We've talked before about the role of the thyroid and how great of an impact it can have on your health and well-being. All sorts of symptoms can arise if your thyroid hormones are thrown off. Your energy levels can change, your body temperature can fluctuate, and you might even experience hair loss. As another example, many people with a malfunctioning thyroid gland, whether it's an overactive or underactive thyroid, notice a change in their body weight.

Why do some people with thyroid disorders lose weight or gain weight? What role do the thyroid hormones play in this? How can you monitor your thyroid hormone levels so that you can better regulate your body weight?

Understanding what's going on with the chemicals inside of you is crucial if you want to get your weight under control. So, let's dive in!

What Does the Thyroid Gland Have to Do With Body Weight?

The thyroid gland can influence body weight because of the impact it can have on the body's metabolism, which is the process the body goes through to turn food into energy.

When your body is at rest, you are at what's known as the basal metabolic rate (BMR). If your BMR is high, then your body is burning more calories, and you might experience weight loss. If your BMR is low, then you're burning fewer calories, and you might experience weight gain.

But what does this have to do with thyroid function?

If you have a thyroid disorder, your hormone levels might be higher or lower than desired. Excess thyroid hormone can raise your BMR (so you'll lose weight), and low thyroid hormone levels can decrease BMR, leading to weight gain.

So, depending on how your thyroid function is, this could be why you've noticed otherwise unexplainable weight changes. However, do note that not everyone with thyroid problems will automatically experience weight fluctuations.

How Does This Relate to Specific Thyroid Disorders?

There are various types of thyroid problems. When it comes to thyroid disease, we often talk about two in particular: hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.

Hypothyroidism occurs when the gland doesn't produce enough thyroid hormone, which is why it's called an underactive thyroid.

In people with hypothyroidism, BMR can be reduced by as much as 40%! This is why one of the symptoms of hypothyroidism is weight gain. Meanwhile, in hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid), when the body produces too much thyroid hormone, the BMR can increase by 50%, leading to weight loss.

This also helps explain why some of the symptoms of hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism are opposites. Aside from the former potentially leading to weight gain while the latter can lead to weight loss, hypothyroidism can make you feel depressed and sluggish, while hyperthyroidism can leave you feeling nervous and anxious (although to be clear, some of these folks still experience depression). The former leads to a slower heart rate, while the latter can cause a more rapid heart rate.

Learn more about hypothyroidism vs hyperthyroidism.

How to Monitor Your Thyroid Function to Stabilize Your Weight

Remember that if you're noticing weight gain or weight loss, it is a symptom of a bigger problem. While lifestyle habits like eating a healthy diet and moving your body regularly are important for maintaining your physique, you must get your thyroid disorder under control in order to improve your symptoms.

A simple blood test can offer insight into what your thyroid hormones are doing — whether you have low or high thyroid hormone levels. Treatment for thyroid disorders often involves medication, like levothyroxine, which replaces the thyroid hormone (thyroxine) that your body is not producing enough of.

Your healthcare provider might recommend blood work at regular intervals until your thyroid hormones are more within range, and it could also be ongoing if you're put on medication. This is because, over the years, the dosage you're taking might need to be tweaked, considering the levels of the body's hormones can change over time.

Sometimes, you need to fast for a thyroid test, but not always. Your provider will give you instructions on how to prepare for your blood draw.

eNational Testing has more than 2,000 locations across the United States. Our thyroid health panel offers insight into your T3, free T4, and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), the main active hormones produced by the thyroid gland. Order your test online, receive your order form instantly, and show up at your local testing center at a time convenient for you. We even offer same-day service!

Should you have questions after receiving your test results, you can follow up with a clinician to discuss the next steps.

Find a testing center near you or contact us with any questions or concerns.

Identifying and Addressing Your Thyroid Problem

This butterfly-shaped gland might be tiny, but if your thyroid hormones are out of range, chaos can ensue. Regardless of your activity level and food intake, a faster or slower metabolism due to hormones that are out of range can still lead to excess weight (or weight loss).

If you're noticing weight gain/loss or any other symptoms — like hair loss or fluid retention — speak with a healthcare provider and order lab work so you can better understand where your thyroid levels are at and what you can do to improve them.

While thyroid disorders are relatively common (especially if you have a family history), fortunately, they're treatable! Medication might be all you need to get things back on track.