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Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism)

When to see a GP

Symptoms of an underactive thyroid are often similar to those of other conditions, and they usually develop slowly, so you may not notice them for years.

For example, if you are an age where you may be expecting the menopause, you may think you have started the menopause rather than having an underactive thyroid.

You should see a GP and ask to be tested for an underactive thyroid if you have symptoms including:

  • tiredness
  • weight gain
  • depression
  • being sensitive to the cold
  • dry skin and hair
  • muscle aches

The only accurate way of finding out whether you have a thyroid problem is to have a thyroid function test, where a sample of blood is tested to measure your hormone levels.

Treating an underactive thyroid

Treatment for an underactive thyroid involves taking daily hormone replacement tablets, called levothyroxine, to raise your thyroxine levels.

You'll initially have regular blood tests until the correct dose of levothyroxine is reached. This can take a little while to get right.

Once you're taking the correct dose, you'll usually have a blood test once a year to monitor your hormone levels.

You'll usually need treatment for the rest of your life. However, with proper treatment, you should be able to lead a normal, healthy life.

If an underactive thyroid is not treated, it can lead to complications, including heart disease, goitre, pregnancy problems and a life-threatening condition called myxoedema coma (although this is very rare).

Symptoms of an underactive thyroid include feeling tired all the time, gaining weight and being sensitive to cold.

An underactive thyroid is treated with medicine that raises the level of thyroid hormone in your body.

Related links

Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism)

Symptoms

Causes

Diagnosis

Treatment

Complications

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48,254 public posts

Monitor my health test results

This was their advice:- Your results suggest you have a form of underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) TSH level 3.88 TSH levels normal normal range 0.27 - 4.2 mU/L FT4 Your result is 2.8 pmol/L FT4 levels low normal range 0.27 - 4.2 mU/L FT3 Level Your result
This was their advice:- Your results suggest you have a form of underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) TSH level 3.88 TSH levels normal normal range 0.27 - 4.2 mU/L FT4 Your result is 2.8 pmol/L FT4 levels low normal range 0.27 - 4.2 mU/L FT3 Level Your result
gizziesmum profile image
gizziesmum
in Thyroid UK
2 months ago

Thyroid UK is on the map!

Thyroid UK's new office is now on Google Maps!To find us, just search Thyroid UK, Great Bentley, and you can see where we are ☺️
Thyroid UK's new office is now on Google Maps!To find us, just search Thyroid UK, Great Bentley, and you can see where we are ☺️
TUKOffice profile image
TUKOffice
Thyroid UKin Thyroid UK
2 days ago

BTF Thyroid & menopause webinar - Tuesday 6 June 2023

As a matter of keeping members informed - rather than promoting this. If you are interested, would be interesting to know how it goes. [i]BTF Thyroid[/i] [i]@britishthyroid[/i] [i]There's still time to register for tomorrow’s webinar on '[/i][i]Thyroid & menopause.'[/i] [i][/i] [
As a matter of keeping members informed - rather than promoting this. If you are interested, would be interesting to know how it goes. [i]BTF Thyroid[/i] [i]@britishthyroid[/i] [i]There's still time to register for tomorrow’s webinar on '[/i][i]Thyroid & menopause.'[/i] [i][/i] [
helvella profile image
helvella
Thyroid UKin Thyroid UK
5 days ago
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private consult

I went to see the private endocrinologist consultant. He was very much guided by the GP letter. Low cortisol saliva test - I’m going back on Monday morning for private blood tests x3 to rule out a rare pituitary condition. He feels certain i do not have it. Multi nodular goitre - it is visibly larger
I went to see the private endocrinologist consultant. He was very much guided by the GP letter. Low cortisol saliva test - I’m going back on Monday morning for private blood tests x3 to rule out a rare pituitary condition. He feels certain i do not have it. Multi nodular goitre - it is visibly larger
Insomania profile image
Insomania
in Thyroid UK
9 days ago

thyroid nodules across thyroid

I have thyroid nodules across thyroid after seeking a private scan. They are very small but I would like to know what I can do to control them. thyroid function is within optimal range no thyroid medications ever pesccribes. Thyroid antibodies for both tests. 377 increased from 200 after quitting
I have thyroid nodules across thyroid after seeking a private scan. They are very small but I would like to know what I can do to control them. thyroid function is within optimal range no thyroid medications ever pesccribes. Thyroid antibodies for both tests. 377 increased from 200 after quitting
mch37 profile image
mch37
in Thyroid UK
14 days ago

My New Book: ‘Thyroid Superhero’ is Out!

