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Surprising Ways Your Thyroid Affects Your Health
When it comes to whole-body health, few organs are as influential—or as misunderstood—as the thyroid. This small, butterfly-shaped gland plays a central role in regulating metabolism, energy production, mood, and much more. From unexpected weight changes to persistent fatigue or shifts in emotional well-being, the thyroid often sits at the root of symptoms that are easy to dismiss, but important to understand.
Learn how the thyroid affects nearly every system in the body, how imbalances show up as hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, and why proactive testing can be a powerful step toward long-term vitality.
How the Thyroid Affects Your Health
Did you know your thyroid affects:
- Weight loss or gain
- Hair growth
- Energy levels
- Mood (anxiety, depression)
- Ability to think clearly
- Digestive function
- Body temperature regulation
- Heart rate and cardiovascular health
- Menstrual cycle and fertility in women
- Muscle strength and stamina
- Skin health and hydration levels
- Bone density and overall skeletal health
- Cholesterol levels and lipid metabolism
- Immune system function and response
- Sleep patterns and quality of sleep
Because thyroid hormones interact with nearly every cell in the body, even subtle imbalances can have noticeable effects.
What is the Thyroid?
Often described as the body’s “gas pedal,” the thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located at the front of the neck. Its primary job is to produce hormones, like thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), that regulate metabolism, or how the body converts food into usable energy.
These hormones influence how fast or slow cells carry out essential functions, affecting everything from heart rate and digestion to temperature control and nutrient utilization. In a healthy state, the thyroid maintains a finely tuned hormonal balance that supports resilience, energy, and metabolic efficiency.
When that balance shifts—either too little hormone (hypothyroidism) or too much (hyperthyroidism)—the ripple effects can impact nearly every system in the body.
Signs of Hypothyroidism (Underactive Thyroid)
Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid does not produce enough hormone to meet the body’s needs. Common symptoms include:
- Persistent fatigue and low energy
- Unexplained weight gain or resistance to weight loss
- Increased sensitivity to cold
- Dry, coarse skin and brittle hair
- Muscle aches, stiffness, or weakness
- Constipation
- Elevated cholesterol levels
- Low mood, depression, or emotional flatness
- Brain fog, memory issues, or slowed thinking
- Menstrual irregularities or heavier periods
Symptoms often develop gradually, which is why hypothyroidism can go unnoticed for years.
Signs of Hyperthyroidism (Overactive Thyroid)
Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid produces excess hormone, accelerating many bodily processes. Symptoms may include:
- Unintentional or rapid weight loss
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat (palpitations)
- Anxiety, nervousness, or irritability
- Heat intolerance and excessive sweating
- Hand tremors or shakiness
- Muscle weakness or fatigue
- Irregular or lighter menstrual cycles
- Increased bowel movements or diarrhea
- Difficulty sleeping
- Eye changes such as bulging or irritation (most commonly associated with Graves’ disease)
Left unaddressed, hyperthyroidism can place strain on the heart, bones, and nervous system.
How to Test Your Thyroid Health
Thyroid disorders are among the most common endocrine conditions worldwide. Current estimates suggest that hundreds of millions of people globally are affected, with a significant portion remaining undiagnosed due to subtle or overlapping symptoms.
The Next Health Baseline Test measures key thyroid and metabolic biomarkers—along with 50+ markers of overall health—to reveal what your body needs to restore balance and support long-term wellness before issues arise.
Thyroid markers measured include:
- Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)
- Free T3
- Total T4
These results provide valuable insight into how your thyroid is functioning and can help guide personalized, data-driven care. While lab testing alone does not diagnose conditions such as thyroid cancer or eye disease, abnormal results can signal the need for further evaluation with a qualified healthcare provider.
Thyroid dysfunction is significantly more common in women, approximately one in eight women will develop a thyroid disorder during her lifetime, making proactive screening an essential part of long-term preventive health.
Proactively test your thyroid health today.
Questions?
Request a complimentary consult here
This article was originally published on January 3, 2024. It was updated on January 5, 2026 with new information.
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