The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped organ in our neck which regulates energy and metabolism. It affects almost all body functions including blood pressure, heart rate, body temperature, metabolism, and growth.
Hypothyroidism is a problem with the thyroid gland; Hashimoto’s is a problem with the immune system and is classified as an autoimmune disease, where the immune system mistakenly attacks a part of our own body, in this case the thyroid gland.
Symptoms of thyroid dysfunction vary depending on the individual, and since adrenal fatigue often accompanies thyroid dysfunction, many of the symptoms of these two conditions overlap.
You don’t have to experience all of these symptoms to be diagnosed with a thyroid imbalance. Having only 3–4 symptoms might be a sufficient indication of your thyroid function. Take our Thyroid quiz to find out if you have a thyroid imbalance.
To diagnose thyroid disease, a complete blood test is necessary that checks levels of TSH, free T3 and T4, total and reverse T3, thyroid peroxidase antibodies, and antithyroid antibodies. A thyroid ultrasound will also be considered as part of the diagnosis workup. Thyroid dysfunction treatment involves a multidisciplinary approach which may include medication, nutritional counseling, an exercise regimen, sleep and stress management counseling, and an overall healthy lifestyle counseling.