Hypothyroidism: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment
The thyroid is a small butterfly-shaped gland in your neck, but its influence is enormous — it regulates metabolism, energy, temperature, heart rate, digestion, and mood. When the thyroid underperforms, almost everything slows down.
The thyroid is a small butterfly-shaped gland in your neck, but its influence is enormous — it regulates metabolism, energy, temperature, heart rate, digestion, and mood. When the thyroid underperforms, almost everything slows down.
Common symptoms
Hypothyroidism symptoms include fatigue, unexplained weight gain, cold intolerance, dry skin and hair, hair loss, constipation, brain fog, low mood, slow heart rate, and muscle aches. Women are 5–10 times more likely than men to develop hypothyroidism.
Hashimoto's thyroiditis
The most common cause of hypothyroidism in developed countries is Hashimoto's — an autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks the thyroid gland. It's diagnosed by elevated thyroid peroxidase (TPO) antibodies in the blood.
Diagnosis
Hypothyroidism is diagnosed through blood tests: TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) is the primary screening test. Free T4 and free T3 levels provide additional detail. Many providers also check TPO antibodies to assess for Hashimoto's.
Treatment
The standard treatment is levothyroxine (synthetic T4), taken daily. For some patients who don't feel well on T4 alone, combination T4/T3 therapy may provide better symptom relief.
This content is educational and does not constitute medical advice.
Quick answers
- Common symptoms
- Hypothyroidism symptoms include fatigue, unexplained weight gain, cold intolerance, dry skin and hair, hair loss, constipation, brain fog, low mood, slow heart rate, and muscle aches. Women are 5–10 times more likely than men to develop hypothyroidism.
- Hashimoto's thyroiditis
- The most common cause of hypothyroidism in developed countries is Hashimoto's — an autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks the thyroid gland. It's diagnosed by elevated thyroid peroxidase (TPO) antibodies in the blood.
- Diagnosis
- Hypothyroidism is diagnosed through blood tests: TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) is the primary screening test. Free T4 and free T3 levels provide additional detail. Many providers also check TPO antibodies to assess for Hashimoto's.
- Treatment
- The standard treatment is levothyroxine (synthetic T4), taken daily. For some patients who don't feel well on T4 alone, combination T4/T3 therapy may provide better symptom relief. This content is educational and does not constitute medical advice.
Medical disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any new treatment or making changes to your current care.