Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism)
Overview
An underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) is a common condition where the thyroid gland in your neck does not make enough hormones. This can cause symptoms like tiredness and weight gain. It can be managed with treatment.
Symptoms
Symptoms of an underactive thyroid may be mild and may not be easy to notice. Common symptoms include: feeling extremely tired (fatigue)feeling cold more than usualputting on weightconstipationdifficulty concentrating or thinking clearlylow mood or depressiondry skin, dry hair or hair lossa croaky (hoarse) voiceirregular or heavy periods if you have them Symptoms usually develop slowly and get worse over time.
Causes
In the UK, the main cause of an underactive thyroid is an autoimmune condition called Hashimoto's disease. If you have Hashimoto's disease, your immune system attacks your thyroid gland meaning it cannot make enough thyroid hormone. Hashimoto's disease is most common in women, and usually starts between the ages of 30 and 50. But anyone can get an underactive thyroid. An underactive thyroid can also be caused by: having another thyroid condition, such as thyroiditissurgery or radiotherapy around your neck or thyroidtreatment for an overactive thyroidnot getting enoughiodinein your diet – this is rare in the UKtreatment with certain medicines You're also more likely to have an underactive thyroid if others in your family have had a thyroid condition.
Treatment
An underactive thyroid is usually treated with medicine to replace the thyroid hormone that your body cannot produce. This medicine is usuallylevothyroxinetablets. You'll usually need to take them for the rest of your life to prevent your symptoms returning. You should be able to live a normal life. You'll have regular blood tests to check you're on the right dose of levothyroxine. Being on the wrong dose can cause side effects, such as feeling or being sick, diarrhoea, headaches or problems sleeping. If you have any side effects, talk to your GP or a pharmacist.
Prevention
Cannot be prevented.
When to see a doctor
See GP if: symptoms of underactive thyroid (tired, weight gain, cold).