Q. If I have thinning eyebrows as a symptom, how do I know if I have a thyroid problem? -Kay

You mentioned at the LOL Savings Summit that if you had lost the outer edges of your eye brows that it might be an indication of a thyroid problem, how can I find out more & correct? -Kay

Hi Kay,

Thinning of hair, fingernail thinning and breakage, and loss of eyebrows are just some of the many physical signs that correlate with low thyroid function. 

Evaluating this is quite easy and can be done with a simple blood test. You want to measure your TSH, freeT3, freeT4, TPO (peroxidase antibody) and antithyroglobulin antibody. 

As simple as it is to evaluate your true thyroid function, most physicians won’t order this full panel which would be covered by your insurance. They instead will limit their evaluation to TSH as the only marker. There is no way you can adequately evaluate the thyroid function of anyone over the age of 40 with this limited view. 

It would also be advisable to look at cortisol and DHEA if there are issues of fatigue, stress or sleep disorder. 

Did you know that a low functioning thyroid is a contributing factor in 60% of all heart attacks?  Thyroid function effects your entire body from brain, to heart, to energy and even sex drive. 

I would encourage you to discuss this with your family doctor and explain you physical symptoms in complete detail so that he/she can fully appreciate your needs. 

If you happen to be without a primary care doctor then I would be happy to help you explore this issue.  Call my office and ask for Mary Maxwell and she can schedule you for a complete evaluation of your health concerns. The number is 924-5300 or direct to Mary at 366-2122.

Take care,

Dr. Gary Huber