Beyond the Thyroid - Episode 3: Thyroid Symptoms From "Dizzy Head" to "Cold Feet”

In the third episode of Beyond the Thyroid, I take a deep dive into the complex world of hypothyroidism, and I want to show you that it’s about so much more than just weight gain. I discuss nearly 100 symptoms that can be triggered by an under-active thyroid, shedding light on the often-overlooked signs that many doctors and patients might miss.

Hypothyroidism: More Than Just Weight Gain
I start by debunking the common misconception that hypothyroidism is only about being overweight. Yes, weight issues can be a symptom, but fatigue is actually the most common complaint I hear from people dealing with thyroid problems. I even share my own experiences with constant tiredness, cold hands and feet, and frequent illness—all of which I later learned were linked to my own thyroid disorder.

Three Key Symptom Groups
I’ve organized the symptoms of hypothyroidism into three groups that I often see in my practice:

1. Characteristic Signs: These are the tell-tale signs that immediately raise red flags for me. They include thinning of the outer eyebrow, swollen or nodular thyroid glands, a puffy face, and cold extremities. If a patient has one or more of these, I know it’s time to dig deeper into their thyroid health.
2. Common Symptoms: These are the vague symptoms that can easily be attributed to other conditions. Fatigue, brain fog, a suppressed immune system, infertility, and mood disorders all fall into this group. When I see these symptoms together, even if lab results look normal, I know we need to explore thyroid health more closely.
3. Less Common Symptoms: These are the symptoms that might surprise you, like tinnitus, vertigo, decreased sweating, and even carpal tunnel syndrome. It’s fascinating how addressing thyroid dysfunction can sometimes alleviate these unusual symptoms.

Practical Insights and Upcoming Episodes
I don’t just list symptoms—I give you practical advice on how to recognize and address them. It’s so important to consider the bigger picture when it comes to thyroid-related issues and push for comprehensive testing beyond the standard TSH and T4 levels.

I also have an exciting upcoming episode with Dr. McDaniel, a pioneer in integrative endocrinology. We’ll be discussing the origins and current applications of advanced thyroid treatment techniques, so stay tuned!

If you're struggling with unexplained symptoms that could be tied to your thyroid health, this episode of Beyond the Thyroid is essential listening. My breakdown of symptoms will help you better understand and manage hypothyroidism.

If you found this episode insightful, please consider leaving a five-star review for the Beyond the Thyroid podcast. Your support helps others find this valuable resource. To learn more about Dr. Gibbs and her approach to hormone health, visit her website at www.danagibbsmd.com. Remember, this podcast is for educational purposes and should not replace personalized medical advice. Stay tuned for more episodes as we continue this journey together beyond the thyroid.