You've been feeling fatigued and have gained some weight.
It could just be a sign that you’re getting older, but there might be a chance these general symptoms are caused by hypothyroidism.
Mayo Clinic endocrinologist Dr Victor Bernet says a blood test can confirm the condition, also called an underactive thyroid.
“Hypothyroidism is when the thyroid is making inadequate amounts of thyroid hormone,” he says.
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,” he says.
Over time, if hypothyroidism isn’t treated, the symptoms can become worse and lead to other health issues, like high cholesterol levels 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,” Dr Bernet says.
Often, treatment is simply taking daily oral thyroid medication to return hormone levels to a typical range.
But the treatment will likely be lifelong. – Mayo Clinic News Network/Tribune News Service
