- You have 100+ possible hypothyroid symptoms across every body system because every cell has thyroid hormone receptors. The top 10 most common are fatigue, weight gain, mood disorders, menstrual irregularities, muscle/joint pain, cold extremities, dry skin, constipation, brain fog, and neck swelling.
- If you have 5 or more symptoms, your thyroid is likely compromised. With 10+ symptoms, gross thyroid dysfunction is probable. With 15+, you almost certainly need thyroid hormone medication, not just supplements and lifestyle changes.
- 'Normal' labs don't rule out thyroid disease because most doctors use standard reference ranges instead of optimal ranges. You can have tissue-level hypothyroidism with completely normal TSH and free T4 if your reverse T3 is high or you can't convert T4 to T3.
- Don't wait for your doctor to recognize your symptoms as thyroid-related. Take charge by tracking which symptoms you have, requesting comprehensive thyroid testing (including free T3, free T4, and reverse T3), and learning to interpret optimal ranges yourself.
- Your next step is understanding the difference between 'normal' and 'optimal' thyroid lab values so you can get proper treatment even if standard care misses your diagnosis.
If you look at the trend of hypothyroidism over time, you will find that it’s a disease that is increasing.
And women, especially, are more prone to developing it compared to men.
But how do you know if you have thyroid disease? Do you have to get you have to go see a doctor?
Not necessarily.
While the most accurate way to assess whether or not a thyroid disease is present is with the use of lab tests, there’s a whole lot you can learn from your symptoms.
If you just haven’t quite felt like yourself recently, or if you have a sneaking suspicion that something is off with your hormones, this article is for you.
Use this thyroid symptoms checklist to help you determine if further testing is necessary and how likely you are to suffer from a thyroid problem:
Want to take my interactive hypothyroid quiz? Put in your symptoms, and it will tell you how likely it is that your symptoms are related to your thyroid. Access it here.
How To Use This List
Almost every cell in your body has a thyroid hormone receptor so the symptoms of thyroid dysfunction are… astonishingly broad.
Don’t let this overwhelm you, just realize that your thyroid can impact many systems and each person may present with a different set of symptoms even though the problem is primarily related to the thyroid.
Here’s how I would recommend using this checklist:
- Glance at the symptoms presented here and take note of how many you have. As you do, pay attention to the severity of your symptoms. There’s a difference between a weight gain of 5 pounds and a weight gain of 25 pounds (one indicates your situation is more severe).
- If you have 5 or more symptoms then there’s a chance that your thyroid is compromised but can probably be fixed with minor treatments like supplements and lifestyle changes.
- If you have 10 or more symptoms then the chance of you having gross thyroid dysfunction is even higher but you are probably still within the range that lifestyle changes can fix the problem.
- If you have 15 or more symptoms then you are very likely to have gross hypothyroidism that needs treatment with thyroid hormone.
Always remember that your suspicions should be confirmed with a complete set of thyroid lab tests which are outlined here.
Hypothyroid Symptoms By System
Thyroid-Gland Related Symptoms
- Enlarged thyroid
- Swollen thyroid
- Painful thyroid
- Difficult swallowing
- Presence of goiter
- Choking sensation
The most common cause of hypothyroidism is the autoimmune disease Hashimoto’s which results in the destruction of the thyroid gland over time.
But some of the most common thyroid gland disorders, like thyroid nodules, typically do not impact the production of thyroid hormone from the thyroid gland.
Energy-Related Symptoms
- Fatigue
- Decreased tolerance to stress
- Reduced stamina
- Low endurance
- Lethargy
- Long recovery after activity
- Difficult with exertion
- Increased need for sleep
Thyroid hormone regulates the production of cellular energy (ATP) in many cells.
When thyroid function is low, you will experience a global slowdown of cellular energy production which can lead to fatigue in almost any tissue.
Mood-Related Symptoms
- Low-grade depression up to major depression
- Sadness
- A feeling of being “off”
- The need for antidepressants
- Moody
- More emotional than normal (i.e. crying more frequently)
- Anxiety
- Irritability
- Obsessive thinking
- Easy emotional upset
- Emotional instability
- Obsessive thinking
- Nervousness
- Bipolar disorder symptoms
Thyroid hormone impacts hormones and brain-based energy production which can cause changes to your mood.
Metabolism-Related Symptoms
- Weight gain (even in the presence of diet and exercise)
- Lower than normal body temperature (less than 98.6 degrees)
- Decreased sweating (hypohidrosis)
- Slower than normal metabolism
- High cholesterol
- Lower than normal resting heart rate
Thyroid hormone helps to regulate heat production and global metabolism so one of the first symptoms patients notice is weight gain.
Eventually, these symptoms will spread to a global decrease in metabolic function including the breakdown and elimination of cholesterol.
Gut-Related Symptoms
- Constipation
- Diarrhea (more common in hypothyroidism)
- Hard stools
- Pebble stools
- Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth
- Small intestinal fungal overgrowth
- Acid reflux
- Low stomach acid (hypochlorhydria)
- Colitis
- Painful urination
- Bladder urgency
- Reduced urine production
- Malabsorption of vitamins, minerals, and macronutrients
- Presence of vitamin B12 deficiency
- Presence of iron deficiency
- Presence of vitamin D deficiency
- Presence of other B vitamin deficiencies
- Decreased peristalsis
- Decreased bowel sounds
There is a very strong connection between thyroid function and gut health.
When thyroid hormone is low, symptoms arise from decreased stomach acid and decreased peristalsis leading to a host of gut-specific problems.
