Do you struggle with unexplained fatigue, changes in weight, or skin and hair concerns? You might be surprised to learn that your thyroid — a small, butterfly-shaped gland in your neck — could be at the root of these symptoms.

Despite its size, the thyroid plays a powerful role in regulating essential body functions. It produces two key hormones: thyroxine (T4), which is inactive, and triiodothyronine (T3), the active form. T4 is released into the bloodstream and then converted into T3 throughout the body. These hormones help regulate your metabolism, energy levels, body temperature, and nutrient absorption.

So what happens when things go wrong?

When Balance Turns to Chaos

Thyroid dysfunction can arise due to a range of triggers, including nutrient deficiencies, chronic stress, infections, or hormonal changes such as those experienced during pregnancy. The two primary types of thyroid imbalance are:

• Hypothyroidism (Underactive Thyroid): When your thyroid doesn’t produce enough T3 and T4, your metabolism slows down.
• Hyperthyroidism (Overactive Thyroid): When the thyroid produces too much hormone, causing the metabolism to speed up excessively.

Both conditions can present with overlapping symptoms, but there are also tell-tale signs that help differentiate between them.

Signs of an Underactive Thyroid (Hypothyroidism)

• Unexplained weight gain or difficulty losing weight
• Dry, flaky, and/or thickened skin
• Hair thinning and loss, especially the outer third of the eyebrows
• Persistent fatigue or sluggishness
• Cold intolerance
• Depression or low mood
• Slow heart rate
• Constipation
• Poor concentration or “brain fog”

Signs of an Overactive Thyroid (Hyperthyroidism)

• Unintended weight loss or difficulty gaining weight
• Warm, moist, and/or itchy skin
• General hair thinning and loss
• Persistent fatigue, often with restlessness or anxiety
• Heat intolerance
• Irritability or nervousness
• Rapid or irregular heartbeat
• Frequent bowel movements or diarrhoea
• Difficulty concentrating

While these signs may seem to point directly to thyroid dysfunction, they can also overlap with other health conditions. That’s why it’s essential to seek guidance from a qualified healthcare practitioner before jumping to conclusions.

Getting the Right Support

A practitioner can perform comprehensive thyroid testing to determine whether your thyroid is truly behind your symptoms. They can also recommend personalised, natural interventions to support your thyroid and restore balance.

Nutritional TLC for Your Thyroid

There are a few key nutrients that your thyroid needs in order to function at its best:

• Iodine: This mineral is part of the structure of both T3 and T4 hormones. A deficiency can lead to an enlarged thyroid, or goitre. Good food sources include egg yolk, seaweed, oysters, and scallops.
• Tyrosine: An amino acid that combines with iodine to make thyroid hormones. Tyrosine is found in protein-rich foods like legumes, nuts, seeds, soy, and animal products.
• Selenium: Essential for converting T4 into active T3. It also helps protect the thyroid from oxidative damage. Brazil nuts are an excellent source — just a few a day can meet your selenium needs.

Time to Think About Your Thyroid?

Given how influential the thyroid is in regulating your metabolism and overall wellbeing, it’s important to pay attention when something feels off. If you’ve noticed persistent changes in your weight, skin, hair, or energy levels, now might be the right time to have your thyroid health professionally assessed.

At Nurtura Health, we’re here to help you get to the root of your symptoms and support your body with personalised care. Don’t ignore the signals — your thyroid might be telling you something important.