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The 10 Most Common Symptoms of Thyroid Problems

and Why Most Women Misinterpret Them

 

The thyroid is one of our most sensitive hormonal control centers — and when something is off, it often produces symptoms that no one initially associates with a thyroid problem.

In women (especially between ages 25–45), it's incredibly common for symptoms to be misattributed: to stress, exhaustion, overwork, or simply to the idea that "this is just life." And yes, life is busy and overwhelming.

In this article, I've gathered the 10 most typical symptoms that may indicate hypothyroidism, Hashimoto's disease, or other thyroid dysfunction — along with the reasons why nearly everyone misreads them.

1. Exhaustion that doesn't go away with rest

This is the most common symptom — yet most women attribute it to stress or being overworked.

Why could it be a thyroid issue?

Low thyroid hormone levels slow down metabolism and the nervous system.
It feels like being a "drained battery," even if you sleep 8–10 hours. Your head drops after lunch, you can't concentrate, and your mind feels foggy.

How women often misinterpret it:

  • "I'm just tired."
  • "I've been working too much — I'll recover eventually."

But this exhaustion doesn't improve — not even on weekends.

2. Weight gain or increased tendency to gain weight even when you barely eat

Thyroid hormones regulate metabolism.
When levels drop, the body literally switches to "energy-saving mode."

Typical explanations:

  • "It must be my age."
  • "I just have a slow metabolism."
  • "It's the stress."

In reality, this is a classic sign of hypothyroidism.

And yes — some women are very thin yet still have thyroid dysfunction.
On the other hand, being overweight doesn't automatically mean "oh well, it's my thyroid and I can't change anything."

3. Sensitivity to cold — always feeling cold while others feel warm

When thyroid hormone production decreases, the body struggles to maintain temperature.
Cold feet? Wearing socks to sleep in winter — or even in summer?

Typical statements:

  • "I've always been the cold type."
  • "My circulation must be weak."

But this is one of the earliest signs of thyroid dysfunction.

4. Hair loss, thinning hair, breakage

Thyroid hormones nourish hair follicles. When levels are low:

  • hair becomes thinner
  • breaks easily
  • grows more slowly

This is often mistaken for iron deficiency or stress — yet it's extremely common in Hashimoto's.
(And yes, ferritin levels matter too!)

5. Dry skin, slow wound healing, extremely dry heels and elbows

The skin's ability to retain moisture decreases and wound healing slows.
Many women assume it's eczema or "winter dryness."

For many children and young adults, the first noticeable sign of thyroid issues is skin problems.

6. Irregular cycles, stronger PMS, or ovulation issues

The thyroid and female hormones are closely interconnected.

Hypothyroidism often causes:

  • longer cycles
  • irregular periods
  • stronger PMS
  • missing or weak ovulation

Many attribute this to "hormonal fluctuations," when in reality the thyroid is often the root cause.

Thyroid hormone sufficiency influences all hormone levels.

7. Constipation, slow digestion, bloating

When the thyroid slows down, the digestive system slows with it.
Many women assume they're eating too little fiber or they're "sensitive to something" — but this too can be thyroid-related.

If you go to the bathroom less than once a day, take note.
And yes — nutrition matters hugely here (we'll return to this if you stay with me and follow my content).

8. Difficulty concentrating, brain fog

Typical statements:

  • "I'm all over the place."
  • "I've become so forgetful."
  • "I can't think the way I used to."

It shows up as a blank stare, often after lunch — especially after eating carbohydrates.
But the forgetfulness is there day after day.

Walking into a room and not remembering why you went there?
This is not "just fatigue" — with low thyroid hormones, brain function slows down.

9. Mood swings, anxiety, or mild depressive symptoms

Thyroid hormones influence serotonin and dopamine balance.

Women with hypothyroidism often feel:

  • unmotivated
  • low or flat in mood
  • emotionally more sensitive or unstable

This is not always psychological — very often it's hormonal.
Don't let yourself be labeled as depressed if you feel deep down that you're not.
Hormones strongly affect mood.

10. Extreme weakness during your period or unusually heavy bleeding

Hormonal imbalance affects the uterine lining as well.

If your period is:

  • very heavy
  • very long
  • unusually painful
  • or leaves you extremely depleted

…it's worth having your thyroid checked.

When should you suspect a thyroid problem?

If at least 3–4 of the symptoms above apply to you, it's time to request lab work:

  • TSH
  • FT4
  • anti-TPO
  • anti-Tg
  • (if needed) FT3
  • reverse T3

In Hashimoto's, antibody levels can be high years before TSH looks abnormal.
This is why a full thyroid panel is essential — especially if you're trying to conceive.

Summary: Your body is signalling — you just need to learn to understand it

The thyroid is a highly sensitive organ, and when it's not functioning well, its symptoms easily get misclassified.

Most women live with these issues for years without recognizing the connection.

The good news?
Awareness is the first step — and if you begin evaluation early, everything is highly treatable.

The earlier, the better. 😊

Don't stay alone!

You don't need to eat perfectly. There's no single "right" diet. But your body responds every day to what you nourish it with. If you dream of having a baby, think of your food choices as a loving preparation for what's ahead.

Change isn't always easy – but you don't have to do it alone.
If you need help creating a hormone-friendly, fertility-supportive nutrition plan, I'm here to support you.

Reach out to me with confidence – I'm Edit Milisits, a gluten-sensitive mom of two through IVF and a conscious eater.As a nutrition consultant, I help you uncover the root cause of problmes and find the right solution together.