Heart-Related Symptoms
- Higher risk of cardiovascular disease (heart attack)
- High cholesterol
- Heart palpitations
- Atrial fibrillation
- Congestive heart failure (only if severe and prolonged)
- The atherogenic build-up of plaque in the carotid arteries (an often silent but very concerning side effect)
- High blood pressure
- Orthostatic hypotension (low blood pressure while standing)
- Heart enlargement on X-ray
- Long-normal intervals on ECG
- Dizziness
Of all of the symptoms caused by thyroid dysfunction, those to the heart may be the most concerning.
Not only does thyroid hormone impact the function of your heart cells themselves, it also increases the risk of heart cell damage through its influence on cholesterol and blood pressure.
Hair, Skin & Nails Related Symptoms
- Dry skin
- Eyebrow hair loss
- Hair loss
- Telogen effluvium
- Alopecia areata
- Androgenetic alopecia
- Hives
- Acne and pimples
- Edema
- Coarse hair
- Dry hair
- Brittle nails
- Cracked nails
- Vitiligo
- Cold skin
- Dry, thick, or scaling skin
- Facial swelling (over the entire face or around the eyes)
- Paleness of skin
- Fragile nails
- Slow growth of nails
- Nail separation at the base
- Depression of nails with flaring in the center
- Softening of the nail
- Decreased sweating
- Decline in collagen
- Accelerated aging and wrinkling
As the largest organ in the body, your skin is especially sensitive to changes in thyroid function simply due to its large size.
And because the skin houses hair follicles and other glands that support the structure of the skin, thyroid dysfunction also impacts hair and nails.
Unfortunately, the skin is one of the last tissues to receive thyroid hormone when ingested by mouth but topical thyroid hormone creams may help solve this problem.
Bone, Muscle & Joint Related Symptoms
- Muscle aches (hypothyroid myopathy)
- Joint pain (difficult to treat but receptive to T3 thyroid hormone)
- Osteoporosis (major bone loss)
- Osteopenia (minor bone loss)
- Muscular weakness
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Inflammation in the joints
- Stiffness and reduced mobility
- Frozen shoulder
- Numbness in the hands or feet
- Sensitivity to cold, especially in the hands/feet
Joint and muscle-related problems are not as common as some of the other symptoms listed here but, when they are present, they are often very difficult to treat and require higher doses of specific thyroid medications like SR T3 and liothyronine.
Brained-Related Symptoms
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Bipolar disorder
- Inability to concentrate
- Inability to focus
- Forgetfulness
- Brain fog
- Fuzzy thinking (global slowdown of cognitive function)
- Memory problems
- Hyporeflexia (delayed reflexes)
- Irritability
- Slow speech
- Increased risk of seizures
- Poor motor coordination
- Brain-based fatigue
Thyroid hormone impacts neurotransmitter levels like serotonin which have a downstream effect on behavior.
These imbalances can be so strong that they may even lead to a change in personality (hypothyroid patients are more likely to have type D personality disorders) and may even cause psychiatric conditions like bipolar disorder.
Seep-Related Symptoms
- Insomnia
- Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
- The need to sleep more than necessary (hypersomnia)
- Restless leg syndrome
- Sleep apnea
- Daytime sleepiness
- Altered circadian rhythm (disordered cortisol regulation leading to high and low energy at the wrong time of day)
- Night sweats
- Cold sensitivity
Sleep disorders are particularly common among hypothyroid patients and present a big problem given the connection between healthy thyroid function and quality sleep.
You can find tips and tricks on how to sleep your way to better thyroid health here.
The Most Common Symptoms of Hypothyroidism
We just went over 100+ different symptoms associated with hypothyroidism, but, believe it or not, we just barely scratched the surface.
In order to keep perspective, I think it’s important to remember that just because your thyroid may cause a specific symptom doesn’t mean that it will.
Which is why I think it’s important to know the top 10 most common low thyroid symptoms:
When you look at all patients with hypothyroidism, you will see that these set of symptoms are more common than all of the rest.
This means that the presence of these symptoms is more important than some of the esoteric symptoms we just went over:
#1. Fatigue (seen in ~70-80% of patients)
#2. Weight gain (seen in ~60-70% of patients)
#3. Mood disorders (seen in ~50-60% of patients)
#4. Hormone imbalances & Menstrual irregularities (Seen in ~30-50% of patients)
#5. Muscle pain & joint pain (seen in ~40-50% of patients)
#6. Cold hands and feet (seen in ~50-60% of patients)
#7. Dry skin (seen in 50-70% of patients)
#8. Constipation (seen in ~30-50% of patients)
#9. Brain fog (seen in ~40-60% of patients)
#10. Neck swelling (~seen in 15-20% of patients)
So while other symptoms are important, the presence of any of the 10 symptoms listed above should carry more weight when you are considering whether or not your symptoms are truly caused by your thyroid and not something else.
Your Next Steps
You might think that your next step is easy; confirm your suspicion with a set of thyroid lab tests.
Unfortunately, it’s not quite that simple owing to how most doctors evaluate thyroid lab tests.
So when we talk about thyroid hormone symptoms, the discussion always needs to extend to the idea of “optimal” vs “normal” thyroid lab tests.
Because what you will likely find, if you are like thousands of other patients and women out there, is that when you go and get your labs tested, you will be told that you are perfectly “normal” even though you are walking around with many of the symptoms we just discussed.
It’s for this reason that you need to have a basic understanding of which thyroid lab tests are necessary and how to actually evaluate your results.
Don’t worry, though, because this isn’t difficult and I’ve outlined exactly how to do it here so be sure to check out that article next.
For those of you who want information on how to actually fix your thyroid naturally, I have you covered as well.
You can learn how to improve your thyroid with a few simple changes here.
If these natural treatments fail, you can always lean on thyroid hormones which are available both in prescription form (T4 and T3) and over-the-counter form (T2).
