What is an underactive thyroid, what are the symptoms, is there a test and what causes it?

THE symptoms of an underactive thyroid are similar to those of many other conditions.

For this reason, it’s important to visit your GP if you have any suspicion you may have a thyroid problem. This is why.

What is an underactive thyroid?

The thyroid is a small butterfly-shaped gland in the neck, just in front of the windpipe.

One of its main functions is to produce hormones that help regulate the body’s metabolism.

An underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) is where your thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough hormones.

This can cause many of the body’s functions to slow down, and change the way it processes fat.

Because of these changes, thyroid problems can lead to high cholesterol and artery clogging.

This could potentially result in serious heart-related issues, such as angina or a heart attack.

There could also be problems with pregnancy.

Both men and women can have an underactive thyroid, but it’s more common in women.

Children can also develop a thyroid problem, while some babies are born with it.

An underactive thyroid can usually be successfully treated by taking daily hormone tablets.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms of an underactive thyroid are often similar to those of other conditions.

They also develop slowly, so you may not notice them for years.

According to the , you should see your GP if you’ve been suffering from any of the below:

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

Is there a test?

The only accurate way of finding out whether you have an underactive thyroid is to have a blood test.

This is called a thyroid function test, and it measures hormone levels in the blood.

All babies born in the UK are screened for congenital hypothyroidism using a blood spot test when they’re around five days old.

What causes it?

An underactive thyroid often occurs when the immune system attacks the thyroid gland.

A condition called Hashimoto’s disease is the most common type of autoimmune reaction to cause this.

Thyroid problems can also be a side effect of previous treatment to the gland, such as surgery or radioactive iodine therapy.

An iodine deficiency is a common cause worldwide, but is unusual in the UK.

A problem with the pituitary gland could be a factor, as it’s responsible for regulating the thyroid.

Babies are sometimes born with an underactive thyroid because the gland doesn’t develop properly in the womb

An underactive thyroid has been linked to some viral infections and medications, including:

• lithium – a medication sometimes used to treat depression and bipolar disorder
• amiodarone – a medication sometimes used to treat irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias)
• interferons – a class of medication sometimes used to treat certain types of cancer and hepatitis C

For more information on hypothyroidism and its treatments, visit the .