How to Control Thyroid?

One of the most common questions I hear is 'I'm gaining weight. Could it be my thyroid?'" says endocrinologist Dorothy Fink, MD, assistant professor of medicine at NYU Langone Medical Center. It's true that if you're hypothyroid, you may see a change on the scale.

But the condition typically comes with other symptoms, too, such as fatigue, constipation, and irregular periods.

And even if you are experiencing multiple signs, your doc will likely also consider a hormone dysfunction (such as polycystic ovary syndrome) or perimenopause, as well as unhealthy habits (such as skimping on exercise or sleep).

Ideally, says Dr. Fink, your doc would analyze these factors in addition to ordering a blood test for thyroid disease.

You've probably seen supplements claiming to offer "thyroid support." Don't believe the hype: When Mayo Clinic researchers analyzed popular pills available online, they discovered that even those billed as herb-based contained varying amounts of actual thyroid hormones

Even scarier, the doses of hormones found in some of these products were higher than those in prescription meds. "A large dose can cause dangerous side effects, such as arrhythmias and problems with your bones," says Dr. Fink.

Try this simple test from the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists to see if you have a telltale sign of thyroid disease.

Use a handheld mirror to look at the lower front area of your neck, above your collarbones and below your voice box.

Tip your head back, take a sip of water, and watch for protrusions in that area.

If you notice a bulge, call your doc. You may have a thyroid nodule or enlarged thyroid (an indication of hypo- or hyperthyroidism).

Get iodine from food. A daily dose of 150 mcg in your diet is crucial for the production of thyroid hormones

Iodine is typically added to table salt, but even if you're on a low-salt diet, says Dr. Fink, you can get enough from other foods, like fish, dairy, eggs, and processed grains

Filter your water. Perchlorate, a chemical that interferes with the thyroid's absorption of iodine, has been found in some tap water, says Johanna Congleton, PhD, a senior scientist at the Environmental Working Group.

Contact your public works utility to find out if your water has been tested. If the chemical has been detected, try a reverse osmosis filter.

Avoid triclosan. This antibacterial agent, present in some soaps, is similar in structure to thyroid hormones. Animal studies link it to lower levels of the hormones, says Congleton.

Ditch nonstick. The coating may be made with perfluorochemicals, which some studies have connected to thyroid disease.