Scientific References
#1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6619426/
#2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16148345
#3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26700485
#4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4578869/
#5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4557078/
#6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16148345
#7. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27700539
#8. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3169863/
#9. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18655403
Hi Lizzy~I feel great! I’ve been on Levothyroxin 112 mg since I was diagnosed, and it works great for me. I qluckiy dropped that extra weight I gained and haven’t had any symptoms. My doctor just dropped me to 100mg to see if I can stay symptom free. Have you had yours re-checked? I bet it’s time for a change in your dosage if you are having some symptoms!good luck!
Hey Kikit,
I’m glad it’s working well for you! I find the majority of my patients don’t do well on synthroid, but that’s probably a biased sample as only people who aren’t getting relief will seek me out.
I would use caution when basing dosing off of blood work – I find this to be highly inaccurate. It isn’t uncommon for patients to go down on medication when inflammation and nutrient deficiencies have been reversed, but this isn’t true for everyone.
Thanks for your insight!
I’m glad to hear someone isn’t affected, however, I on the other hand, have been adjusting my Levothyroxine for 3 years now and was also added Liothyronine (T3) to help me adjust. I started Levothyroxine at 165 and now maintain a 220 weight. I will read this guide much more and do more research as I still don’t feel 100%. The fatigue and weight gain are the most excruciating for me.
I have medicare and I can’t fine a doctor that takes it, I have trouble with my thyroid,
Hey JoAnn,
I’m sorry to hear about your struggle. I know that it can be especially hard to find Doctors that take insurance and that are knowledgeable about the thyroid. The best thing you can do is ask around before you head into the office. In general I recommend that you stay out of the insurance model because, for the most part, you will find that all of those doctors will treat you the same way.
I also have Medicare, and have discovered that Medicare will not allow doctors who step away from levothyroxin therapy are forced to code billing differently than a regular MD, thereby causing non-payment of claims. MEDICARE is not allowing individuals to seek help outside the norm, unless able to self-pay.
Hey Nancy,
I don’t accept insurance so I don’t know anything about that, but I can tell you that I have plenty of medicare patients (who are self pay) but insurance does cover their medication.
In general it’s better to pay out of pocket when you are talking about treating thyroid disease because the standard of care is so bad.
How do you find a doctor that specializes in Thyroid, if their not endocrinologist. I live in South Carolina, and I don’t think they understand thyroid. Colorado does, but now we live in SC.
I agree. I live in Columbia SC and found the same problem. My DR only does T4 test and said he would disregard T3 or other factors even if they did them.
Very informative. My lab results are normal but on the low range. Im suffering from insomnia, falling hair, loss of weight, osteporosis, scoliosis.
Hey Fabie,
It’s more likely that your labs are not normal. I recently wrote an article about why so many Doctors say your labs are “normal” when they aren’t in this post here: https://www.restartmed.com/thyroid-lab-tests/
If you look at your labs in this context you will find things that the Doctors are most likely missing.
Hi Dr. Childs!
I am a 53-year-old woman from Finland and my life has been kinda wasted because of UNTREATED hypothyroidism.
In Finland you cannot get treatment; if you do not accept selective serotonin reuptakers, you are “a bad patient” and the story ends. You will not be accepted again as a patient. You suffer. You cry. You dream of a cheap and easy way of treating your illness but you must dream on and on. Because the truth is that if you do not have money to travel abroad to get your treatment, you just drag from day to day.
I got sacked from work because of my fatigue, because they thought I was just plain lazy. I spent all my energy to do the job and when I came home, I dragged myself to bed to be able to go to work again in the morning.
The only option available is to end this all. No one is willing to help.
One important symptom missing from the list is abdominal pain, poor digestion…
Wish you were here in Finland so maybe I could get some help!
Marja
Hey Marja,
I’m sorry to hear about your situation! It’s not much better over here in the US, there are only a handful of doctors that are willing to try and treat patients. You will be able to find some relief using the recommendations in this blog.
I loved your article post.Thanks Again. Want more. Pyscher
I have been diagnosed with bipolar disease Epstein-Barr virus anxiety sleeplessness now i’ve just had blood tests and a radioactive iodine uptake and scan’s on my thyroid so far no diagnosis can you help please?
Hey Bonny,
It sounds like you need an extensive history & physical with extensive blood work. Without that kind of data it would be difficult to help you.
I’m on medication for hypothyroid for the past 1 month. Would like to know how long does one have to take medication?
Hey Yvonne,
It really depends, some people may only have to be on it for a while if they can fix the underlying cause of their thyroid dysfunction. Others will have to be on it indefinitely (those with a thyroidectomy or those after RAI).
Wish it was as easy to change doctors in the UK. I’m sure my daughter has a slow thyroid like me. Her bloods keep coming back normal but she shows all the signs Like I did. Took years for my bloods to show I needed levothyroxine. Still feel rubbish most days even though they now regular show up as high.
Hey Paula,
It’s very unfortunate the situation that we are in currently in regards to the state of how the thyroid is treated.
Hi, Thankyou so much for this website. I am in Australia and I am currently looking for a new GP, wish me luck. I am diagnosed with Hashimotos and i have made progress, but one of the things that is bothering me is High Cholesterol, this has stayed high despite AIP, huge changes in my lifestyle losing 20kg in weight, no mean feat for me. I am hoping that I can sort it out, but I have read that persistent high cholesterol goes hand in hand with hypothyroidism, so I am hoping with some more targeted blood tests, I might be able to determine weather I have T3 resistance. I take porcine extract, and T3 ATM but may need this adjusted. Thanks again
Hey Heather,
Also realize that high cholesterol levels can really only be determined if you get an NMR lipoprofile. Alternatively you can get an idea by looking at the HDL/triglyceride ratio or evaluating your non-HDL level. LDL levels and total cholesterol levels are largely useless for determining your risk of heart disease.
