid antibodies (TPO, TgAb) often reveal autoimmune activity even when TSH is normal. Identifying Hashimoto’s early allows targeted immune support, gut optimization, nutrient correction, and lifestyle interventions to slow thyroid damage.
Checklist:
☐ Family history of autoimmune disease
☐ Fluctuating fatigue or energy levels
☐ Unexplained hair loss
☐ Brain fog or mood changes
Thyroid-Related Fatigue, Weight Gain, and Brain Fog
Thyroid-Related Fatigue, Weight Gain, and Brain Fog
Thyroid-Related Fatigue, Weight Gain, and Brain Fog
Even without a formal diagnosis, thyroid function may be impaired at the tissue level:
- Persistent fatigue or low motivation
- Stubborn weight gain
- Brain fog or difficulty concentrating
Why labs matter: Functional testing, including T4 → T3 conversion, reverse T3, adrenal hormones, and nutrient levels, shows how thyroid hormones are actually functioning. This helps uncover hidden contributors like stress, gut imbalance, inflammation, or nutrient deficiencies.
Checklist:
☐ Low energy or motivation
☐ Weight not responding to diet/exercise
☐ Difficulty thinking clearly
☐ Feeling “off” despite normal labs