Those who have struggled to shed pounds through diet and exercise, or have even gained weight despite their best efforts, may in fact be experiencing the symptoms of a medical condition rather than simply making poor lifestyle choices. Hypothyroidism is a widespread condition that occurs when the thyroid gland in the neck becomes underactive, meaning it fails to produce sufficient hormones. This can trigger a host of symptoms, including fatigue, brain fog and low mood.
Among the most prevalent symptoms are weight gain and elevated cholesterol levels, regardless of how healthy one’s lifestyle might be. Many sufferers find themselves cycling through countless diets and fitness regimes with little to show for it, leading to frustration and depression, which can in turn exacerbate other symptoms.
Hypothyroidism symptoms according to the NHS:
- feeling extremely tired (fatigue)
- feeling cold more than usual
- putting on weight
- constipation
- difficulty concentrating or thinking clearly
- low mood or depression
- dry skin, dry hair or hair loss
- a croaky (hoarse) voice
- irregular or heavy periods if you have them
If left untreated, these symptoms may gradually deteriorate over time. Furthermore, without appropriate treatment, the NHS warns that patients may also be at risk of developing heart conditions such as coronary heart disease, as well as bone-related issues including osteoporosis.
The NHS notes: “Some of the symptoms are common and can be caused by other conditions. But it’s important to get them checked by a GP.”
Hypothyroidism is typically treated with medication designed to replace the hormone the body is failing to produce. In most cases, patients will need to continue taking this medicine indefinitely to prevent their symptoms from returning.
Should a thyroid condition be suspected, a GP may examine your neck and request blood tests. Notably, hypothyroidism is 10 times more prevalent in women than in men.
The condition most commonly develops during the menopause, which often leads both women and their doctors to dismiss the symptoms as menopausal rather than thyroid-related. According to Thyroid UK, approximately 1 to 2% of the population is affected by hypothyroidism.
While the condition can stem from various causes, the most frequent is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system erroneously targets the thyroid cells, a condition known as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis or Hashimoto’s disease.
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
