Many people across the country may be experiencing symptoms of an underactive thyroid without receiving an accurate diagnosis. But why might this happen? Often, it’s due to the limitations of conventional blood tests commonly used in diagnosis, which can miss cases of hypothyroidism.

Leading endocrinologists have found that treatment using both T3 and T4 thyroid hormones often yields better results than using T4 alone. My standard recommendation is to use natural thyroid preparations containing both of these hormones.

Diagnosing Hypothyroidism

In 2003, the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists issued new guidelines for interpreting thyroid blood tests, noting that traditional methods often leave cases of hypothyroidism undiagnosed. Despite these updated guidelines, many labs still use outdated reference ranges, which may leave individuals being told their thyroid function is “normal” when, in fact, it isn’t.

If you suspect you may have an underactive thyroid but your doctor hasn’t diagnosed it, you may want to consider consulting a physician familiar with these updated diagnostic standards.

Signs and Symptoms of Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is common, especially in women over 40, and is characterized by a range of symptoms:

• Fatigue and Weight Gain: Many individuals experience persistent fatigue and unexplained weight gain, even when following a healthy diet and exercise regimen.
• Changes in Skin, Hair, and Nails: Dry skin, thinning hair, and brittle nails are all common signs. Loss of hair, particularly on the outer third of the eyebrows, is another telltale indicator.
• Sensitivity to Cold and Digestive Issues: Feeling unusually cold, constipation, and general weakness may also signal hypothyroidism.
• Facial Changes and Swelling: Puffiness around the eyes and face is common, as is hoarseness and occasional difficulty swallowing.
• Mood and Cognitive Effects: Depression and difficulty concentrating are frequent symptoms, as is feeling mentally “foggy.”

Thyroid hormones impact so many body functions that signs like irregular periods, PMS, and even elevated cholesterol levels can be linked to hypothyroidism. Additionally, environmental factors, such as exposure to heavy metals and pollutants, can contribute to thyroid dysfunction. Testing for heavy metals can be an important step for those with suspected thyroid issues, as these toxins may hinder proper thyroid function.

Finding the Right Treatment

For effective treatment of hypothyroidism, we recommend natural, desiccated thyroid preparations, such as Armour Thyroid, Westhroid, and NatureThroid. Unlike synthetic thyroid medications, which generally contain only T4, natural thyroid treatments include both T3 and T4, offering a more comprehensive approach to restoring thyroid balance.

If you’re experiencing symptoms of hypothyroidism and feel unheard, seek a healthcare provider who is knowledgeable about these alternative diagnostic and treatment approaches. By doing so, you can take proactive steps toward better health and well-being.