Feeling Sluggish? The Simple Blood Test That Can Uncover a Thyroid Problem

It's common to feel tired after a long week, but when exhaustion becomes your new normal, it could be a thyroid problem.

The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland in your neck that regulates how your body uses energy. When it doesn't produce enough hormones, a condition known as hypothyroidism, every system in your body slows down.

Samuel Fink, MD, helps patients at his private practice in Tarzana, CA, identify these hormonal imbalances early. An estimated 20 million Americans have some form of thyroid disease, yet up to 60% are unaware of their condition.

Common signs you shouldn't ignore

Hypothyroidism symptoms often develop slowly over several years. You might first notice that you're sensitive to cold or that your skin feels unusually dry. Other signs include:

unexplained weight gain, muscle weakness, and a slowed heart rate. Dr. Fink often sees patients who mistake these symptoms for natural aging or stress. However, left untreated, hypothyroidism can lead to high cholesterol and heart problems, as well as cause mental health shifts, such as depression or forgetfulness.

Recognizing subtle early changes is vital to your long-term health.

Who is at the most significant risk for thyroid problems?

The primary risk factors for thyroid conditions include:

Gender: Women are five to eight times more likely than men to have thyroid problems. In fact, one in eight women will develop a thyroid disorder during her lifetime.
Age: The risk for thyroid issues, particularly hypothyroidism, increases as you get older. People over the age of 60 are at the highest risk, and screening becomes increasingly crucial in this age group.
Family history: Having a first-degree relative with thyroid disease significantly increases your own risk of developing a similar condition.
Medical history: Individuals with other autoimmune disorders (such as Type 1 diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis) are more susceptible to autoimmune thyroid diseases like Hashimoto’s or Graves’ disease.
Pregnancy and postpartum: Women are at a higher risk during pregnancy and in the first year after giving birth due to significant hormonal shifts.

The primary way we check your thyroid health is through a TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) test.

The role of the TSH test

This simple blood test measures how much TSH your pituitary gland is secreting into your bloodstream. If your TSH levels are high, it usually means your thyroid isn't functioning correctly. We may also test your T4 levels to get a clearer picture of your hormone production. These tests are fast, accurate, and performed right here in our office.

Treatment and moving forward

Fortunately, thyroid problems are very manageable. Treatment typically involves taking a daily synthetic thyroid hormone to restore your levels to a healthy range. Most patients start to feel significantly better within a few weeks of starting therapy.

Dr. Fink monitors your levels with regular blood work to ensure your dosage stays correct as your needs change.

If you can't seem to shake your sluggish feeling, it's time to check your levels. Give us a call or use our online booking tool to request an appointment. We are ready to help you find the answers you need to feel like yourself again. Call Dr. Fink's office at 831-218-6908 or request an appointment online today.