I’m on a combination of NDT and T3, but my FT4 is low, out of range. Does it matter about the FT4? My FT3 is in range.
Hey Vita,
It depends on the patient, some do a lot better with higher levels of free T4 and others it doesn’t seem to matter as much.
My GP said that they can’t prescribe T3 in the UK. Which was a bit shocking. She must think I need it because she said before I mentioned it. I’m now on 50mcg levothyroxine.
Hey Julie,
I’m sure they can prescribe it, they just choose not to or don’t feel comfortable doing so.
I don’t have a thyroid because of cancer i am on 120mg of armour thyroid meds my body rejects all the medicines I want sleep all time hair falling out can’t remember anything slur words I have sever pain under arms thank you
Hey Brenda,
Some people don’t tolerate armour thyroid but that doesn’t mean you won’t tolerate other medications. You will just have to give them a try one by one to see what works for you.
I’m 58 and taking 75 mcg levothyroxine, my labs show normal, but I gain weight easily and my hair is falling out really bad. Does levothyroxine make your hair fall out or is that a sign that my thyroid isn’t functioning properly?
Hey Debbie,
It could be one or the other or both. Most likely you are just being under treated, but levothyroxine can cause hair loss by itself.
Yes I have hypothyroidism trouble losing weight, sugar problems, stomach problems. Tired all the time. I’very told my doctor time and time again I don’t feel any better. He keeps says it’s in its normal range. First thing is test kidney. That’s the thing I get. I’ve been on every heartburn medicine too. Many foods including water give me heartburn.I’m going to give your diet plan and supplements a try . Going to give it my best shot. I’m tired of being tired.
Hey Debra,
Great! Also, just remember that many people still need to change their medication and add T3 to their regimen in order to lose all the extra weight and reduce symptoms.
That’s the hard part finding a doctor that will think outside that box of normal range bull. I am trying to find one but it isn’t easy.
It can be difficult, but definitely necessary if you want to feel 100% better.
Do you deal in hypothyroidism in patients who have had total thyroidectomy due to thyroid cancer ?
Hey Debra,
Yes I do.
Thank you for this great information, I have been diagnosed with hypothyroidism, and I have a goiter. February was 2yrs that I have been taking only .25mg of levothyroxine. Also have high blood pressure 40 mg of linosapril. (Spelling). I have most of these symptoms I see my specialist August 30th. I have been reading so much I’m afraid I still won’t know how my doctor will react to what I’ve learned, or make me think I’m crazy. I also started taking B-1 & B-12 and a refrigerated probottic and seem to feel just somewhat better. My sister 8 to 10 yrs ago had hers radiation and she is really messed up!! Her personality has totally changed!! She doesn’t speak to half of her family, and it’s all so heartbreaking!! I’m one of the family that she doesn’t want much to do with. And most people that I talk to about how I feel with hypothyroidism just don’t understand. Thank you!
Dr. Childs,
Thank you for writing this article. I have Hashimoto’s Disease. I am a thyroid advocate, after being mistreated for several years (under medicated, due to reliance on the TSH result, and prescribed ineffective Synthroid medication).
Something I’ve noticed, is that many of us with Hashimoto’s have a greater need for more T3 than what’s contained in Natural Desiccated Thyroid (NDT). It’s refreshing seeing a doctor write about combination dosing of T3 and NDT. I’ve been taking combination dosing for almost four years. The dosage Ive been taking for over two years is 60mg NDT and 100mcg T3, split into three doses per day. My 17 year old daughter takes the same amounts as I do for optimal treatment.
When reading your article, you stated that an optimal range for Free T3 is mid-range. Based on several years assisting others with interpretation of their labs, I’ve noticed that a more optimal range is the upper quarter to top of the range, and sometimes, over the top of the range, depending on where the labs were done. In my own experience, I feel best with a FT3 of 5.1. There are always going to be a few who feel well with mid-range FT3, but most have a greater requirement. Also, you state that RT3 should be less than 15. Many have issues, when their RT3 begins climbing past 11-12. There are a few, but not many, who feel fine with RT3 at 14.
That being said, I pray that those who read your article, would know that symptoms speak volumes, and labs are only a guide. It’s a shame that many doctors treat individual symptoms, rather than as a whole from an underlying cause. I hope that, someday soon, we can see more open-minded doctors, like you, in practice.
Hey Wendy,
Great thoughts.
Lab ranges in general are not very helpful, especially since you can manipulate the data to say whatever you want. If I want your free t3 to be 10 I can simply check your labs 1 hour after taking T3 medication. Once you’ve introduced medication into the mix the value of the labs decreased tremendously. Furthermore, some people can tolerate a T3 of 10 while others are symptomatic with a T3 on 2.1.
When I refer to lab values I am really only referring to them in the setting of being un treated with any thyroid medication, because once you’re taking it – the labs have very little value.
Hi,
I have tons of these symptoms. Been to a rheumatologist, dermatologist, primary doctor, and allergist. The allergist ordered more in-depth labs and found I have the markers for Hashimoto’s. I eat healthy but have since cut out all diary, caffeine and alcohol. I have adrenal fatigue for sure and have had major stressful situations in my life recently. I am 58 by the way. I also have had a major rash on my face for over 6 weeks that itches 24 hours a day. Dr. Izabella Wentz’s information has been helpful so far and your website is a huge source of helpful info I just found today. I have always exercised and have been eating protein, healthy fats and vegies for several years (cut out sugar and gluten a long time ago). I feel awful right now: exhaustion, irritable, rashes, itching, cold, edema (ankles), headache, bloating, weight gain, dry skin, depressed, weakness, brain fog, slow resting pulse, cold skin, heat intolerance, hearing loss, trouble with balance, dry ridges down nails, thin nails that easily break, numbness and tingling, blurred vision, slow pulse, no sex drive. Yet I’m told my labs are okay except for the markers for Hashimoto’s. So no medical professional has given me any direction. I am going back for a 2nd dermatology opinion and seeing my regular doctor to beg for more labs. I figured I just need to do this on my own. I’m in the health arena with my job and thankfully there is a lot on the internet to help. I am worn out researching and trying to feel better. Do I rest? Do I push myself? Thank you.
