Tired of being tired?
Daily Mirror, 4 May 2006
An underactive thyroid gland can leave you felling tired and miserable. In this article, hormone expert Prof. Nadir Farid explains the causes of underactive thyroid, the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment.
The thyroid gland influences almost every bodily function, through the production of several hormones, most importantly thyroxine. Certain conditions, most commonly an autoimmune condition called Hashimoto's disease, can cause levels of thyroxine to drop, leaving you feeling permanently tired.
In theory, anyone can get it, but it is about 20 times more common in women than in men. It can be triggered by pregnancy and risk increases with age.
Symptoms include tiredness, weight gain, mental slowness, dry skin, thinning hair, depression, constipation, sensitivity to cold and heavy, irregular periods. However since many of these symptoms can be caused by poor diet etc, it is important to first make lifestyle changes for 2-3 weeks too see if things improve. If symptoms persist, see your GP.
Blood tests to measure levels thyroxine and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) can show whether you have an underactive thyroid. In some cases, you may be referred to a hormone specialist.
Treatment involves taking thyroxine tablets everyday. But getting the dosage right is a matter of experimentation. It can take up to four weeks for your body to adjust to a new dose.
Getting plenty of iodine in your diet can also help as iodine deficiency affect the thyroid's ability to make thyroxine. Shellfish, onions, seaweed and iodised salt are good sources. Vitamin and mineral supplements may be taken. Foods such as broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts and cauliflower affect the thyroid function and should be avoided or eaten in moderation.