What are the Early Warning Signs of Thyroid Problems?

Thyroid Disease: Early Warning Signs

There are two main types of thyroid disease: hypothyroidism, where the body produces too little of thyroid hormones T3 and T4, and hyperthyroidism, where the body produces too much.

Hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism can have many causes, including growths and tumors, iodine deficiency or excess, genetic conditions, and others.

The early warnings signs of Hypothyroidism:

• Fatigue and general tiredness
• Sensitivity to cold
• Weight gain
• Muscle weakness and cramping
• Lethargy and slowed thinking
• Depression and difficulty managing mood
• Dry, brittle hair and skin
• Swelling of the thyroid gland
• Nodules on the thyroid gland

The early warnings signs of Hypothyroidism:

• Anxiety, nervousness, and excess energy
• Mood swings
• Insomnia and difficulty sleeping
• Sensitivity to heat
• Weight loss
• Gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea
• Swelling of the thyroid gland
• Nodules on the thyroid gland

How to Test for Thyroid Disease

Thyroid conditions affect the production of thyroid hormones. Checking the levels of these hormones can help uncover a potential thyroid issue. Certain autoimmune conditions cause specific types of antibodies that impact the thyroid, and these can also be measured in the blood.

Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)

This hormone stimulates the release of thyroid hormones T3 and T4. Abnormal levels can identify a thyroid concern.

If TSH levels are high, you could be experiencing hypothyroidism and your body is producing more TSH in an effort to increase hormone production.

If TSH levels are too low, it could mean the body has stopped producing TSH in an effort to counteract hyperthyroidism.

TSH is a standard screening test for thyroid disease. Your provider may order this test first (or you can order it yourself through Defy Medical’s direct lab service), and then order further testing if your TSH levels are abnormal.

Free T3

This test measures the amount of unbound T3 in the blood.

T3, also known as triiodothyronine, is an important marker of thyroid function. It’s the most active form of thyroid hormone and supports metabolic health, regulates weight, provides energy, and more.

If T3 levels are too low or too high, it can indicate a thyroid issue.

Free T4

T4 is a less active form of thyroid hormone. The majority of T4 is converted to T3, which is then utilized by the body. Free T4 levels in the blood indicate the overall health of the thyroid.

Measuring T4 also helps identify whether the body is struggling to convert T4 to T3, which can lead to a thyroid problem even if the thyroid is producing adequate hormone levels.

Reverse T3

When T4 is metabolized into T3, it also produces reverse T3 (RT3) as a byproduct. Typically, the conversion produces more T3 and rT3. If the body is struggling with this process, however, it may produce too much rT3.

Because rT3 can’t be utilized in the same way as T3, high rT3 levels can lead to hypothyroidism and thyroid disease symptoms.

Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies (Anti-TPO)

This test can identify whether you have thyroid autoimmune disease like Hashimoto’s disease or Graves’ disease.

Thyroid peroxidase (TPO) is an enzyme that supports the production of thyroid hormones. If there are TPO antibodies in your blood, it indicates an autoimmune disease that affects the thyroid.

Antibodies are proteins that attack a specific target, called an antigen. When you have an autoimmune disease, antibodies mistakenly attack healthy tissues and substances, like TPO.

Thyroglobulin Antibodies (TgAb)

This is another type of antibody, and elevated levels of TgAb can indicate a thyroid-related autoimmune disease or thyroid cancer.

Thyroglobulin is a protein produced by the thyroid. When combined with iodine, thyroglobulin creates hormones T3 and T4. If antibodies begin destroying this protein, then hypothyroidism is a common result.

It’s very important to screen for TgAb so you can catch a serious autoimmune disease or thyroid cancer as early as possible.

Defy Medical offers access to individual thyroid tests as well as the Complete Thyroid Panel to check your thyroid health. You can also book a consultation to discuss your results in-depth and access treatment, if necessary.

Hypothyroidism Treatment

Generally, hypothyroidism is treated with Thyroid Hormone Replacement Therapy.

This means patients take thyroid hormone medication to optimize their thyroid hormone levels. Patients usually supplement with T4 since it’s transformed into T3. They may also take a combination of T3 and T4.

Depending on the cause of the hypothyroidism, other treatments may be necessary. For example, steroid medication may be prescribed to help with severe thyroiditis and swelling.