Hey Diana,
I think the issue is looking in the wrong place. If you stick in the insurance model there is a very small chance you will ever get any real help because all of these professionals are trained the exact same way.
I have hashimotos hypothyroid and I’m using a nutritional system with great results.
Hey Michelle,
I’m glad you are getting great results!
So can you share the system name? Please!
I am 48 years old and I need a NEW thyroid Dr in Austin TX. Any suggestions? I’ve had hypothyroidism for many years. 2 yrs ago a began a health and wellness journey with supplements. In the first 6 months I lost 50 lbs. and started feeling better immediately. I started exercising, eating healthy, sleeping better, no more constipation, better moods, no more chronic fatigue and pains, no more hair loss and so much more. However after the first 6 months I stopped losing weight and haven’t lost anymore since and now I’m gaining weight back. I NEED HELP FAST!! I’m getting discouraged. I still feel better BUT I need to lose more weight and I can’t no matter what I try! My current endocrinologist is so OLD school. I’ve been on synthroid for many years. Please help me Dr. Thank you.
Hey Teresa,
Unfortunately I don’t know anyone in that area.
I had my throid removed in 2000, i get blood test often i,m on 125mg of syntroid a day. I have very sore muscle ,my eyesite is bad .i can,t hardly geet around because my hips are killing me all the time , someone i should be test for lupus, i do not sleeep good at all. I,m accident prone, please any input will great
Hey Jennjenn,
Many TT patients do better when taking T3 in addition to T4 medications. This may improve your symptoms drastically.
I am in England and have just been to see a so-called thyroid specialist. He didn’t know me. After 2 minutes he said I had no thyroid problems, I was just fAT! aFTER HALF AN HOUR OF DISCUSSION AND ARGUMENT AND BEING TOLD THAT ALL MY SYMPTOMS (ON YOUR LIST) WERE SYMPTOMS OF OVERWEIGHT AND THAT ANYTHING I READ ON THE WEB WAS LIES, i FINALLY GOT HIM TO AGREE TO FREE T3 AND T4, AND THYROID ANTIBODIES.
When I get the results, do you think they will be enough to show anything up?
Hey Jane,
I generally recommend against arguing with your provider because even if they do order the tests they won’t know how to interpret them and they will tell you they are “normal”. Ordering the tests is actually the easiest part, the hard part is interpreting the test results and getting on the treatment.
I have an under active parathyroid. We increased Vit D3 to 2000 units and calcium to 500 it seemed to be working at first now it’s not. Do you have any information on this problem. I also have hypothyroidism and take Synthroid 0.1 mg a day and have been for a few years now. My hair is still falling out my nails ridged and brittle. I have a majority of the symptoms on your list all still active. I was diagnosed as Celiac a year ago and have been gluten free healing my digestive system ever since. I was diabetic until a couple months ago I’ve lost 40 pounds and am way more active. But the thyroid and para thyroid issues are still there. What would you suggest?
Thank you
Peggy
Hey Peggy,
You should find a doctor willing to help treat your thyroid and para thyroid to alleviate your symptoms.
Dr Child’s,
I am soo very anxious to set up an appointment to see you and have submitted a rather long email to your office.
I would like to know the chances of seeing you this next Month of November.
If I submit my first initial payment when could I expect to be scheduled? Please let me know as I live in Washington State but have friends in Arizona where I lived up until 2014. I am so very desperate to find the proper doctor to treat my Hypothyroidism and all the issues related to it.
Was first diagnosed Oct 2015.
Please let me know so I can arrange my flight out and arrange for staying in Arizona.
Please..I need someone to help me to save me..I feel like I’m slowly slipping away!
Thank you from the bottom of my heart!
Lydia Perales
handyllp@aol.com
Hey Lydia,
I am sorry to hear about your situation, someone from my office should respond to you shortly.
Dr Child’s,
I am going to an endocrinologist and he is running some blood test and cortisol testing. I haven’t received the the rest until December 22, 2016.
The doctor is not very nice, acts like he doesn’t care.
My background is 4 major back surgeries, tons of metal and a spinal cord stimulator. I also have major depression so much so that I want to commit suicide. I tried on April 1st but was unsuccessful. I also have RA and I take Stmponi Aria. I have regular Medicare and AARP. I just need someone to help me feel normal. I’ve been depressed most of my life I think but it manifested itself when I was 25. I have more to say but please if u read this please help me feel normal. I don’t want to be here if I can’t feel better. Help Me!!
Hey Nora,
I’m not taking patients anymore but there are other physicians out there that have the knowledge and capability to help you.
I’ve had hasimoto’s for 40 years. My regular doctor retired and cant believe the problems I’ve had trying to find a doctor that understands the issue. they all follow the “book” with no independent, creative ideas. I’ve been to 4 doctors over 2+ years. 2 endo’s, 1 internist, 1 homeopathic + 40 pounds later, I am still not good. I am with an M.D. now as an interim doctor until a recommended endo is free in several months. I seem to know more than the M.D….
Dr. Childs is 100% correct that the doctors that understand thyroid issues is rare. I also am thinking about surrendering to the symptoms. I am living but not alive. It’s a horrible problem that can be solved easily!
Hey Donna,
Thanks for sharing your story, I hope you are able to find someone to help you. Keep us updated.
