Hashimoto’s, fatigue, weight changes, and why “normal labs” don’t always feel normal
The thyroid is often described as the body’s metabolic thermostat, yet it is one of the most misunderstood glands in conventional healthcare. In my 21+ years of Functional Medicine practice, I’ve seen countless individuals told their thyroid labs are “normal” while they continue to struggle with fatigue, stubborn weight gain, brain fog, hair thinning, cold intolerance, and low motivation.
From a Functional Medicine perspective, the thyroid is rarely the root problem. More often, it is responding to deeper imbalances elsewhere in the body. This is why I use a comprehensive 80-marker blood chemistry assessment—to understand why the thyroid may be underperforming, rather than focusing on a single number.
The thyroid does not work in isolation. It communicates constantly with blood sugar regulation, stress hormones, immune activity, digestive function, and inflammation. When these systems are out of balance, the thyroid often adapts by slowing down or becoming dysregulated.
For example, chronic stress can signal the body to conserve energy, altering how thyroid hormone is converted at the cellular level. Blood sugar instability may increase inflammation, which interferes with hormone signaling. Digestive inefficiency can limit the absorption of key nutrients the thyroid depends on to function optimally.
This is especially relevant in Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, the most common autoimmune thyroid condition. In these cases, the immune system is involved—but the immune response itself is often driven by gut health, inflammation, stress load, and metabolic strain.
Standard thyroid screening often includes only TSH, which offers limited insight into how thyroid hormones are being produced, converted, and utilized by the body. A broader blood chemistry view allows us to see patterns related to inflammation, immune activation, blood sugar balance, and overall metabolic health.
Rather than asking, “Is this value in range?” I ask, “What is this pattern telling us about how the body is adapting?” This shift alone can reduce fear and confusion around lab results and open the door to more meaningful conversations about health.
When thyroid symptoms persist, we often find one or more of the Six Fundamental Defects of disease involved:
• Inflammation interfering with hormone signaling
• Hormonal imbalance, particularly stress hormones and insulin
• Blood sugar dysregulation increasing metabolic strain
• Digestive dysfunction affecting nutrient absorption
• Immune imbalance, especially in autoimmune thyroid conditions
• Mitochondrial inefficiency, impacting cellular energy
Addressing these foundational issues helps create an internal environment where the thyroid can function more efficiently.
As someone who values movement—whether it’s hiking, yoga, strength training, or being outdoors—I’ve seen firsthand how consistent, balanced activity supports metabolic health. Equally important are recovery, sleep, nourishment, and managing daily stress. The thyroid responds not just to what we eat, but to how we live.
Small, sustainable changes can have a powerful ripple effect across the entire endocrine system.
If you’ve been confused or discouraged by thyroid labs, you’re not alone. Understanding the broader metabolic picture often brings clarity and relief. The goal is not to chase numbers, but to support the body as a whole—gently, thoughtfully, and proactively.
If you’re curious about what your blood chemistry may be revealing beneath the surface, exploring a more comprehensive evaluation can be an empowering first step.
In 2015, I contacted Kelly for solutions to improve my thyroid, hormone and digestive issues. We began the journey with a blood chemistry analysis. The resulting program and supplements have kept me on a better life path and off pharmaceutical influences.
