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The thyroid is a hormone-producing gland at the base of your throat. When it’s working properly, it’s an unsung hero of metabolism regulation, affecting the body’s energy usage, temperature, heart rate, and more. When you have hypothyroidism, however, the gland may not produce enough thyroid hormone, which slows metabolism and may cause fatigue.
According to Rachel Nutting, PA-C, a certified physician assistant in Boise, Idaho, fatigue is one of the most common complaints of people with hypothyroidism. “Generally, people come in with fatigue that’s not easily explained by other diseases,” she says. “Testing for thyroid dysfunction is one of the top tests I do.”
The hallmarks of thyroid-related fatigue are that it’s ever-present, no matter what you might do to combat it, and that your fatigue is accompanied by other symptoms related to slowed metabolism. These can include constipation, cold intolerance, depression, and weight gain, says Nutting.
So, what can you do? Here are some practical tips for addressing thyroid-related fatigue and getting your energy back.
Sources: Office on Women’s Health. Thyroid Diseas... + 12
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