An underactive thyroid is where your thyroid gland (a small gland in your neck) does not produce enough hormones.
Symptoms of an underactive thyroid include feeling tired all the time, gaining weight and being sensitive to cold.
An underactive thyroid is treated with medicine that raises the level of thyroid hormone in your body.
Symptoms of an underactive thyroid include feeling tired all the time, gaining weight and being sensitive to cold.
Many symptoms of an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) are the same as those of other conditions, so it can easily be confused for something else.
Symptoms usually develop slowly and you may not realise you have a medical problem for several years.
Common symptoms include:
Elderly people with an underactive thyroid may develop memory problems and depression. Children may experience slower growth and development. Teenagers may start puberty earlier than normal.
If you have any of these symptoms, see your GP and ask to be tested for an underactive thyroid.
An underactive thyroid is treated with medicine that raises the level of thyroid hormone in your body.
Treatment for an underactive thyroid involves taking daily hormone replacement tablets, called levothyroxine, to raise your thyroxine levels.
You'll initially have regular blood tests until the correct dose of levothyroxine is reached. This can take a little while to get right.
Once you're taking the correct dose, you'll usually have a blood test once a year to monitor your hormone levels.
You'll usually need treatment for the rest of your life. However, with proper treatment, you should be able to lead a normal, healthy life.