Feeling tired after a busy week is normal. But when tiredness becomes persistent, difficult to explain, or starts affecting your concentration, mood or everyday routine, it is worth looking beyond sleep and stress.
Your thyroid may be part of the picture. This small, butterfly-shaped gland in your neck produces hormones that help regulate energy use and metabolism. When the thyroid produces too little or too much hormone, tiredness can occur alongside other noticeable changes.
The difficulty is that tiredness can have many causes, and thyroid symptoms can overlap with conditions such as low iron or vitamin D deficiency.
So, which thyroid symptoms are worth knowing, what nutrients support normal thyroid function, and when is it time to speak with a pharmacist or GP?
Common Signs of an Underactive or Overactive Thyroid
The symptoms of thyroid problems can vary depending on whether the thyroid is producing too little or too much hormone. Knowing the common signs can help you recognise when persistent changes may be worth discussing with a healthcare professional.
Signs of an Underactive Thyroid
An underactive thyroid, also known as hypothyroidism, occurs when the thyroid does not produce enough thyroid hormones.
Common symptoms include:
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Persistent tiredness or low energy
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Feeling unusually cold
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Unexplained weight gain
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Dry skin
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Dry or thinning hair
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Constipation
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Difficulty concentrating or “brain fog”
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Low mood
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Muscle aches or weakness
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Changes to menstrual periods
Signs of an Overactive Thyroid
An overactive thyroid, or hyperthyroidism, occurs when the thyroid produces more thyroid hormones than the body needs.
Symptoms can include:
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Tiredness or weakness
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Unexplained weight loss
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Feeling unusually hot
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Increased sweating
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Fast or irregular heartbeat
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Shaking or trembling
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Feeling anxious, nervous or irritable
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Difficulty sleeping
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More frequent bowel movements
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Muscle weakness
Tiredness can occur with an overactive thyroid too, even when other symptoms such as restlessness, sweating or weight loss are present. Having some of these symptoms does not necessarily mean you have a thyroid problem, as many can have other causes. If they are persistent or unexplained, speak with a pharmacist or GP rather than trying to self-diagnose.
Why Thyroid Problems Can Be Confused With Low Iron or Vitamin D
Tiredness can occur with thyroid problems, but it is also common with nutritional deficiencies such as low iron or vitamin D deficiency. Symptoms such as weakness and difficulty concentrating can overlap too.
This makes it difficult to identify the cause from symptoms alone. Feeling tired does not tell you whether the cause is thyroid dysfunction, low iron, low vitamin D or something else.
Nutrients That Support Normal Thyroid Function
Iodine, selenium and zinc are important nutrients involved in normal thyroid function. Getting enough through a balanced diet is generally preferable, while supplements should be used appropriately rather than as a treatment for thyroid conditions.
If you are considering nutritional support, explore our Hormone Health range for supplements that may complement a balanced diet.
Iodine
Iodine is essential for the normal production of thyroid hormones, including thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3).
Food sources include fish, dairy products and eggs, although the amount of iodine in foods can vary. While adequate iodine intake is important, taking more is not necessarily better. Excessive iodine intake can affect thyroid function, so avoid high-dose iodine supplements unless advised by a healthcare professional.
Selenium
Selenium contributes to normal thyroid function and is involved in the processes that help the body use thyroid hormones.
Good food sources include fish, meat, eggs and nuts. Brazil nuts can be particularly high in selenium, although their selenium content can vary considerably.
As with iodine, the aim is to meet nutritional needs rather than take unnecessarily high amounts.
Zinc
Zinc contributes to normal thyroid function and plays a role in several essential processes in the body.
Sources include meat, shellfish, dairy products, eggs, nuts and seeds. A varied diet can help provide zinc alongside other nutrients the body needs.
If you take more than one supplement, check the labels to make sure you are not unintentionally taking high amounts of the same nutrient.
What Can a Pharmacist Assess, and What Needs GP Bloodwork?
A pharmacist can be a useful first point of contact if you are concerned about persistent tiredness or nutritional supplements. They can discuss your concerns, review what you are taking and advise on the appropriate next step.
What a Pharmacist Can Help With
A pharmacist can:
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Talk through your symptoms and concerns
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Review the medicines and supplements you currently take
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Provide guidance on appropriate nutritional products
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Help identify when your symptoms may need further medical assessment
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Recommend the most appropriate healthcare service for your concerns
A pharmacist cannot diagnose a thyroid disorder from symptoms alone. If your concerns suggest that you may need medical assessment, they can advise you on the most appropriate next step.
When GP Assessment and Blood Tests May Be Needed
A GP can assess your symptoms and medical history and decide whether blood tests are appropriate. Thyroid function tests can help assess how well your thyroid is working and may be appropriate when symptoms could have several possible causes.
If your tiredness is ongoing, unexplained or accompanied by other noticeable changes, your GP can determine whether further investigation is needed.
Supporting Your Nutritional Needs With Ballyduff Pharmacy's Hormone Health Range
If you are looking for nutritional support, our Hormone Health range includes supplements containing nutrients relevant to normal hormone function and overall wellbeing.
Depending on your dietary intake and individual needs, products containing nutrients such as iodine, selenium or zinc may be worth considering as part of a balanced diet.
Nutritional supplements are not a treatment for an underactive or overactive thyroid. If you have a diagnosed thyroid condition, take thyroid medication or are unsure whether a supplement is suitable for you, speak with your pharmacist or GP before starting one.
Explore our Hormone Health range for nutritional support that can complement a balanced diet.
The Bottom Line
Persistent tiredness can have many possible causes, and thyroid problems are only one of them. If your symptoms are ongoing or accompanied by other noticeable changes, it is worth getting appropriate advice rather than trying to identify the cause yourself.
A pharmacist can help you understand your concerns and advise on the next step, while your GP can investigate symptoms that may require further assessment.