Your Thyroid Might Be the Missing Link

Do you struggle with fatigue, low energy, brain fog, or feeling like you're just not quite yourself—despite sleeping well, eating clean, and exercising? If so, you’re not alone. Many patients come to us with persistent symptoms that seem to defy easy explanation. One key area we always explore? Your thyroid health.

Your thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland in your neck—but don’t let its size fool you. It plays a huge role in regulating energy, metabolism, mood, and even your ability to concentrate and recover from stress. If it’s not working optimally, you might feel like you’re constantly running on empty.

Let’s walk through how we look at thyroid function in our clinic—and how we help our patients get their energy (and life) back.

What Is the Thyroid and Why Does It Matter?

Your thyroid produces hormones that act like messengers, telling your body how fast to burn calories, how warm to stay, and even how to think clearly. These hormones include:

• T4 (Thyroxine): The main hormone your thyroid produces.
• T3 (Triiodothyronine): The active form your body actually uses.
• Reverse T3 (rT3): A kind of "brake" on your metabolism. Too much can make you feel sluggish.
• TSH (Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone): Made by your brain to tell your thyroid what to do.
• T2: A lesser-known hormone we're still learning more about.
  
  

Why Standard Thyroid Tests May Miss the Mark

Most traditional doctors test only TSH—and if it falls within a standard range, they consider your thyroid “normal.” But many people still feel tired, foggy, and off, even when their labs look okay.

Here at Longevity Health Clinic, we take a deeper look. We often test:

• Free T3 and Free T4 (what’s actually available in your bloodstream)
• Reverse T3 (which may block T3 from working)
• Thyroid antibodies (to rule out autoimmune thyroid conditions)
  
  

So What Happens If My Thyroid Is Off?

If you’ve been told your labs are “normal,” but you still feel awful, you may benefit from a more comprehensive approach. Here's how we approach thyroid optimization in patients with fatigue and hormone imbalance symptoms:

Our Thyroid Optimization Algorithm

Step 1: Clinical Evaluation

We start with a detailed review of your symptoms, health history, and lifestyle. We want to understand the whole picture—stress, sleep, diet, past illnesses, and more.

Step 2: Advanced Lab Testing

We check TSH, Free T3, Free T4—and sometimes reverse T3 and thyroid antibodies. These give us a better sense of how your thyroid is functioning on a cellular level.

Step 3: Targeted Treatment

Most patients start with T4-only therapy (levothyroxine), the standard thyroid hormone replacement. But if symptoms persist, we may consider:

• Adding T3 (liothyronine) for better energy and cognitive support.
• Using natural desiccated thyroid (NDT), which contains a combination of T4 and T3.
• Adjusting dosing based on both lab values and how you feel.
  
  

This is where personalization matters most—some people truly thrive with combination therapy.

Step 4: Monitor and Adjust

We regularly monitor labs, track symptoms, and tweak the plan as needed. Our goal? Not just “normal labs,” but a life you feel great living.

But What About Reverse T3 and T2?

Reverse T3 can act like a blocker, preventing your body from using T3 effectively—especially during chronic stress, illness, and significant weight loss. While not always part of standard care, we may look at it if you’re not improving.

T2 is still being researched, but we’re watching emerging evidence to understand its potential role in energy and metabolism.

Iodine Supplementation

Iodine is an essential micronutrient crucial for the synthesis of thyroid hormones, which regulate metabolism, growth, and development. For the general adult population, the recommended daily allowance (RDA) of iodine is 150 micrograms (mcg). Pregnant and breastfeeding women have higher requirements, with RDAs of 220 mcg and 290 mcg, respectively. 

Iodine Supplementation in Individuals with Normal Thyroid Function:

For individuals with normal thyroid function residing in iodine-sufficient regions, additional iodine supplementation is unnecessary. Excessive iodine intake can disrupt thyroid function and may lead to conditions such as hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. The American Thyroid Association advises against the ingestion of iodine or kelp supplements containing more than 500 mcg of iodine daily, as this exceeds the tolerable upper intake level of 1,100 mcg per day. 

Dietary Sources of Iodine:

Adequate iodine intake can typically be achieved through a balanced diet that includes:

• Seafood: Fish and shellfish are rich sources of iodine.
• Dairy Products: Milk, yogurt, and cheese contain varying amounts of iodine.
• Iodized Salt: Table salt fortified with iodine is a primary source in many diets.
• Eggs: Egg yolks provide iodine.

In regions where iodine deficiency is prevalent, public health measures such as salt iodization programs have been effective in preventing iodine deficiency disorders. 

Considerations for Specific Populations:

Certain groups may be at a higher risk of iodine deficiency, including:

• Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women: Increased iodine is necessary to support fetal and infant development.
• Individuals Following Vegan or Vegetarian Diets: These diets may lack sufficient iodine if not properly planned.
• Those with Limited Access to Iodized Salt or Iodine-Rich Foods: Populations in areas without iodine fortification programs may be at risk.

For these individuals, iodine supplementation may be considered under the guidance of a healthcare provider.

While iodine is vital for thyroid health, supplementation in individuals with normal thyroid function and adequate dietary intake is generally unnecessary and may pose risks if excessive. Maintaining a balanced diet with sufficient iodine-rich foods is the preferred approach to meet daily iodine requirements. Consultation with a healthcare professional is recommended before initiating any supplementation, especially for those with specific health conditions or dietary restrictions.

Lifestyle Still Matters

Even the best thyroid medication won’t work as well if the rest of your system is inflamed or under stress. That’s why we also support you with:

• Stress reduction techniques (like vagal nerve stimulation, breathwork, or adaptogenic herbs)
• Anti-inflammatory nutrition
• Optimizing sleep and exercise routines
• Supporting gut health, which affects hormone conversion
  
  

💬 You Deserve to Feel Better

If you're exhausted and your labs have been brushed off as "fine," it's time to take a more comprehensive approach. At Longevity Health Clinic, we look beyond the basics to uncover root causes and design a treatment plan that actually makes you feel better.

We believe you’re the expert on how you feel—and we’re here to help you feel like yourself again.