If you are showing symptoms of an underactive thyroid, your doctor will administer a simple blood test called the TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) test. For a more complete analysis you can request a thyroid panel. These tests are now so effective that doctors can often diagnose thyroid disorders even before symptoms are experienced. Adults 35 and older should have a TSH test every 5 years. Testing when pregnant is also wise. As part of thyroid awareness campaigns, the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE) promotes the thyroid “Neck Check”. This is a simple self-test you can do yourself at home using a mirror and a glass of water. Click on the AACE link below for further information.

Underactive thyroid is treated with thyroid replacement therapy. In most cases this means the daily use of an oral medication called levothyroxine, which is a synthetic version of the hormone that the thyroid usually makes. Another option still available as treatment is an extract called Armour Desiccated Thyroid Hormone, usually drawn from an animal’s thyroid gland. Armour is also the oldest form of treatment available. It is not a regulated or necessarily safe medication, and often people overdose unknowingly. Some specialists argue that it can cause bone loss and cardiac problems.

Antioxidants and essential fatty acid foods and supplements are a great way to naturally maintain a healthy thyroid. Whether or not you have an underactive thyroid, try to include omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, zinc, selenium, and a moderate amount of iodized salt in your diet to help keep your thyroid healthy. Salt water fish and seaweed are good natural sources of iodine.

Thyroid hormones are responsible for all aspects of your metabolism; from how quickly you burn calories, to how fast your heart beats. So it is possible for an underactive thyroid to be responsible for weight gain. However, the amount of weight gain from hypothyroidism is generally only 10-20 pounds, most of which is fluid. Dietitians warn that only a very small percentage of weight gain cases are due to underactive thyroid. When it comes to weight gain, it’s just as important to check your eating habits, calorie intake, and exercise level as it is to take a thyroid test.