Diseases & Conditions
Could I have hypothyroidism?
Ask the doctors
Q. Lately I've been fatigued and gaining weight for no clear reason. My friend said it might be due to hypothyroidism. Could she be right?
A. She might be, although hypothyroidism (also known as underactive thyroid) isn't a condition you should self-diagnose. This problem — which affects eight times as many women as men — occurs when the thyroid gland at the front of the neck slows or even stops its production of typical levels of thyroid hormones. These substances help regulate key functions throughout the body, including metabolism, heart rate, and digestion. When hypothyroidism strikes, weight gain and fatigue are two prominent symptoms, along with menstrual irregularities, forgetfulness, dry skin and hair, and constantly feeling cold.
See your doctor and explain how long you've been having these symptoms. She can perform blood tests to measure your thyroid hormone levels and confirm if hypothyroidism is the cause. If so, treatment usually involves taking pills to replace thyroid hormones. Your doctor will continue to regularly monitor your thyroid hormone levels to adjust medication dosage, if needed.
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About the Authors
Toni Golen, MD, Editor in Chief, Harvard Women's Health Watch; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing; Contributor
Hope Ricciotti, MD, Editor at Large, Harvard Women's Health Watch
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