Hi, I’m so pleased I found your blog, finally someone who understands. Please could you give me any advice? I have been diagnosed with hypothyroidism and am currently taking levo 125mg daily. I can’t loose weight, no matter what I try and have been told I am in the normal range. I still feel awful all the time. Below are my latest round of tests results which were done by an encro:
Serum TSH level 2.22 mU/L
Serum cortisol 13 nmol/L
Serum sex hormone binding globulin level 33 nmol/L
Serum testosterone 2.4 nmol/L
Non HDL cholesterol level 5.18 mmol/L
Serum LDL cholesterol level 4.6 mmol/L
Serum HDL cholesterol level 1.24 mmol/L
Serum triglycerides 1.27 mmol/L
Haemoglobin A1c level – IFCC standardised 36 mmol/mol
Haemoglobin A1c level 5.4 %
TSH – thyroid stim. hormone 2.36 mU/L
Serum chloride 104 mmol/L
Serum FSH level 6 U/L
Serum LH level 12.7 U/L
Serum free T4 level 14.1 mmol/L
Serum cholesterol 6.42 mmol/L
Serum creatinine 77 umol/L
Serum urea level 4.6 mmol/L
Serum potassium 4.4 mmol/L
Serum sodium 137 mmol/L
Thyroid autoantibodies (PH6545) – positive autoantibodies, FINAL REPORT, Occupation, Onset, Anti-Thyroid peroxidase ab. POSITIVE 364 IU/ml
Any advise will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks, Lisa
Hey Lisa,
As I’ve mentioned previously it really doesn’t help for me to tell people what is wrong with them because they still require treatment and that’s the most difficult part. I would recommend you seek out someone near you to help you further to optimize your thyroid function because at a cursory glance your thyroid function is indeed suboptimal.
Thank you, what should I be looking for, for my thyroid function to be optimal? Just so I have an idea in my head when speaking to my GP. Thanks, Lisa
All of the “optimal” ranges for thyroid lab studies should be listed in the post above.
Hi Dr Childs. I am 63 years old. I was diagnosed with hashimotos in 1988 and put on synthroid. Dr. Childs you can’t believe the incredible nightmare I have been through. After on synthroid I felt better but was depressed I believe due to nutrient deficiencies. This sad story I am sure has been repeated over and over. The antidepressant led to panic attacks which then turned into benzos and then neuroleptics when all along it was my hashimotos not properly treated. It has been a monumental struggle to get off most of these drugs and relearn how to talk, think and finally do research and realize the sad truth. At this point in time, I have found a Naturopath willing to learn and is committed to helping me restore my health. I am very sick. TPO is 178 as of November 2016. TSI 89. As of December 2016 rt3 19.1, t3 2.1 tsh 1.97 t4 1.34 b12 311 mma 68. D3 34. All four iron labs are normal except ferritin 68. Adrenals working overtime. But I have healed my gut. More testing as I can afford it. Hyper sensitive to b12 will you help and anything activating including a try at switching from levothyrixne 88mcg daily and 25 mg once a week to 32.5 nature-throid for nine days which proved disastrous. So much more to report. I would find a way to pay 995 dollars for your consultation services if it would help my provider. He wants to help me heal but just doesn’t habe all the pieces to the puzzle figured out.
Hey Marsha,
Thanks for reaching out and I’m sorry to hear about your situation. I would say the single best thing you can do is find someone who is knowledgable about thyroid function and other hormones to help get your life back. It can be difficult and tricky in some situations, but in almost every case there is significant improvement to be had.
Hi Dr.Childs,
I’m 41 years old, I have a lot of the symptoms you’ve listed.
I’ve consulted a doctor, he asked for TSH and Free T4 tests, the TSH results were 2.81 ulU/ml and 0.86 ng]dL for the Free T4 test. He told me the results were totally normal and I just need to lose weight. I consulted another doctor and was told the results are normal and no need for extra tests… Should I have more tests or these results are acceptable??
Hey Eman,
It’s not a matter of the tests you are ordering but the interpretation of the results themselves. You need to find someone who understands the difference between optimal and “normal” if you want the proper treatment.
Hi,
My doctor diagnosed me with hypothyroidism after I yelled and complained for almost a year about weight gain and lack of concentration. My grades dropped to 60’s from 80/90’s. By the time I got diagnosed in 2010 I was almost done college. My doctor’s office called me in the second the results arrived from my blood work. Now in 2017 I am on Eltroxin and my symptoms are just as bad as they were when I was untreated. I keep getting tested for my TSH levels which keep coming back as fine. My weight is now 169lbs which is the heaviest I have ever been, in 2010 I was at 145lbs. I am now 28 years old, I have gone to 5/6 other doctors who also only check for TSH. No one has referred me to a thyroid specialist either. I take my medication daily but it feels like a waste as I don’t think it is doing anything anymore.
Hi Chris, firstly I would like to thank you for all your helpful information and guidance that you publish on your website. Unfortunately I DESPERATELY need your help in interpreting these test results as my doctor told me not worry and that they were normal. From your article above they don’t look normal. Can you please shed any insight to these results.
TSH – 1.8
Free T4 – 12
Free T3 – 4.3
Reverse T3 – 247
Thyroglobulin antibodies – 46
Thyroid peroxidase antibodies – >1300
Free T3/Reverse T3 ratio – 0.017
Many thanks Sassy
Hey Sassy,
I’m not sure who Chris is, but I am only able to provide medical advice to my patients. I would recommend that you find someone who can interpret your labs and put you on the correct treatment.
