🦋 Hypothyroidism (Underactive Thyroid)
📝 Last reviewed: August 2026
| In brief | A sluggish thyroid gland slows the whole body: constant tiredness, weight gain, feeling cold, dry skin and thinning hair. |
|---|---|
| Category | Metabolic |
🔍 What causes it
The butterfly-shaped thyroid gland in the neck makes too little thyroid hormone, and the body's metabolism slows down. Most cases are autoimmune: the immune system mistakenly attacks the gland. Women are affected far more often than men, and risk rises after age 35. Thyroid surgery or radiation, and some medicines, can also bring it on.
⚠️ Key symptoms
- Constant fatigue even after a full night's sleep
- Weight gain and constipation despite eating normally
- Feeling cold when others are comfortable
- Dry skin, thinning hair and a hoarse voice
- Aching muscles, stiff joints and low mood
💊 Treatment
Hypothyroidism is treated with daily thyroid hormone tablets that replace what the gland cannot make. Treatment is lifelong, but once the dose is right most people feel much better within weeks. Blood tests guide dose adjustments. Gentle low-impact activity such as walking, yoga or swimming helps with weight and joint aches, and eating well supports overall health. See a doctor to confirm the diagnosis with TSH and T4 blood tests and to keep the dose reviewed.
🛡️ Prevention
Not every case can be prevented, since autoimmune thyroid disease runs in families. But catching it early matters: if fatigue, weight gain or a hoarse voice persist, ask for a thyroid blood test. Stick with your prescribed check-ups and dose reviews, eat well and stay active.
← All diseases (A–Z) · 📖 Health literacy hub
💬 Visitor comments
Comments are public, moderated by the community spirit — be kind. We may remove spam or offensive posts.