An under-active thyroid is a common condition that affects up to 5 percent of people. The thyroid is a small gland that sits at the front of your neck just below your Adam’s apple. It produces hormones that help keep your body’s systems healthy, including your metabolism. Reduced levels of thyroid hormones can be temporary, when it is permanent it is called hypothyroidism. Women are up to 10 times more likely to have an under-active thyroid than men and a family history of thyroid problems increases the risk.
Weight is influenced by many different factors and most weight gain is not related to the thyroid. However, an under-active thyroid can cause a reduction in the body’s energy metabolism which may result in a modest weight gain before diagnosis and treatment.
The two most active thyroid hormones (thyroxine and triiodothyronine) help your body break down fat, help your muscles use energy, and affect how the liver and pancreas store calories to be used by your body for energy. When you have decreased thyroid hormones, these functions can be disrupted.
How do you know if your thyroid is under-active?
Signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism depend on the severity of the hormone deficiency and tend to develop slowly, sometimes over a number of years.
Signs may include:
- Tiredness
- Weight gain
- Dry skin
- Thinning hair
- Muscle weakness
- Depression
If you are gaining weight and experiencing other symptoms it is worth speaking with your doctor to see if your thyroid might be the reason. A simple blood test can be performed to accurately diagnose hypothyroidism.
Treatment
If hypothyroidism is confirmed, your doctor will recommend an appropriate course of treatment. The most frequently used treatment is replacing the deficient thyroid hormone with a synthetic hormone. Additionally, reducing stress, adding regular physical exercise, and adopting a healthy diet all play an important part in managing the condition.