Sorry Dr Child, it was the auto correct on this stupid computer
I’ve been dealing with hypothyroidism for 16 years. Until 1 year ago I was on Synthroid 137mcg but in the past 13 months my T-3 has been too low. My doctor added Cytomel 5mcg but then the TSH got too low. I’ve been on a rollercoaster (3 different dosages in the last year), and now I’m feeling tired, have muscle pain all over my body and have numbness on my hands. My physician is sending me to a neurologist because he thinks I have a neurological disease. He says that hypothyroidism does not cause that symptoms. I know it’s my thyroid, this is so frustrating…
Hey Katia,
I would recommend you check out this article which goes over why the TSH lab test is not accurate in many cases: https://www.restartmed.com/tsh-levels/
Thank you!
THANKYOU for your informative article. As I looked over your symptom list I found some of mine were opposite. Never being cold, and after very short walk or standing for 5 mins. I am sweating profusely. Doesn’t matter if it’s 90 degrees or 32 degrees. Is that also possibly known symptom ? I am 11 years out of life now. I’m anxious to live again. I will be asking my Dr. For these tests.
Hey Eileen,
Other hormone imbalances may be causing or contributing to your sweating issues, but I wouldn’t necessarily blame those on the thyroid without further testing/evaluation.
I have been on the same dose of levothyroxine since 1988, am very obese but not diabetic. Am 62. My sister urged me to try garcinia cambogia because its helped her with no side effects; she is 68. I tried one yesterday with apple cider vinegar and felt ok. Today I took just one again with the cider vinegar and almost passed out while shopping. Why is this dangerous for me but not my 68 year old sister.
I’d like to now try ala. Do you have a book?
I am so relieved to learn of you and your site. I have been struggling with all of the symptoms of hypothyroidism for the past 15 years. I have been on Armour Thyroid med for the past 8 years and a T3/T4 compounded before that and under the supervision of a functional medicine doctor. I continually complained about constant weight gain despite interval weight training and healthy clean eating. My doc changed my med to a porcine capsule, then to a synthetic alternative and now added a lower dose of amour (T4/T3) in afternoon. The weight and cellulite keep increasing. After listening and reading your posts on Leptin Resistance and Thyroid resistance, I revisited my lab results from Sept 2106 (incomplete testing) and Oct 2014. My TSH both times were low (.96 and .82), Reverse T3 high (16), Free T3 high (4.9), T4 low (4.6), Pregnenolone low (7), Free T4 low (.83)
I am going to ask Dr. Rozakis why Leptin Resistance was never considered based on my lab results and my constant complaining of weight gain and cellulite.
I live in Cleveland Ohio and need to find a new Doctor. How do I begin that process? I would like my current Dr. to order test results per your recommendation.
Hello,
My name is Laura. I have been having a hard time losing any weight despite knowing how. I was 200 pounds prior to 2011 when I got down to 125. Then in 2012, I quit smoking. I turned 40 also. I did NOT increase eating at all. I slowly started creeping up to 145 now in 2017. I am now 44 years old. NO matter what I do, I cannot lose this 15 pounds. I went to the doctor and she claims it is peri-menopause which I have no symptoms of. As a matter of fact, my period are very normal. Usually right on the money. Never missed one and very regular. I have no hot flashes nor night sweats. I have been exercising and eating 1200 cals a day. So, I did get some blood tests. My good and bad cholesterol was up the thyroid tests came back as this; TSH-1.710 T4 Free-1.12. That is all they tested on me. She refused to do anymore testing of my thyroid. I am always cold when others are hot. I am tired allot. My mom and all 3 of my aunts have hypothyroid. What say you? What do these test results mean? I am going to see an endocrinologist at the end of this month to see if he can help me. I am so puzzled by the weight gain. I lose a few pounds, then by the time I get my period, it all comes back and I start over. I cannot get under 145.
Please and thank you for any advice.
Laura J.
Hi Laura,
I would recommend that you read some of the case studies on my blog for further insight.
RT3 is 22.2. on cytomel only 10 mg a day. Have every single hypothyroid symptom. Have sibo (on treatment now)and candida (will treat next) . Chronic fatigue and fibro. Can barely function, even to hold cell phone muscles are so fatigued. I think my dosage is just not enough. Do you agree ?
Hi Julie,
It’s a possibility, but your symptoms could just as easily be related to something else as well, or more likely a combination of multiple factors.
Hello
I’m so happy I discovered your site. it’s so informative and so helpful!
I’m on Synthroid and my blood test showed I’m within the normal range.
For one year my levels were.
FT4 – 14.4, FT3 – 4.5, TSH 3.1
I felt few symptoms of hypothyroid but my doctor despite my complains said …every thing is OK.
I decided to raise the dosage with 50mcg and got this results.
FT4 – 15.1, FT3 – 4.9 , TSH 2.6
Before I got the graves disease I’ve used to be quite active. Cycling around 40 – 50 miles a week and some times in one day. Since I’m on the thyroid replacement I can barely cycle 15 min. and in a good day 20 min and very slowly but than I’m quite exhausted.
I tried to push my self but I made it worse and felt very bad. The feeling was like I crossed a line and felt many of the hypothyroid symptoms all most half of the 68.
It took me more than 2 weeks to recover.
I should mention that a heart check was OK.
Whats not working? what did I do to my body when I pushed my self?
Ethan
Yes i have all the symtoms i was on levothyroxin didnt realize how it was affecting me until i quit taking it.I feel so much better after being off of it for 3 months now. I have more energy.
