Thyroid health: what to watch for and what to do next

Do you feel tired, cold, or your weight keeps changing for no clear reason? Those can be signs your thyroid needs attention. The thyroid controls your energy, weight, mood, and even your periods. Knowing the basics helps you ask smarter questions at the doctor’s office and make better choices every day.

Key symptoms and common causes

Hypothyroidism (low thyroid): fatigue, weight gain, dry skin, feeling cold, constipation, heavier periods, and slow thinking. Hyperthyroidism (high thyroid): racing heart, weight loss, feeling hot, shakiness, loose stools, and light or missing periods. Autoimmune thyroid disease — Hashimoto’s (usually low) and Graves’ (usually high) — are the most common causes in adults. Other causes: iodine problems, some medicines, and rare gland issues.

Simple tests and what they mean

Start with TSH and free T4. TSH is the most useful screening test; a high TSH usually means low thyroid function, and a low TSH usually points to overactive thyroid. If the cause is unclear, ask for free T3 and thyroid antibody tests (TPO antibodies) to check for autoimmune disease. Tell your doctor about supplements like biotin — it can skew lab results.

If you’re trying to get pregnant, have irregular cycles, or trouble ovulating, mention this. Thyroid problems change menstrual cycles and can affect fertility. See our related reads: "Is It Bad to Not Ovulate?" and "Anovulatory Cycles and PCOS" for how hormones and thyroid can link to fertility issues.

Medication basics: levothyroxine is the standard for hypothyroidism. Take it on an empty stomach, usually 30–60 minutes before breakfast, and avoid calcium or iron within four hours. If you have symptoms that don’t match your labs, ask your clinician about timing, other health issues, or rare medication interactions.

Diet and supplements: there’s no single “thyroid diet.” Focus on balanced meals with enough protein, iron, and iodine if you have a real deficiency (don’t self-dose iodine). Some people and doctors consider selenium supplements for autoimmune thyroiditis, but talk to your clinician before starting anything. Avoid high-dose supplements or herbal mixes that promise fast fixes.

When to see a doctor: get tested if you have persistent fatigue, mood changes, sudden weight change, new heart palpitations, or menstrual shifts. If you have an autoimmune condition or a family history of thyroid disease, test earlier and more often.

Related practical guides on PharmaRight: "Provera: Uses, Side Effects, and Practical Tips for Birth Control and Women's Health" and "Prednisolone Uses, Side Effects, Dosage & Safety Tips Explained" — both cover medications that can interact with hormones and overall health. Read those if you’re on steroid or hormone treatments and worried about thyroid effects.

Last bit of practical advice: keep a symptom log (sleep, weight, mood, periods) and bring it to appointments. Labs can miss early changes, and your notes help your clinician see the pattern. Thyroid issues are common and treatable — with the right tests and a bit of follow-up you can get back on track.