Common Signs of Thyroid Dysfunction
Low thyroid function (hypothyroidism) can manifest in many ways. The most frequent symptoms include:
- Constant fatigue, regardless of sleep
- Sensitivity to cold
- Low mood, depression, or anxiety
However, hypothyroidism can contribute to a wide range of issues:
Gut Health
Impaired gut health (SIBO, low motility, reduced enzyme secretion)
Weight Issues
Unexplained weight gain or difficulty losing weight
Metabolic Health
High cholesterol, insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome
Hormonal Balance
Reduced testosterone production and sperm quality
If you have persistent health concerns without clear explanation, the thyroid is worth investigating.
How Thyroid Hormones Are Made
Thyroid hormone production is a complex process:
The brain releases TRH (thyrotropin-releasing hormone).
TRH signals the pituitary gland to produce TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone).
TSH stimulates the thyroid gland to produce mainly T4 (inactive) and a small amount of T3 (active).
T4 is converted into T3 — primarily in the liver — for metabolic activity.
The problem? Many treatments only provide T4 (levothyroxine). If conversion to T3 is impaired, symptoms persist or worsen.
Why Standard Testing Falls Short
Most doctors only test TSH. But:
TSH can be low for reasons unrelated to thyroid hormone levels (e.g. stress).
T4 levels may look normal even when T3 is low.
Reverse T3 (inactive form) isn't routinely checked, yet high levels block T3 action.
A complete thyroid assessment should include:
At-Home Indicators of Thyroid Health
Before modern lab testing, physicians assessed thyroid health using:
Morning Basal Temperature
Consistently <97.8°F (36.6°C) suggests low thyroid.
Resting Pulse Rate
Under 70 bpm may indicate hypothyroidism (if not due to fitness).
Achilles Reflex Test
Slowed relaxation can point to thyroid dysfunction.
Factors That Impair Thyroid Function
Several key factors reduce thyroid hormone activity:
Chronic Stress
Increases reverse T3, impairs conversion to T3.
Low Carbohydrate Intake
Reduces T3 production, increases reverse T3.
Calorie Restriction
Lowers metabolic rate by decreasing T3.
Liver Dysfunction
Reduces conversion of T4 to T3.
Inflammation
Suppresses thyroid hormone production at multiple levels.
Key Nutrients for Thyroid Health
Selenium
Supports T4 → T3 conversion, lowers reverse T3.
Zinc
Enhances conversion and reduces oxidative stress.
Vitamin D
Promotes enzyme activity for T3 production.
Vitamin A (retinol)
Required for thyroid hormone receptor function.
Iodine (from food)
Essential for hormone synthesis, but avoid excess supplementation.
Leptin
Signals energy sufficiency, promoting thyroid hormone synthesis.
Thyroid Supplementation
Natural desiccated thyroid (NDT) — sourced from pigs or cows — contains both T4 and T3:
Dosage Guidelines
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Typical starting dose: ½ grain (~30 mg), adjusting every 2–4 weeks.
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Goal: Morning temperature ≥97.8°F with symptom relief.
Over-supplementation Signs
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Rapid heart rate, palpitations
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Overheating
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Anxiety
Effectiveness of Desiccated Thyroid
Desiccated thyroid has been shown to reduce:
We recommend working with a qualified professional when considering thyroid hormone supplementation.
Ready to Take Control of Your Thyroid Health?
Talk to one of our scientific advisors to get to the bottom of your thyroid issues and develop a protocol.
Final Thoughts
Optimizing your thyroid health requires more than just a TSH test. A holistic view — covering nutrition, stress, gut and liver health, and comprehensive lab testing — is essential for restoring metabolism, mood, and vitality.
Testing and Solutions
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Get a comprehensive thyroid panel: We offer direct-access testing with full interpretation.
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Improve gut health: A healthy gut reduces endotoxin load and inflammation — both essential for thyroid function.
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Support liver health: The liver activates most T4 to T3.
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Manage stress: Reducing chronic stress is vital for restoring thyroid activity.
Environmental and Lifestyle Impacts
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Fluoride: Competes with iodine, reduces thyroid hormone output.
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Bright light: Supports circadian rhythm, indirectly boosting thyroid function.
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Near-infrared light: Can reduce thyroid antibody levels and improve function.