Not my book! But Rachel's. Nor is it a recommendation - I haven't seen it. And certainly not meant to be an advertisement. Only just found out it exists. And am hopeful... [i]Rachel Hill Multi-Award Winning Thyroid Patient Advocate[/i] [i]Rachel Hill is the highly ranked and multi-award winning
Not my book! But Rachel's. Nor is it a recommendation - I haven't seen it. And certainly not meant to be an advertisement. Only just found out it exists. And am hopeful... [i]Rachel Hill Multi-Award Winning Thyroid Patient Advocate[/i] [i]Rachel Hill is the highly ranked and multi-award winning
helvella profile image
helvella
Thyroid UKin Thyroid UK
14 days ago

FREE webinar tomorrow for Wold Thyroid Day

Join us tomorrow on World Thyroid Day 2023 for a FREE webinar on: • Genetic Changes to be Aware of for Thyroid Disorders • Optimising Conversion of inactive T4 to active T3: Testing and Nutrition Considerations • Wellbeing and Labour Market Implications of Thyroid Dysfunctions – An Analysis of People
Join us tomorrow on World Thyroid Day 2023 for a FREE webinar on: • Genetic Changes to be Aware of for Thyroid Disorders • Optimising Conversion of inactive T4 to active T3: Testing and Nutrition Considerations • Wellbeing and Labour Market Implications of Thyroid Dysfunctions – An Analysis of People
TUKOffice profile image
TUKOffice
Thyroid UKin Thyroid UK
17 days ago

Optimal Levels for Thyroid

Hi all Is there anywhere I can find information on optimal levels for thyroid? I appreciate that we are all different, but I know there are better ends of the scale for each of the the thyroid tests. Thanks in advance.
Hi all Is there anywhere I can find information on optimal levels for thyroid? I appreciate that we are all different, but I know there are better ends of the scale for each of the the thyroid tests. Thanks in advance.
Vdubbers profile image
Vdubbers
in Thyroid UK
25 days ago

thyroid and tinnitus

I was diagnosed with under active thyroid about 9 years ago and take 75 mg levothyroxine daily. I have been experiencing tinnitus for many years now, but wonder if there is a link between thyroid disorders and tinnitus?
I was diagnosed with under active thyroid about 9 years ago and take 75 mg levothyroxine daily. I have been experiencing tinnitus for many years now, but wonder if there is a link between thyroid disorders and tinnitus?
Rockyport profile image
Rockyport
in Thyroid UK
1 month ago

Thyroid and Colour Vision

An article in the Guardian the other day, has prompted me to post about the effect of thyroid hormone levels on our vision. A subject that does crop up occasionally here, but I've not seen it specifically mentioned recently. Almost all opticians that I've ever encountered have either denied that hyp
An article in the Guardian the other day, has prompted me to post about the effect of thyroid hormone levels on our vision. A subject that does crop up occasionally here, but I've not seen it specifically mentioned recently. Almost all opticians that I've ever encountered have either denied that hyp
RedApple profile image
RedApple
Administratorin Thyroid UK
1 month ago

Underactive Thyroid and itchy skin

I have an Underactive thyroid and just recently developed very itchy skin on my forearms and ankles plus tingling all over my body - has anyone else experienced this?
I have an Underactive thyroid and just recently developed very itchy skin on my forearms and ankles plus tingling all over my body - has anyone else experienced this?
Spikelodge profile image
Spikelodge
in Thyroid UK
1 month ago

Blue Horizon Thyroid DNA results AA worse than GG?Also mention graves disease but been diagnosed with Hypothyroidism years ago?

Does anyone understand this result?
Does anyone understand this result?
Stace268 profile image
Stace268
in Thyroid UK
2 months ago

Can iodine affect thyroid medication test result numbers?

