A few years ago, I went through what I now lovingly call my “mystery phase.” I was exhausted all the time, gaining weight even though nothing in my diet had changed, and my brain felt like someone had replaced it with a fog machine.
I kept thinking, Is this just aging? Stress? Mercury retrograde?
Spoiler: it wasn’t the planets.
For months, I felt like I was dragging myself through quicksand. Some days, it took all my energy just to make breakfast. And every time I tried to explain it, people would say things like, “Maybe you just need more sleep” or “You’re probably overthinking it.”
But deep down, I knew something was off. My body didn’t feel like my body.
And then, after finally insisting on a full thyroid panel, the truth came out.
My thyroid — that tiny butterfly-shaped gland in the front of my neck — had quietly been sabotaging my energy, mood, metabolism, and overall well-being for years.
And I had no idea.
The Thyroid: Your Body’s Hidden CEO
If your hormones were an orchestra, your thyroid would be the conductor — setting the rhythm for your metabolism, energy, body temperature, digestion, mood, hair, and skin.
When it slips out of balance, everything else does too.
The scary part? Thyroid issues are incredibly common in women, especially after 40 — yet most go undiagnosed.
Even scarier? Many people are only tested for TSH, which is not enough to catch subtle thyroid dysfunction. You need the big three:
TSH
Free T3
Free T4
Without all three, doctors can miss the early signs — leaving women suffering for years without answers.
Turn On Your Body's Fat Burning Power House!
The Day Everything Clicked
When I finally got those labs done, I burst into tears. Not because the results were bad — but because I finally had an explanation for everything I’d been feeling.
I wasn’t crazy. I wasn’t imagining it. And I definitely wasn’t “just tired.”
My thyroid was underperforming… and my body had been screaming for help the whole time.
That moment changed the course of my health — and my life.
So now, whenever another woman tells me, “Something feels off, but my doctor says my labs are fine,” I gently ask:
“Did they check free T3 and free T4?”
Because those numbers? They matter more than you think.
7 Signs Your Thyroid Might Be Holding You Back
Let’s break it down — here are the most common signs of thyroid imbalance, told in normal human language (not medical jargon).
1. You’re exhausted… and not the normal kind
This isn’t “busy mom tired.” This is bone-deep exhaustion that doesn’t improve with sleep. Your body feels out of fuel — because it kind of is.
2. Your metabolism slows down
If you feel like you gain weight just by looking at food, or your clothes don’t fit even though you haven’t changed your diet, your thyroid may be whispering for help.
3. Brain fog becomes your unwanted roommate
I used to forget mid-sentence what I was talking about. If you feel mentally slower, scattered, or foggy — this is a huge thyroid clue.
4. Your mood dips or shifts suddenly
Anxiety, sadness, irritability — all can be related to thyroid hormones. One study even found that undiagnosed hypothyroidism is often mistaken for depression.
5. Your skin, hair, and nails change
Dry skin. Thinning hair. Brittle nails. These are classic signs your thyroid isn’t producing enough hormones to keep your cells regenerating properly.
6. You’re always cold
If everyone else is fine and you’re wrapped in three blankets like an icicle… this one’s for you.
7. Your digestion slows waaaay down
Constipation or bloating that doesn’t improve with diet changes can point to sluggish thyroid function.
If several of these sound familiar, it’s time to dig deeper.
Why Proper Testing Matters (PLEASE read this part)
Most women are only given a TSH test.
But here’s the truth:
TSH alone does NOT give the full picture.
For the most accurate diagnosis, you must ask for:
TSH
Free T3 (the active thyroid hormone your cells actually use)
Free T4 (the hormone your body converts into T3)
Sometimes TSH looks “normal,” but T3 is low — and that’s the number that actually determines how energetic, focused, and metabolically balanced you feel.
Repeat after me: You deserve the full panel. Always.
If results are off, talk to your doctor about proper medication — because if your thyroid truly needs support, relying on supplements alone is not enough.
Natural Support That Helps (Alongside Medical Care)
While medication is essential for many women, certain science-backed supplements can support thyroid health when used responsibly — especially if your levels are borderline or you’re working on overall inflammation and nutrient deficiencies.
Here are some top-rated options available on Amazon:
Selenium (Brazil Nut Source or Supplement)
What It Supports: Thyroid hormone conversion
Why It Matters: Helps convert T4 into active T3; reduces autoimmune thyroid antibodies.
Ashwagandha Root Extract
What It Supports: Stress + hormone regulation
Why It Matters: Chronic stress impacts thyroid output; ashwagandha can improve cortisol balance and support energy.
Iodine (Only if deficient!)
What It Supports: Hormone production
Why It Matters: Your thyroid requires iodine — but only supplement if you know you’re low (too much can make things worse).
Reminder: Always consult your doctor before adding supplements, especially if you are on thyroid medications or have autoimmune conditions like Hashimoto’s.
My Routine for Thyroid Support (Simple & Realistic)
Once I understood what was happening, I made small but powerful changes:
I prioritized sleep — real sleep, not “falling asleep on the couch with Netflix on.”
I reduced stress (breathwork helped massively).
I added more zinc, selenium-rich foods, and anti-inflammatory meals.
I walked daily instead of relying only on intense workouts.
I didn’t overhaul my life — I just started supporting my body instead of pushing it.
And slowly but surely I got my energy back. My mind got clearer. My weight stabilized. My mood lifted.
My body was healing.
A Few Funny “Aha!” Moments Along the Way
I used to think my hair shedding was just “seasonal.” No. It was my thyroid waving a red flag.
I blamed my brain fog on “being busy.” Turns out, my brain was literally low on thyroid hormones.
I bought three different sweaters because I “run cold.” Girl… that was hypothyroidism.
Once you know, you know. And honestly? The clarity feels empowering.
Final Thoughts: Listen to Your Body — It’s Always Talking
If you’ve been feeling tired, disconnected, heavy, foggy, or “just not yourself,” please don’t ignore it.
Your body is not betraying you — it’s communicating.
Your thyroid might be the missing piece you never considered.
Get the full blood panel. Advocate for yourself. And if needed, pursue proper treatment with your doctor.
Then support your healing naturally with stress reduction, nutrient-rich foods, and targeted supplements if appropriate.
You deserve to feel good.
You deserve clarity, energy, vitality, and confidence.
Sometimes the first step is as simple as asking one question:
“Could this be my thyroid?”
Because once you know, you can reclaim your health — and your life — one empowered choice at a time.
