Thyroid fatigue is a common, yet in many cases, not recognized condition in many people worldwide. Mainly characterized by perpetual fatigue, low energy, and general feelings of being unwell, thyroid fatigue significantly impacts an individual’s day-to-day life.
It mostly occurs due to the malfunctioning of the thyroid, mainly hypothyroidism where the thyroid is underactive in hormone production to meet the body’s needs. The fatigue that arises can be incapacitating and make it hard to execute even the simplest tasks.
Learning the root causes of thyroid fatigue is an important way to help manage it in a very proactive and effective way. This guide will walk you through the main contributing factors to thyroid fatigue, from diet and exercise to stress management and medical treatments.
Whether it is new in your life or if you have been living with thyroid fatigue for years, this complete guidebook will practically dole out the tips and strategies for you to get back power and a better quality of life.
Understanding Thyroid Fatigue: Causes and Symptoms
Thyroid fatigue is mostly caused by the condition of an underactive thyroid gland, which in other terms refers to hypothyroidism. Inadequate production of hormones by the thyroid slows down the body’s metabolism, thus giving several symptoms.
Among them is fatigue, which is the most domineering symptom. Acquiring knowledge of the root causes and identification of symptoms may be taken as the first step toward the proper management of thyroid fatigue.
Thyroid Fatigue Causes
The thyroid gland manufactures T4 (Thyroxine) and T3 (Triiodothyronine); it acts in the metabolic functions of the body. If the thyroid under-functions and there is low production of these hormones, then the metabolic activity is slowed down. When the metabolic activity is at a low pace, there is a sharp drop in energy levels, and this might result in continuous fatigue.
Most common causes of hypothyroidism:
Autoimmune: Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks its thyroid. This is the most common cause of hypothyroidism.
Iodine Deficiency: It is one of the essential micronutrients in the body that is used in the synthesis of thyroid hormones, and without it, hypothyroidism and fatigue may develop.
Drugs: Such drugs as lithium can disturb the functions of the thyroid and therefore bring about fatigue.
Thyroid surgery: If the thyroid gland is wholly or partially removed, it can result in less hormone production and, therefore, tiredness.
Radiation treatment: Cancers in the region of the head and neck can be dealt with using treatments. However, radiation treatment has a chance of affecting the working of the thyroid, and hence it results in fatigue as well.
Fatigue Symptoms of Thyroid
Thyroid fatigue is unique in the sense that it does not improve after rest. Other common symptoms that underpin thyroid tiredness include:
Weight Gain: Unexplained gain in weight or difficulty losing weight despite a good diet and exercise.
Cold intolerance: Being cold without reason, even when in a warm place.
Muscle weakness: General weakness, which is quite found at large, especially in the arms and legs, makes it hard to perform most personal or daily activities.
Dry Skin and Hair: Skin is dry and scaly, and hair is brittle, tending to thin over time.
Depression and Mood Swings: A pervasive state of sadness, irritability, or a bad attitude that cannot be explained by the situation at hand.
The presentation of all these well-known symptoms is what makes the diagnosis of fatigue in thyroid treatment possible. This condition can be diagnosed early to prevent deterioration of symptoms and, in relation, life quality.
How to Deal with Thyroid Fatigue
Thyroid fatigue can disrupt your daily life. Our article offers insights into hypothyroidism, its symptoms, and actionable advice for reclaiming your energy and well-being.
Be Consistent with your Thyroid Replacement Medication
People with an existing underactive thyroid, including those with severe cases, can suppress their fatigue by consistently taking thyroid hormone replacement medication.
You are advised to take your thyroid medication on an empty stomach, especially morning hours, every day at the same time.
Should you meet the TSH goals but still keep feeling fatigued, your endocrinologist or doctor may recommend T3 medication as an addition to the T4 hormones.
Maintain a Balanced Blood Glucose
Balanced blood sugar levels play a great role in maintaining a healthy functioning thyroid. Avoid high glycaemic carbohydrates.
These are major triggers of insulin secretion in the pancreas to help in the removal of extra glucose in the blood.
Too much activity in the pancreas could eventually hinder the ability of your cells to respond to insulin.
It will then mean forcing your pancreas to work harder than usual to try and get the cells to accept glucose.
In the end, the high glycaemic carb intake will introduce insulin resistance, which will then lead to inflammation in the thyroid gland.
Understand that low blood glucose is also a risk, so keep it balanced.
It doesn’t matter what other efforts you embrace because, as long as you have imbalanced blood glucose, your thyroid function will consistently be weakened.
Normal post-prandial blood glucose should read 120 mg/dL every two hours max after a meal.
Embrace Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) has been found to alter negative thought patterns.
This form of therapy keeps the mind active and helps the patient distinguish negative fatigue-thinking.
With this therapy, it becomes easy to convince your body that it can adapt and can do anything.
Limit the Intake of Caffeine and Alcohol
Usually, people suffering from thyroid are tempted to take small amounts of caffeinated drinks to boost energy.
Although doing so might give you a lift, it would be short-lived and not address long-term thyroid fatigue.
Just like caffeine, alcohol would also sap your energy at some point and worsen the feeling of weakness.
Both of these drinks also interfere with sleep patterns, which then triggers insomnia and finally, uncontrollable fatigue. If you must take a cup of coffee, at least not more than one, and should be taken before noon.
Engage in Anabolic Workouts
Yoga, tai chi, and qigong are some of the best anabolic workouts for fighting thyroid fatigue. These do not interfere with body tissue and are easy to engage in.
Although exercise is one of the quickest ways to attract energy to the body, with thyroid disease, catabolic workouts can be exhausting because they force the body to break down tissues.
Anabolic exercises, on the other hand, encourage a smooth flow of energy without breaking a sweat.
Get Enough Sleep
According to the NHS, the average person should get at least 8 hours of sleep every night for the proper functioning of the body.
Although it is an important fact for everyone, it is particularly crucial for people with thyroid disease.
With hypothyroidism, thyroid hormones are involved in so many functions that slow metabolism and trigger fatigue.
The most immediate step towards fostering better sleep is by taking medication as directed by your doctor.
Taking a high dose can introduce insomnia and, in worse cases, trigger osteoporosis.
Take Advantage of Sunlight
Did you know that the Vitamin D3 produced by the sun is responsible for increasing the feel-good neurochemicals, including serotonin and dopamine?
Well, with thyroid disease, your chances of enjoying a boost in energy depend on this type of vitamin D.
A study done by Boston University researchers found that a deficiency in this vitamin has a direct effect on the DNA and can affect biological functions that are linked to autoimmune disorders.
If you are experiencing unexplainable fatigue, thyroid disease could be to blame, so have yourself checked.
Besides medication, a good diet, exercise, and a change of lifestyle, adequate sleep is crucial in thyroid management.
The reason is that insufficient rest can heighten inflammation and lower your immune function.
Also, remember that your body needs micro-nutrients and vitamins to boost its functionality. Otherwise, you may lack sufficient physical, emotional, and mental energy.
About The Author:
Ashley is a Fashion and Fitness Enthusiast and she educates people about her experience in fashion, beauty, and fitness. She loves to ski and travel.