Thyroid Imbalance Symptoms Quiz

Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid): slow metabolism, weight gain, fatigue, constipation, cold sensitivity, dry skin, hair loss, brain fog, depression. Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid): fast metabolism, weight loss, anxiety/nervousness, racing heart (palpitations), heat intolerance, diarrhea, tremors, bulging eyes (Graves disease). Both require a blood test (TSH, Free T3/T4) for diagnosis.

A basic TSH alone is not enough for complete evaluation. Request: TSH (screening), Free T4 (T4 hormone available to cells), Free T3 (active form — most important), Reverse T3 (rT3 — elevated under chronic stress), TPO antibodies (detects Hashimoto thyroiditis), TGAb (anti-thyroglobulin), and optionally TRAb (Graves disease antibodies). Many people have "normal TSH" but abnormal Free T3 and elevated antibodies.

Yes, both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism cause diffuse hair thinning (telogen effluvium) — hair loss spread evenly across the scalp rather than a specific bald patch. The lateral third of the eyebrows thinning is particularly characteristic of hypothyroidism. Thyroid treatment typically reverses hair loss within 3-6 months once levels normalize.

Hashimoto thyroiditis is an autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks the thyroid gland. It is the #1 cause of hypothyroidism in developed countries. The difference: regular hypothyroidism has no immune component; Hashimoto has elevated TPO antibodies. Hashimoto treatment also includes addressing the immune trigger (gut health, gluten, vitamin D deficiency, selenium supplementation 200mcg).