3. Consider Your Thyroid
When your metabolism isn’t working properly, chances are that your thyroid gland may have something to do with it (3). Your thyroid gland regulates your metabolism thanks to two thyroid hormones (t3 & t4) and a thyroid-stimulating hormone.
T3 and T4 act on nearly every cell in the body to increase cellular activity. In fact, the hormones affect life-sustaining activities like:
- Breathing
- Heart rate
- Central and peripheral nervous systems
- Body weight
- Muscle strength
- Menstrual cycles
- Body temperature
- Cholesterol levels
- Much more!
Too little thyroid hormone causes you to feel cold, tired, unfocused, and depressed. It can also cause heavy periods, weight gain, joint pain, and trouble sleeping. Too much is associated with anxiety, irritability, nervousness, excessive sweating, and trembling. It can also cause hair loss, weight loss, and loss of muscle mass.
Your thyroid can become stressed from nutrients deficiencies, lack of sleep, excessive stress, and lack of exercise, so tackle these points before speaking to your doctor.