Winter vs thyroid symptoms - how to tell the difference
In the colder months, there is a natural dip in energy levels. With shorter days, weaker sun, and chillier weather, our bodies instinctively slow down a little bit. So you might want to curl up on the couch earlier, eat more of your favourite comfort foods, and take things a little slower.
But where does winter sluggishness end, and something more serious begin?
We know that if you’re living with a thyroid condition like Hashimoto’s or hypothyroidism, winter can magnify your symptoms. But even if you’ve never had a thyroid diagnosis, what you’re dismissing as ‘just the winter blues’ or ‘wintertime fatigue’? Might actually be a sign that your thyroid isn't functioning at its best.
Similar symptoms of winter and your thyroid
So where do these two drivers of symptoms intersect? Here are five symptoms that show up as both a result of winter and thyroid dysfunction:
Low energy or bone-deep fatigue: A bit of winter tiredness is expected – it’s not the time to doing all of the things! But the type of fatigue linked to thyroid issues is more intense. This level of chronic fatigue doesn’t improve much with rest and can be described as feeling exhausted right down to the bone.
Dry skin and brittle nails: Cold weather can dry out the skin, particularly with lack of air circulation and indoor heating. But thyroid dysfunction slows down skin cell turnover and oil production, leading to more persistent dryness, cracking, or peeling of both skin and nails.
Feeling cold all the time: We all feel the chill more in winter. But if you’re rugged up and still freezing, especially in your hands and feet? It could be caused by a slower metabolism from low thyroid hormones.
Low mood or lack of motivation: The winter blues are real, and seasonal affective disorder (SAD) has several potential drivers. But thyroid hormones also play a key role in brain chemistry. So if you're feeling persistently flat, unmotivated and miserable, especially alongside other physical symptoms, it might not just be the weather’s fault.
Brain fog and memory issues: Shorter days, less time out in nature and lower vitamin D can make anyone a bit sluggish mentally. But thyroid-related brain fog often feels like you’re struggling to find words, stay focused, or follow conversations.
Why does this overlap happen?
The symptoms of winter and thyroid dysfunction look alike for a reason. They both affect key systems in the body in similar ways:
Energy regulation: Both winter and thyroid dysfunction can disrupt your body’s natural energy rhythms
Hormone balance: Reduced sunlight affects brain chemicals such as melatonin and serotonin, while low thyroid hormones also impact sleep, mood, and mental clarity due to shifts in the chemical balance
Nervous system function: Cold weather, stress, and low thyroid levels can all alter how the nervous system works
Immune system activity: The immune system is more active in winter, thanks to all those pesky germs making the rounds. But for those with thyroid dysfunction, this heightened activity can increase inflammation and trigger flares
What to watch for
Maybe you’ve always found winter challenging - you're often tired, a bit gloomy, and feel chilly all the time.
But if this year feels worse, or if your usual coping strategies aren’t helping? It might be time to take a closer look.
Ask yourself:
Are your symptoms sticking around even on brighter, more restful days?
Do you feel like you’re pushing through fatigue rather than bouncing back?
Are you noticing new symptoms like hair thinning, weight changes, or constipation?
If the answer is yes, your thyroid could be playing a role. So it's time to get it checked out!
Don’t guess - investigate
The truth is, it can be hard to tell the difference between these two on your own, especially when you’re already exhausted and foggy. But a health practitioner familiar with thyroid health can help you get clarity, assess whether your thyroid needs more support, and guide you with the right tests or treatment tweaks.