How to Check If Your Thyroid Gland Is Working Properly

The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland at the front of your neck, wrapped around the windpipe. It makes hormones that control how your body uses energy — affecting your weight, heart rate, temperature, digestion, mood, skin and hair. ~Dr. Raghav Thukral

Thyroid problems can affect anyone: men, women, children and older adults. Some are present at birth, and many develop with age — especially in women after pregnancy or around menopause.

Signs Your Thyroid May Need Checking

An underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) often causes:

• Tiredness that doesn’t go away and low motivation
• Weight gain or difficulty losing weight
• Feeling cold, with cold hands and feet
• Constipation
• Dry skin and scalp, and thinning hair or hair that won’t grow
• High cholesterol, heavy or irregular periods, and low mood

An overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) often causes:

• Weight loss or difficulty gaining weight despite eating well
• Heart palpitations or a fast heartbeat
• Anxiety, irritability and insomnia
• Night sweats and feeling hot
• Frequent bowel movements and trembling hands

A swelling or lump in the front of the neck should always be checked by a doctor.

The Tests That Confirm It

Symptoms alone can’t tell you whether your thyroid is the cause — they overlap with many other conditions. A simple blood test gives the answer:

• TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone): the main screening test. High TSH usually suggests an underactive thyroid; low TSH an overactive one.
• Free T4 and T3: the thyroid hormones themselves.
• Anti-TPO antibodies: show whether an autoimmune condition such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is present.

Your doctor may also suggest an ultrasound if a lump or swelling is felt.

Foods That Support Thyroid Health

• Iodised salt in normal amounts — iodine is essential for thyroid hormones.
• Selenium and zinc: eggs, fish, sunflower and pumpkin seeds, whole grains and pulses.
• Protein at every meal: dals, paneer, curd, eggs or lean meat.
• Fresh fruits and vegetables, including cooked cruciferous vegetables such as cabbage and cauliflower in normal amounts.
• Limit highly processed food, excess sugar, and very large amounts of raw soy or raw cruciferous vegetables.

If you take thyroid medicine, take it exactly as prescribed and keep a consistent gap before breakfast, tea, and calcium or iron supplements. Read more in our Thyroid treatment page.