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What is the thyroid and what does it do?Ìý

-A small butterfly shaped gland at the front of your neck.Ìý

-Produces ‘thyroid hormone’ which is very important in regulating the body.Ìý

-Does a range of things from: keeping us warm, to regulating heart, brain, muscles, bowels.Ìý

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What happens when your thyroid slows down and becomes underactive?Ìý

-We start to get a range of symptoms affecting all parts of the body, that are often very subtle and difficult to pick up.Ìý

-In particular weight gain and tiredness and feeling cold.Ìý

-Other symptoms may be constipation, dry skin, hair loss, muscle pain, depression, cholesterol issues.Ìý

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Who gets it and what are the causes?Ìý

-More common in women over 50.Ìý

-Also more common those with issues such as Type 1 Diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis.Ìý

-However, anyoneÌýcan develop an underactive thyroid including babies (very rare) and children.Ìý

-Most commonly caused by immune disorder called ‘Hashimoto’s Disease’ where body turns off theÌýthyroid and starts to shut the thyroid down.Ìý

-Other causes include some medication, previous thyroid treatment, iodine deficiency,Ìý

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How do you diagnose and treat?Ìý

-Your GP will do a simple blood test on how your thyroid is working.Ìý

-Sometimes if the changes are very small so we just monitor.Ìý

-However, if it’s causing symptoms it’s treated with thyroid medication to replace the missing thyroid.Ìý

-Often need to take medication for life with periodic blood tests and medication may need dose changes.Ìý

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