How to check Your Thyroid and Know If Your Hormones Are Out of Balance
You are tired, moody, gaining weight, and wondering if your thyroid is the problem. But every time you ask about it, your doctor runs a test or two and says, “everything looks fine.” You are left with more questions than answers, and still feeling off.
So how do you actually check your thyroid, and what tests matter most if you want to feel better, not just “normal” on paper?
In case you are new here, we’re Dr. Erin Hendriks and Dr. Maricela Castillo MacKenzie, founders of Elle MD, we help women uncover and treat the root causes of thyroid and hormone imbalances through functional medicine. If you are looking for answers beyond generic lab results, you are in the right place. Learn more about thyroid testing and support at Elle MD.
First, what does the thyroid do and why should you care?
A quick overview your thyroid gland controls key functions like metabolism, energy levels, body temperature, digestion, and mood. It helps regulate your menstrual cycle, sleep, and even how your brain works. When it is not working right You may feel cold, tired, sluggish, anxious, constipated, or like you are gaining weight no matter what.
How do doctors check your thyroid?
Physical exam
Your doctor may gently feel your neck to check for swelling, nodules, or tenderness. This simple palpation can sometimes detect goiter or asymmetry in the thyroid.
Blood tests
These are the gold standard. Most doctors begin with TSH, which measures how much thyroid-stimulating hormone your pituitary is sending out. Depending on the doctor, they may also check free T4, free T3, and thyroid antibodies.
Imaging
If a lump or enlargement is found, your doctor may order an ultrasound to visualize the gland and rule out nodules or other abnormalities.
How do you check your thyroid at home?
At-home blood tests
You can purchase a finger-prick thyroid test online. These kits usually measure TSH and sometimes free T4. Just be sure to follow up with a licensed provider to interpret the results and create a treatment plan.
Self-assessment for symptoms
Start tracking how you feel day to day. Are you more tired than usual? Cold all the time? Gaining weight despite no changes? These clues matter.
What are the most important thyroid labs to request?
Beyond TSH
TSH is important, but it does not tell the whole story. Ask for:
- Free T3
- Free T4
- Reverse T3
These show how well your body is converting and using thyroid hormones.
Autoimmune markers
Especially for women, thyroid issues often have an autoimmune trigger. Ask your provider to test for TPO and TG antibodies. These can reveal conditions like Hashimoto’s—even before TSH becomes abnormal. (American Thyroid Association on thyroid testing)
Functional medicine approach
Functional providers look at the full picture, including nutrient levels (like selenium, B12, and vitamin D), gut health, stress load, and inflammation. This context matters when building a treatment plan that actually helps you feel better.
How often should you check thyroid levels?
How often you check your thyroid depends on your current health status, symptoms, and whether you are taking medication. For most adults who are not experiencing symptoms and are not on thyroid medication, testing every 6 to 12 months is typically sufficient.
If you are on thyroid medication, especially if your dosage is being adjusted, more frequent testing is important—every 6 to 8 weeks at first, then about twice a year once your levels have stabilized. If you are going through hormonal shifts like perimenopause, postpartum recovery, or periods of high stress, more frequent monitoring may be helpful to catch imbalances early and keep your care proactive rather than reactive.
When to see a functional medicine doctor for thyroid issues
If you are told “everything looks normal” but you feel off
This is one of the top reasons women turn to functional medicine. You know your body better than anyone and symptoms are never “just in your head.”
If you want a holistic, personalized approach
Functional care combines advanced testing with lifestyle-based treatment: food, supplements, gut support, adrenal care, and more.
If you are in hormonal chaos and need more than a pill
For women in perimenopause, under chronic stress, or juggling autoimmune issues, functional medicine gives you the tools and clarity to heal from the inside out.
Ready to check your thyroid and get real answers?
At Elle MD, we specialize in helping women decode their thyroid symptoms and finally get answers that make sense. Through advanced testing and personalized care, we uncover the root cause and build a plan that actually works for you—not just your lab results.
Discover our thyroid services in Michigan and book your consultation today. Because feeling like yourself again isn’t optional—it’s essential.
*AI Disclosure:
This content may contain sections generated with AI with the purpose of providing you with condensed helpful and relevant content, however all personal opinions are 100% human made as well as the blog post structure, outline and key takeaways.
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*Blog Disclaimer: Please note that reading our blog does not replace any health or medical advice consultation. Read our blog disclaimer here.
Meet the Drs.
Dr. Hendriks and Dr. Castillo MacKenzie are board-certified physicians, female, specialized, with over 10 years of experience.
Elle MD started after practicing in a traditional primary care setting together for over a decade. We grew frustrated with the current healthcare model, which places no emphasis on addressing the root cause of chronic disease. A lot of times, conventional care doesn’t even promote overall wellness!
We founded Elle MD in Royal Oak, MI, with a vision of providing this care in a compassionate and personalized way.
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