Tired, cold, or gaining weight? When to ask for a thyroid test
Thyroid problems are common, easy to test for, and often missed. Here's what to notice and how to ask.
About 1 in 20 adults has an underactive thyroid, and many more have subclinical dysfunction. The symptoms are vague enough that they get dismissed as 'stress' or 'getting older.'
Signs worth checking
- Persistent fatigue not fixed by sleep.
- Feeling cold when others don't.
- Unexplained weight gain or loss.
- Dry skin, hair thinning, brittle nails.
- Constipation or slow digestion.
- Brain fog or low mood.
What to ask for
TSH is the first-line test. If it's abnormal, follow up with Free T4 and Free T3. Anti-TPO antibodies help diagnose Hashimoto's, the most common cause of hypothyroidism.
This is not medical advice. Clinic Compass is an educational tool to help you prepare for a walk-in visit. It does not create a doctor–patient relationship, does not diagnose or treat any condition, and is not a substitute for the judgement of a licensed healthcare professional who knows your history. Never delay, avoid, or change medical care because of something you read here. In an emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number.
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