6 Signs of an Underactive Thyroid

Ever feel tired for no reason, or like your body isn’t running the way it used to?

Your thyroid might be to blame.

This small gland in your neck produces hormones that help control your metabolism, energy and mood. When it’s not working correctly, everything in your body can slow down – and the symptoms aren’t always obvious.

We asked Ross Giacomini, DO, a family medicine specialist with Hartford HealthCare Medical Group, to break down the early signs to watch for – and when to check in with your doctor.

1. You’re tired all the time.

Dragging through the day, even after a full night’s sleep? Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms of an underactive thyroid.

“If you’re always exhausted, no matter how much you rest, it’s worth checking your thyroid,” says Dr. Giacomini.

2. The scale keeps creeping up.

If you’re gaining weight without eating more or moving less, your thyroid might be the culprit.

“A slow thyroid can make it harder for your body to burn calories,” Dr. Giacomini explains.

> 4 Lesser-Known Causes of Weight Gain and Obesity

3. Your skin is dry, and your hair is thinning.

Is your skin feeling dry or itchy? Or, are you noticing more hair in the drain, or is it getting brittle?

“Thyroid hormones help keep your skin and hair healthy, so changes here can be a red flag,” says Dr. Giacomini.

4. You’re cold when no one else is.

If you’re constantly reaching for a sweater, it might not be the thermostat.

“Feeling cold all the time is a classic sign it could be your thyroid,” says Dr. Giacomini.

5. Your muscles or joints ache.

Aches, stiffness or swelling – especially if they come out of nowhere – can be related to thyroid issues.

“We see this often in patients with hypothyroidism,” Dr. Giacomini adds.

> Related: Do Rainy Days Really Cause Joint Pain?

6. Your mood is off.

Feeling unusually down or disinterested in things you normally enjoy?

“Hypothyroidism can affect your mood, too,” says Dr. Giacomini. “If something feels off, talk to your doctor.”

> Related: When (Not Just What) You Eat Affects Your Mood

When to see your doctor.

Thyroid screening is often part of your annual physical – even if you feel fine. Routine checkups can catch problems early, before symptoms even show up.

Still, if you’re noticing new or worsening symptoms, it’s a good idea to check in. While hypothyroidism is the most common cause, other thyroid or non-thyroid issues can look similar.

The good news? It’s simple to test for an underactive thyroid and easy to treat.

“You don’t need to wait until symptoms get intense,” says Dr. Giacomini. “With a quick blood test, we can figure out what’s going on – and help you get back to feeling like yourself again.”

---