Hi all few days ago I was prescribed a medication for atrial fibrillation, namely Amiodarone. It's contains iodine and if I had a thyroid which I don't my thyroid would have to be monitored regularly on this medication.So by having no thyroid I do not need to have regular thyroid checks. But I was wondering
Hi all few days ago I was prescribed a medication for atrial fibrillation, namely Amiodarone. It's contains iodine and if I had a thyroid which I don't my thyroid would have to be monitored regularly on this medication.So by having no thyroid I do not need to have regular thyroid checks. But I was wondering
DizzyD profile image
DizzyD
in Thyroid UK
2 months ago

Thyroid Panel Re-Test

Hi, I recently posted asking some questions about my Thyroid panel. I had these tested 2 months ago. Originally, my T4 came back as 11, with the preferred range being 12-22. The doctor wanted me to come back in 8-12 weeks for a retest. I went last week, in the mid afternoon without fasting (not sure
Hi, I recently posted asking some questions about my Thyroid panel. I had these tested 2 months ago. Originally, my T4 came back as 11, with the preferred range being 12-22. The doctor wanted me to come back in 8-12 weeks for a retest. I went last week, in the mid afternoon without fasting (not sure
rubyroo23 profile image
rubyroo23
in Thyroid UK
2 months ago

Thyroid and vitamin D

Can an over treated thyroid deplete vitamin D levels? I know vitamin D is needed for thyroid health and wellbeing but I wondered if it can be depleted this way or any other way. Thank you
Can an over treated thyroid deplete vitamin D levels? I know vitamin D is needed for thyroid health and wellbeing but I wondered if it can be depleted this way or any other way. Thank you
Sailing14 profile image
Sailing14
in Thyroid UK
2 months ago

Overactive thyroid? Does reducing iodine intake in your diet help? It has for me so far.

I was diagnosed with an overactive thyroid / Graves Disease in 2015. Between 2016 and 2021 I was on "block & replace" treatment - 40mg of carbimazole daily along with 150mcg of levothyroxine. My thyroid had stabilised by 2021, after which point I was taken off all medication. I relapsed with an overactive
I was diagnosed with an overactive thyroid / Graves Disease in 2015. Between 2016 and 2021 I was on "block & replace" treatment - 40mg of carbimazole daily along with 150mcg of levothyroxine. My thyroid had stabilised by 2021, after which point I was taken off all medication. I relapsed with an overactive
HenriC profile image
HenriC
in Thyroid UK
2 months ago

Anyone going through DEIVF with an underactive thyroid?

I was recently diagnosed with an underactive thyroid (over 7) in Spain during the process of deivf. I'm from the UK and my GP wanted to repeat the tests and is confirmed thyroid is low and I'm now on medication. Has anyone had a similar experience going through DEIVF? Any successful stories? I'm also
I was recently diagnosed with an underactive thyroid (over 7) in Spain during the process of deivf. I'm from the UK and my GP wanted to repeat the tests and is confirmed thyroid is low and I'm now on medication. Has anyone had a similar experience going through DEIVF? Any successful stories? I'm also
Stagefourendo profile image
Stagefourendo
in Thyroid UK
2 months ago

Thyroid and tinnitus.

Morning all,first post from me.I had a call from a locum gp on Wed as I have been experiencing loud T and muzzy heads for weeks and wanted some advice.She told me I need a thyroid check as low thyroid causes lots of problems T being one.I have taken 25 mg Levo for 10 years and have had mild T in that
Morning all,first post from me.I had a call from a locum gp on Wed as I have been experiencing loud T and muzzy heads for weeks and wanted some advice.She told me I need a thyroid check as low thyroid causes lots of problems T being one.I have taken 25 mg Levo for 10 years and have had mild T in that
ETHEL103 profile image
ETHEL103
in Thyroid UK
3 months ago

Graves, Thyroids and Fungi

I was diagnosed with Graves in oct 2019 and was prescribed Carbimazole to control the symptoms. Just after this I started taking Terbinafine for fungal toenails. Very fortunately for me within a year the Graves went into remission, as did another auto immune issue I was having. Interestingly at the same
I was diagnosed with Graves in oct 2019 and was prescribed Carbimazole to control the symptoms. Just after this I started taking Terbinafine for fungal toenails. Very fortunately for me within a year the Graves went into remission, as did another auto immune issue I was having. Interestingly at the same
fluffywhiteclouds profile image
fluffywhiteclouds
in Thyroid UK
3 months ago

Goitre and treatment

Hi all, I have a goitre and it seems to have been up for a few months, I dropped down to Carbimazole 2.5mg around a week ago and this is the first day I have felt human for months and my goitre size seems to have decreased. My question is can being on to high a dose cause this? My t4 has been at lower
Hi all, I have a goitre and it seems to have been up for a few months, I dropped down to Carbimazole 2.5mg around a week ago and this is the first day I have felt human for months and my goitre size seems to have decreased. My question is can being on to high a dose cause this? My t4 has been at lower
Knowsnothing profile image
Knowsnothing
in Thyroid UK
3 months ago
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