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Have you been feeling fatigued and have gained some weight?  While it could be just a sign that you’re getting older,  there might be a chance these general symptoms are caused by an underactive thyroid. Also known as  hypothyroidism. Victor Bernet, M.D., an endocrinologist at Mayo Clinic, explains risk factors and how the condition is diagnosed and treated. 

Are you at risk of an underactive thyroid?

“Hypothyroidism is when the thyroid is making inadequate amounts of thyroid hormone,” Dr. Bernet explains.

A blood test can confirm the condition, also called underactive thyroid.

Those at higher risk of an underactive thyroid include:

  • Women.
  • People with a family history of thyroid disease.
  • Those with an autoimmune disease such as type 1 diabetes or celiac disease.
  • People being treated for hyperthyroidism (when the thyroid gland makes too much thyroid hormone), those who have received radiation to the neck or upper chest or had thyroid surgery.

What you need to know

If you have an underactive thyroid gland, the symptoms may not be noticeable early on, but they can include fatigue, weight gain, dry skin, constipation, muscle pain, and swelling in the hands and feet.

“You just have one of these symptoms, the chances of hypothyroidism is going to be less than when you have a conglomeration of these symptoms all developing — that can be a big deal,” says Dr. Bernet.

Over time, if hypothyroidism isn’t treated, the symptoms can become worse and lead to other health issues, like high cholesterol and heart problems.

“The symptoms of hypothyroidism overlap with many other general medical issues. So it’s important, if you suspect yourself of having hypothyroidism, to go see your doctor and have some appropriate thyroid blood testing done,” says Dr. Bernet.

The bottom line

Often, treatment is simply taking daily oral thyroid medication to return hormone levels to a typical range. Treatment likely will be lifelong.

About Mayo Clinic

Mayo Clinic is a nonprofit organization committed to innovation in clinical practice, education and research, and providing compassion, expertise and answers to everyone who needs healing.

Read more on your thyroid health here:

How Much Do You Know About Your Thyroid?

 

 

 

Em Sloane

Em Sloane

I am an introverted nature lover, and long time contributor to LongevityLive.com. My role is to publish the information in a consumer friendly format, which we receive on the latest medical news, press releases and general information on the latest longevity related research findings.

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