# 5 Signs That You May Need Important Thyroid Support

**By Paula Gallagher** · 2021-04-06

![thyroid gland](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0319/0960/9603/files/thyroid_300.png?v=1617742659)

The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland at the base of the neck. It weighs only about 20 grams. However, the hormones it secretes are essential to growth and metabolism and regulate body function. Although the thyroid gland plays a role in metabolism and the regulation of temperature, this little gland is so much more than that. In fact, the thyroid is one of the most essential glands for regulating overall health.  Unfortunately, it can be easily damaged [by toxins,](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4702494/) nutrient deficiencies and stress.

Functions of the thyroid include:

-   Metabolic rate and maintenance of weight
-   Growth
-   Healthy cholesterol levels
-   Healthy cardiovascular function
-   Learning, memory and mood
-   Healthy development of embryo and fetus

The thyroid produces two main hormones, T4 and T3, which are made of iodine and the amino acid tyrosine. The majority of thyroid hormone production is T4 (the number 4 represents the number of iodine molecules attached to tyrosine), which is considered inactive and does not affect metabolism directly. T3, the active thyroid hormone, is formed within the cells of the body with the help of selenium.

It is estimated that almost 60% of people go undiagnosed with a thyroid condition. Diagnosis is usually done after a blood test, along with signs that your doctor may notice and symptoms reported. The following symptoms are often clues that your thyroid gland is not performing optimally:

## 1\. Fatigue

Low energy can be caused by many things – however if you are constantly dragging and can’t function without coffee, it could be a sign of an underactive thyroid. Also, if you need to sleep more than 9 hours a night to feel refreshed, it could be an indication of an underlying thyroid imbalance. An imbalance an also affect your quality of [sleep](https://myvillagegreen.com/blogs/post/thyroid-and-sleep-whats-the-connection?_pos=5&_sid=812e233a7&_ss=r).

## 2\. Weight Gain

Unexplained weight changes and issues can be signs of either hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism (an under- or over-active thyroid). If exercise and a healthy diet aren’t helping with maintaining weight, it could be another sign that there’s something off with your thyroid.

## 3\. Dry Skin and/or Hair Loss

With hypothyroid (low thyroid), hair often becomes brittle, coarse and dry. Increased hair loss or thinning hair are also common symptoms of hypothyroid. Skin can become very dry, flaky and scaly.

## 4\. Depression/Anxiety

Depression or anxiety can be a symptom of thyroid disease. While there are often other underlying factors involved, the thyroid and adrenal functions should be the first areas of assessment when treating anxiety or depression.

## 5\. Menstrual Problems and Infertility

Our hormones work synergistically together: when one hormone is out of balance, often another hormone pathway needs to be investigated. Heavier, more frequent and painful periods are sometimes associated with hypothyroidism. Infertility can also be associated with an undiagnosed thyroid condition.

**Tags:** Category_Health Concerns, thyroid

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> Source: [Village Green Apothecary](https://myvillagegreen.com/blogs/post/5-signs-that-you-may-need-thyroid-support)