We’ve chatted before about how to tell if you’ve got a thyroid problem. The thyroid gland, sitting in your neck, controls so many things in the body that when it goes wrong, it can cause all manner of symptoms.

Most commonly, people with thyroid problems have hypothyroidism. This means that their thyroid gland isn’t producing enough of the thyroid hormones which regulate the different bodily processes. This is treated by taking thyroid medication. Examples of this include levothyroxine (a synthetic treatment which is the most commonly prescribed) and natural desiccated thyroid options such as Armour Thyroid.

What you don’t realize: things change

The thing is though that thyroid fluctuation over time is very normal. Even the seasons, ageing and weight changes can affect the amount of hormones your thyroid produces. The thyroid is inherently complex! When this happens naturally, all is good.

However, if you have hypothyroidism and are therefore taking replacement thyroid hormones, you will always be taking the same dose. This means that at times you may actually be taking a dose which is now too low.

Taking thyroid medication for hypothyroidism is life improving, but finding the optimal dose can take some readjustment over time. Working out if what your body needs now differs from the dose you have been prescribed can be hard. But there are 6 potential signs that your thyroid medication is too low that you can look out for.

1.You feel run down

If you feel like you’re constantly on the verge of getting a cold, or feel like your body is ‘fighting something’ then it could be a clue that your thyroid medication is too low.

When your thyroid hormones are too low, the symptoms can mimic those of a cold starting. For example, you may experience a swollen throat and croaky voice, shivers, and cold hands and feet. If you particularly experience these as you move between a cold and warm environment then this could be an added clue as your thyroid hormones are key to helping you maintain a regulated body temperature.

2.You’re gaining weight

Weight gain, particularly without any other obvious cause, can be an indication that your metabolism is out of kilter. Your metabolism is dependent on thyroid hormones.

Look to your whole lifestyle. If you are eating a healthy and regular diet, with no extreme changes to your exercise patterns, but you’re still putting on weight, it could well be a sign that your thyroid medication is too low.

3.You have fatigue, exhaustion and brain fog

Low mood, exhaustion and brain fog are all related symptoms that indicate that your thyroid medication may be set at a too low dose. The brain seems to be highly sensitive to changes in thyroid hormones and, as such, it can act as a radar for when your thyroid medication is too low.

If you are experiencing problems with focus and memory, or feel exhausted and tired more than you would expect, then this could be time to review your thyroid medication.

4.Your menstrual cycle is unusual

Many women with hypothyroidism experience unpredictable menstrual cycles and other menstrual problems. Irregular periods, heavy bleeding (menorrhagia) and missed cycles are all connected to having too little of the thyroid hormones circulating.

Many women find, when they settle on the correct dose of thyroid medication, that their menstrual cycle becomes more regular and manageable. If you have started experiencing menstrual cycle irregularity or problems once more, this could be a sign that your thyroid medication needs checking.

5.You’ve got digestive problems

Typically, diarrhea can be an indication that your thyroid medication is too high and constipation can be a sign that your thyroid medication is too low. However, this isn’t always the case, and digestive symptoms should always be considered when deciding if your thyroid medication is set at the right dose.

Particularly if your digestion is sluggish then you may need to increase your thyroid medication dose.

6.You’re experiencing joint and muscle aches and pains

There is a clear association between hypothyroidism and joint pain as fluid can build up in the joints, causing inflammation and soreness. Numerous musculoskeletal issues can be worsened by thyroid problems, and indeed caused by them. Examples include carpal tunnel syndrome, swelling of the joints in the fingers and toes, shoulder and hip problems, and generalized joint pain and stiffness.

It can be difficult to determine if your joint pain and stiffness is being caused by too little thyroid hormone or other issues, mostly usually age. However, if you’re experiencing new or worsening joint and muscle pain, or a reawakening of an old pain, then it can be worth exploring what the cause of this is.

At International Pharmacy, we ensure that there’s always plenty of choice when ordering your thyroid medication. You can order the right dose for you. Always follow your doctor’s advice, but if you are concerned that your thyroid medication is too low then rest assured that it is often a case of adjusting the dose over time, and you’ll soon be managing your symptoms more effectively again soon.