Could Your Fatigue, Hair Loss, Bloating & Weight Gain Point Thyroid Imbalance?
The amount of women that come to see us in our clinic with fatigue, hair loss, bloating, and weight gain is extremely high. While these issues can arise from a variety of causes, they are always interconnected and can be indicative of underlying thyroid problems. The thyroid, a small gland located in the neck, plays a crucial role in regulating metabolism, energy levels, and overall bodily functions. When the thyroid is not functioning properly, it can lead to a host of symptoms that can significantly impact your quality of life.
The Role of the Thyroid Gland
The thyroid gland produces hormones, primarily thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), which are critical in regulating the body's metabolism. These hormones influence nearly every organ in the body, affecting heart rate, body temperature, and how efficiently calories are burned. When the thyroid produces too little or too much of these hormones, it can lead to hypothyroidism (underactivity) or hyperthyroidism (overactivity), resulting in a variety of difficult symptoms.
Fatigue and Thyroid Dysfunction
One of the most common symptoms of thyroid dysfunction is fatigue. In hypothyroidism, where the thyroid produces insufficient hormones, the body's metabolism slows down, leading to persistent tiredness and lethargy. Being so tired you can hardly get through the day is NOT normal and if you experience regular fatigue, you don’t need to “just live with it!” Certain nutrients, such as B vitamins, selenium, zinc and herbs like ashwaganda can be helpful for supporting hypothyroid-related fatigue. You may want to consider running proper functional thyroid testing also.
Hair Loss and the Thyroid
Hair loss is another symptom commonly linked to thyroid issues in women. When the thyroid gland is underactive, this can result in thinning and hair loss. Supporting the thyroid, adrenal glands and hormones such as estrogen and progesterone balance may be helpful. Nutritional deficiencies may also be at play, such as iron and zinc deficiencies. If hair loss is a major concern for our clients, we often run comprehensive thyroid and nutrient panels to assess for underlying deficiencies to be able to properly correct imbalances.
Bloating and Digestive Issues
Hypothyroidism can slow down the digestive process, leading to constipation and bloating. This is because the thyroid hormones help regulate the speed at which food moves through the digestive tract. When thyroid hormone levels are low, the digestive system operates more slowly, resulting in uncomfortable bloating and constipation. Don’t let this linger, start addressing it at the root.
Weight Gain and Thyroid Problems
Weight gain is a well-known symptom of hypothyroidism. Because thyroid hormones are essential for regulating metabolism, a deficiency can cause the body to burn calories more slowly. This means that even with regular exercise, individuals with hypothyroidism may find it difficult to lose weight or may gain weight unexpectedly. If weight loss has been a struggle for you, this may be a key area to address.
Your Symptoms Should Never Be Dismissed
If you are experiencing fatigue, hair loss, bloating, and weight gain, it is important to consider the possibility of an underlying thyroid issue and get proper testing through a functional practitioner. These symptoms are frequently overlooked or attributed to other causes, and oftentimes dismissed as simply “aging”. But know that there is always an underlying cause and your symptoms should never be dismissed!
Our goal at Winnipeg Nutrition is to uncover underlying root-cause factors for why you’re dealing with symptoms and provide natural and effective solutions that address the issue at the root. If you’re looking for answers, and a practitioner who will truly listen and prioritize your care, contact us today!
Asher Kleiber
Registered Holistic Nutritionist
