Endocrinology, by video or in person
Underactive Thyroid (Hypothyroidism)
The signs, the danger signs that mean hospital now, and how to see a doctor by video from anywhere in Nigeria.
Signs to look for
Underactive Thyroid (Hypothyroidism)
- Tiredness and feeling slowed down
- Weight gain
- Feeling cold more than others
- Dry skin, brittle hair or hair thinning
- Constipation
An underactive thyroid, or hypothyroidism, means the thyroid gland in the neck does not make enough thyroid hormone, so the body's processes slow down. It is more common in women and in older people, and the most common cause is an autoimmune condition called Hashimoto's thyroiditis. It can also follow thyroid surgery or treatment, and some medicines. Symptoms come on slowly and are easy to put down to stress or age. It is diagnosed with a blood test, usually TSH and free T4, and treated with a daily hormone tablet, levothyroxine, which most people take for life with a yearly blood test.
Medically reviewed by Dr Debo Odulana, Founder and Chief Executive, Mezo. Last reviewed . This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Care is decided with you after an examination.
Symptoms
- Tiredness and feeling slowed down
- Weight gain
- Feeling cold more than others
- Dry skin, brittle hair or hair thinning
- Constipation
- Heavy or irregular periods, or difficulty getting pregnant
- Low mood, poor memory or concentration
- A swelling in the neck (goitre) in some people
When to See a Doctor
Go to a hospital now if someone with an underactive thyroid becomes very drowsy, confused, very cold or has a slow heartbeat and slow breathing, which is rare but serious. See a doctor if you have several of the symptoms above, a neck swelling, or are planning a pregnancy with a thyroid condition, since the dose often needs to rise early in pregnancy. An endocrinologist can review results, adjust doses and look for the cause.
Treatment options
- Levothyroxine tablets once a day, on an empty stomach, at the same time each day
- A blood test six to eight weeks after starting or changing the dose
- Once stable, a blood test at least once a year
- Separating levothyroxine from iron, calcium and some antacids by several hours
- An early dose review in pregnancy
Common Questions
Will I need thyroid tablets for life?
Most people with an underactive thyroid do. If it was caused by something temporary, such as after pregnancy or a viral illness, your doctor may try lowering or stopping the tablets later.
Can I get pregnant with an underactive thyroid?
Yes. Well treated, it should not stop you having a healthy pregnancy. Tell your doctor if you are planning one or become pregnant, because your dose and blood tests usually need to change straight away.
Can my thyroid be managed by video?
Usually, yes. Thyroid care is mainly reading blood tests and adjusting the dose, which an endocrinologist can do on a call. A neck swelling may need an examination or a scan.
Need Help?
A hormone and diabetes specialist on a video call, who reads your results, plans treatment and the tests to repeat.
See an endocrinologist by videoIf any of the danger signs on this page applies, go to the nearest hospital now instead.
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