Hypothyroidism
About the disease & condition
Overview
Commonly called an underactive thyroid, it slows down the body’s metabolism. It is a common condition, especially among older women, and is easily manageable with medication.
Known Symptoms
- Fatigue and lethargy
- Weight gain
- Feeling cold
- Constipation
- Dry skin and hair
- Muscle weakness
- Depression
- Slowed heart rate
Known Causes
- Primary Cause: Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (an autoimmune disorder).
- Other causes: Treatment for hyperthyroidism, thyroid surgery, certain medications, and radiation therapy.
- Risk Factors: Being female, over age 60, family history, and having an autoimmune disease.
Diagnosis
- Blood tests: To measure levels of Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH) and thyroxine (T4). High TSH and low T4 confirm primary hypothyroidism.
Management
- Medications: Daily oral synthetic thyroid hormone levothyroxine. Dosage is adjusted based on periodic blood tests.
- No immediate management is typically required as it is a chronic condition managed with daily medication.
Care & Prevention
- Care recommendations: Consistent daily medication, usually taken on an empty stomach. Regular blood tests to ensure correct dosage.
- Prevention: There is no prevention for most cases. The focus is on early detection and treatment to manage symptoms and prevent complications.
Relevant Specialties
Endocrinology
Our Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism offers specialist, long-term care for hormone and metabolic disorders such as diabetes, thyroid disease, pituitary, adrenal and bone-health conditions. Our endocrinologists work with surgery, oncology, ophthalmology, obstetrics and transplant teams to deliver personalised diagnostic pathways (blood tests, imaging, bone density and thyroid biopsy) and tailored medical, procedural and surgical plans. Services include diabetes and lipid management, obesity and metabolic-syndrome care (with bariatric pathways), pediatric growth and puberty clinics, reproductive endocrinology and gender-affirming hormone support.
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