What is hypothyroidism?
Hypothyroidism means the thyroid does not make enough thyroid hormone. In the United States the most common cause is Hashimoto's disease. Other causes include thyroid surgery, radioactive iodine and some medicines.
Symptoms
- Tiredness and low energy
- Feeling cold
- Weight gain and swelling
- Constipation
- Dry skin and hair thinning
- Low mood or brain fog
- Heavy or irregular periods
Treatment
Most people take levothyroxine, a pill that replaces the missing hormone. It works best on an empty stomach, taken the same way every day, away from calcium, iron and coffee. The dose is checked with a TSH test about 6 to 8 weeks after any change.
Still tired on thyroid medicine?
This is common. The dose may not be right, the pill may be taken with food or supplements, or something else may be going on, such as low iron, low vitamin B12, poor sleep, depression or another hormone problem. Dr. Siddiqui looks at the whole picture before changing treatment.