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Hormones and metabolism

Hypothyroidism

Also called thyroid, low thyroid, underactive thyroid, tsh problem, thyroid problem

What it isSignsWhat to doWhat to avoidFeel betterCall a doctor

What this condition is

Hypothyroidism means your thyroid gland, a small butterfly shaped gland in the neck, is not making enough thyroid hormone. This hormone controls how fast your body uses energy, so when it is low, many things in the body slow down. It is common, especially in women, and is easily diagnosed with a simple blood test. If you feel tired, low or sluggish, please be gentle with yourself, as these can be features of the condition rather than any fault of your own. With the right daily tablet and regular checks, most people feel completely normal again.

Signs to watch for

  • Feeling tired and sluggish
  • Weight gain without eating more
  • Feeling cold easily
  • Dry skin and hair, and hair fall
  • Constipation
  • Low mood or feeling down
  • Puffiness of the face
  • Heavy or irregular periods in women

What to do

  • Take your thyroid tablet on an empty stomach, usually 30 to 60 minutes before food
  • Take it at the same time every day
  • Get your thyroid blood tests done as advised by your doctor
  • Eat a balanced diet with adequate iron and iodine from regular foods
  • Stay active to support your energy and weight

What to avoid

  • Do not skip or stop your tablet, even when you feel fine
  • Do not take your thyroid tablet along with calcium or iron tablets at the same time
  • Avoid self adjusting your dose
  • Do not assume tiredness is only laziness, as it may be your thyroid

Ways to feel better day to day

  • Keep a fixed morning routine so you never miss your tablet
  • Add fibre and water to your diet to ease constipation
  • Include gentle exercise like walking and stretching
  • Get enough sleep and rest when your body needs it
  • Track your symptoms so you and your doctor can see improvement

Speak to a doctor if

  • Symptoms continuing despite taking your tablet regularly
  • Very severe tiredness, slowed thinking or feeling very cold
  • Swelling in the neck
  • Planning a pregnancy or already pregnant, as the dose may need review
  • New chest discomfort or a very slow heartbeat

Your next step

Turn this into a plan that is yours

Everything above is general. Your dose, your targets and your test schedule depend on your age, your reports and the other conditions you live with.

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Doctors and care for hypothyroidism

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See all conditions

How to use this page. It explains conditions in plain language so that you can take part in your own care and know when to call. It is not a diagnosis and it does not know your age, your pregnancy, your kidney or liver function, or the other medicines you take. Please do not start, stop or change any medicine on your own.

Consult a doctorGeneral Medicine

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Emergency numbers in India

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Where to read more

Public health sources written for patients rather than for doctors, and kept up to date.

Ministry of Health and Family WelfareOfficial Indian health programmes, advisories and public guidanceWorld Health Organization health topicsGlobal fact sheets written for the public, on hundreds of topicsNHS health A to ZPlain language pages on symptoms, conditions, tests and treatmentsMedlinePlusPatient information from the United States National Library of MedicineTele MANASIndia's national mental health support service, free and available all day

Important: Everything in Teleprac patient resources is general health education. It does not give you a diagnosis and it cannot replace examination by a qualified doctor, because it does not know your age, your reports, your pregnancy or the other medicines you take. Please do not start, stop or change any medicine on your own. Teleprac Healthcare is not liable for decisions made on the basis of this information. In an emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest hospital immediately.