If symptoms such as depression, anxiety, fatigue, or inability to focus are persistent or significant, we find ourselves seeking mental health treatment. When a patient goes to see their primary care doctor or a psychiatrist and reports mental health symptoms, naturally, the solution will be some psychotropic medication such as SSRIs or a recommendation for counseling. Perhaps these interventions may provide some relief, but what happens if the underlying cause of these symptoms happens to be something else? Although there can be numerous different reasons for mental health symptoms, perhaps one of the most overlooked areas is the endocrine system, specifically the thyroid.

The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located at the front of the neck. It is responsible for secreting hormones that aid in almost every function of the human body, including metabolism, the cardiovascular system, the nervous system, the digestive system, and the reproductive system. According to The American Thyroid Association, 20 million Americans have some form of thyroid disease, and further, 60 percent of those with thyroid disease are unaware of their condition.

Common symptoms of an under-functioning thyroid, or hypothyroidism, include fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, fertility issues in women, and dry/thin........

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