I really hope that this gets to you because it’s been a while since you made this but I’m at a loss and need your help terribly! I love in a small northern ca. town with very few doctors and especially that take my insurance so I am forced to see uneducated tired doctors who just don’t care. I had a baby in 6/2015, I told my doctor numerous time since then that something is not right. I went from having tons of energy and working out everyday being very fit to so exhausted I can barely get out of bed let alone have energy to go workout and when I do I feel even more exhausted whe I used to feel energized from working out. I stay very active chasing around a toddler and going in bike rides and eat very healthy yet I am gaining weight and my hair is almost gone compared to what it was. I told my doctor all of this and he keeps telling me it’s normal I just had a kid and I’m not young anymore…I’m 39. I asked him to run hormones tests and thyroid tests and all he ran was a tsh, fsh and said that I’m in normal range and sent me home with Wellbutrin which caused me to want to kill myself so I stopped after 4 months. My daughter will be 2 and I’m getting worse. I have every single symptom you mentioned that said I most definitely have hypothyroid but he won’t test for it telling me I’m fine. I cried reading the information you wrote because it was like you were talking about me. I cannot keep on living this way. I would rather die. Please help me. I have an image of the test that he ran and what the levels were but like I said he didn’t check for much. Just told me I’m not menopausal.
Hi Nicole,
Thanks for reaching out and sorry to hear about your situation, unfortunately it is not that uncommon. The single best thing you can do is look outside of the insurance model and seek out new doctors to help you order the right tests and get the diagnosis correct. The problem is that your current doctors aren’t even willing to order the right tests and even if they do, they really won’t know how to treat you so it’s not worth the struggle.
We are going through the whole having symptoms and antibodies are high but the doctor won’t prescribe a medication for my daughter. She is 16 and is having acne quite bad, weight gain and fatigue. Would love to find the right doctor in Colorado
Hello. I have almost all the symptoms listed. I went to the doctor and asked for a full thyroid panel to be done as well as hormone levels. My doctor is a nice man, but doesn’t always listen. He only ordered the standard lab draws. He added on a reverse T3. I was in thyroid medication 3 years ago. I’m not sure why they took me off of it. I’m tired of feeling this way and I really want a doctor to help. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for your time. This article describes me to a T. Nice to know I’m not alone.
I enjoyed your article. I am pretty sure I have issues with my thyroid for a long time. I have my TSH looked at several times over the last 4 years. I have at least 8 of the symptoms on your list. 2 years ago they found a multinodular goiter and the nodules are small so I am checked yearly. I got checked again and they were still stable. I saw an endocrinologist last year she said my antibodies were negative but my TSH was too low and that meds would do more harm than good. In the last several months I have gained 38 out 45 lbs that i had lost. I exercise daily and i eat pretty well. I have trouble sleeping, irregular periods, anxiety Which I am.on Lexapro 10 mg for and i just had to have carpal tunnel release surgery on both sides along with other issues. I had a regular blood test with TSH and T4 too. My TSH was .485 and T4 was 1.07. I go for.my yearly check up on 9/13 what would your advice be to talk with her about since I dont think she thinks there is something wrong.
Alright so when I was first diagnosed with hypothyroidism my tsh lvl was over 7.0. This was about 5 years ago. Well I was on levothyroxineat 25 Mcg. It helped but wasn’t the best, about a year ago it was upped to 50 mcg and I was feeling better then I had in a long time. Well about 2 months ago I couldn’t afford my med any longer, and as you know I feel worse then ever. But my resent tsh test was 2.35 so the doctor took me off. The doctors won’t late to me at all. I even asked if he would do the t3 and t4. All he said was I had to wait to see a different doctor. On top of this I’m having new symptoms which was basically told I’m just to depressed.
Hello!
I am a 59 year old woman who has been diagnosed with Myasthenia Gravis in 2004 and recently with Fybromyalgia. I have suffered with chronic pain for years. I am extremely tired all the time, even when I can sleep 10-12 hours at a time. I many times still need a nap. I get swelling at the base of my neck/top of my spine and you can totally relate my overall pain level based on how much my โhumpโ has raised. I also have a lot of spinal pain. I am very frustrated about the lack of proactiveness with my doctors. Your blog has been very helpful and encouraging. How do I go about finding a doctor (I am in NC) that will take my concerns seriously and follow through what needs to be done for me? Thank you for your insight on this matter!
Hi there! Thank you for this information! Is there a possibility that an individual has at least ten of these symptoms, yet does not have hypothyroidism? Also, how likely is hypothyroidism in a 21 year old? I feel many of these symptoms,and have a family history, but could it also be my crazy busy college lifestyle that is causing my body to react adversely?
Hi Dr Childs.
I read your post with great interest. I had my thyroid removed in Jan 2016 because of very large nodes that caused me to stop breathing in certain situations (like sleeping on my back). I have felt like crap and I am sick all of the time ever since. I also suffer from HLA-B27. I am on a restrictive diet since I learned of the HLA-B27 in July of 2011. I am on 88mcg of Levothyroxine. I am sick and tired of being sick and tired! I had 25 of the listed symptoms. I live in the Portland OR area and have had my endocronologist for about 12 years. Early on I had an over active thyroid that corrected itself. I was not on any meds until after my surgery. I have an appointment with him next month and would like to know exactly what I need to request from him to get the proper tests. Many many thanks. This the most hope I have had in months to maybe start feeling better again.
Hi Sue,
The complete list of thyroid lab tests (and rationale) can be found in this post which I recommend that you read: https://www.restartmed.com/hypothyroidism/
The testing includes: TSH, free t3, free t4, total t3, reverse t3, thyroid antibodies (both TPO and TGAb) and sex hormone binding globulin (depending on the person).
Hope this helps get you started!
I am 24 years old and have had hypothyroidism for almost 15 years, it runs in the family. For about the past 3 years, I have an awful cystic acne around my jaw and chin. Itโs not cyclic, there are no monthly changes to my acne. I have been to the dermatologist multiple times, and have used everyone topical in the books! Iโve even started on birth control and spironolactone in hopes of clearing my acne, with no luck! Also, about a year ago my endocrinologist told me I have hypothyroidism due to Hashimotoโs. Iโm beginning to think my acne and my thyroid may have some connection. What do you think about this, and what are some solutions to this?