What is the thyroid and what does it do? 

-A small butterfly shaped gland at the front of your neck. 

-Produces ‘thyroid hormone’ which is very important in regulating the body. 

-Does a range of things from: keeping us warm, to regulating heart, brain, muscles, bowels. 

  

What happens when your thyroid slows down and becomes underactive? 

-We start to get a range of symptoms affecting all parts of the body, that are often very subtle and difficult to pick up. 

-In particular weight gain and tiredness and feeling cold. 

-Other symptoms may be constipation, dry skin, hair loss, muscle pain, depression, cholesterol issues. 

  

Who gets it and what are the causes? 

-More common in women over 50. 

-Also more common those with issues such as Type 1 Diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis. 

-However, anyone can develop an underactive thyroid including babies (very rare) and children. 

-Most commonly caused by immune disorder called ‘Hashimoto’s Disease’ where body turns off the thyroid and starts to shut the thyroid down. 

-Other causes include some medication, previous thyroid treatment, iodine deficiency, 

  

How do you diagnose and treat? 

-Your GP will do a simple blood test on how your thyroid is working. 

-Sometimes if the changes are very small so we just monitor. 

-However, if it’s causing symptoms it’s treated with thyroid medication to replace the missing thyroid. 

-Often need to take medication for life with periodic blood tests and medication may need dose changes. 

 

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