Thursday, January 08, 2026 | By: Casey Posey, MSN, APRN-BC at Glow Health and Wellness
January marks Thyroid Awareness Month, an annual campaign led by the American Thyroid Association to raise awareness about thyroid disorders, promote early detection, and educate the public on symptoms and treatment options¹. This small butterfly-shaped gland at the base of your neck produces hormones that regulate metabolism, energy levels, heart rate, body temperature, and mood. When it doesn't function properly, it can lead to significant health issues that often go unnoticed.
In 2026, thyroid conditions continue to affect millions. Approximately 20 million Americans have some form of thyroid disease, with up to 60% remaining undiagnosed². Women are 5 to 8 times more likely than men to develop thyroid problems, often due to autoimmune causes, pregnancy, or menopause³. These disorders can be hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) or hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid). With advancements in telehealth and at-home testing, detecting and managing thyroid issues is more convenient than ever. This post highlights common symptoms focusing on fatigue, weight changes, and mood disturbances, and how modern testing options can help.
Thyroid problems often develop slowly, making symptoms easy to dismiss as stress, aging, or lifestyle factors. Recognizing them early is key.
One of the most reported symptoms is unrelenting fatigue. In hypothyroidism, low hormone levels slow metabolism, causing deep tiredness that rest doesn't fix⁴. You may need extra sleep, frequent naps, or experience "brain fog", trouble focusing or mental sluggishness. This can affect daily activities, work, and relationships.
Hyperthyroidism can also lead to fatigue, often from insomnia or restlessness due to excess hormones revving the body⁵. People describe feeling "wired but exhausted." If energy remains low despite good habits, it could signal a thyroid issue.
Sudden or stubborn weight shifts without diet or exercise changes are a major clue. Hypothyroidism slows calorie burning, leading to gradual weight gain, often 5–20 pounds, with puffiness from fluid retention⁴. The weight may resist loss efforts and concentrate around the face or abdomen.
In hyperthyroidism, accelerated metabolism causes unintended weight loss, even with increased appetite⁵. This can include muscle weakness. Tracking weight over time can reveal patterns linked to thyroid imbalance.
Thyroid hormones affect brain chemistry, so mood changes are common. Hypothyroidism is associated with depression, anxiety, irritability, or cognitive issues like memory problems⁴. These can feel like persistent low mood or overwhelm.
Hyperthyroidism often brings anxiety, nervousness, irritability, or restlessness⁵. You might feel on edge, with trouble relaxing. In today's stressful world, these can be mistaken for burnout, but combined with physical symptoms, they warrant checking.
Additional symptoms include:
If several symptoms overlap, especially with risk factors like family history, consult a provider. Untreated thyroid issues can raise risks for heart disease, osteoporosis, or other complications⁸.
In 2026, with busy schedules, remote work, and ongoing stressors, subtle symptoms are often attributed to other causes. Fatigue blamed on screens, weight changes on diet, mood issues on life pressures. Women in perimenopause and older adults are especially likely to have delayed diagnoses, as symptoms mimic hormonal or age-related shifts⁹. Thyroid Awareness Month encourages tracking symptoms and proactive testing.
See a healthcare provider if symptoms persist for weeks, worsen, or include multiple signs. Blood tests for TSH, free T4, free T3, and antibodies can confirm issues¹⁰. Early treatment, often with medication, can restore balance effectively.
While not all cases are preventable, adequate iodine intake (from iodized salt or seafood), stress management, and regular exercise support thyroid health¹⁶. Avoid excessive goitrogens (like raw cruciferous vegetables) if at risk.
As we enter 2026 and celebrate January's Thyroid Awareness Month, it's the perfect time to listen to your body. Persistent fatigue, unexplained weight changes, or mood shifts could be signs that your thyroid needs attention. At Glow Health and Wellness, we make it easy to take the next step with convenient telehealth consultations, comprehensive thyroid testing, and personalized functional medicine plans designed to optimize your hormone health.
Getting checked has never been simpler or more private so schedule a visit, receive expert guidance on your lab results, and start a tailored treatment path that fits your life. Empower yourself with early detection and the right support for lasting energy, balanced mood, and overall vitality.
Ready to feel your best? Contact Glow Health and Wellness today to book your thyroid evaluation and take control of your health in 2026. Your brighter, healthier future starts here.
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