Low Thyroid

Also called hypothyroidism or underactive thyroid 

"Low thyroid" is a common expression for hypothyroidism, or underactive thyroid. In other words, your thyroid is producing a low amount of hormones, which could cause a number of disorders related to metabolism. 

Your thyroid produces the hormones, that simply put, control the energy level of your body (along with a number of other functions). Low thyroid hormone levels equal low energy. You're likely to feel tired and listless.

Low thyroid levels can also cause an increase in cholesterol, which is dangerous for your heart. The fetus of a pregnant women man be endangered if ther woman has hypothyroidism.

Low thyroid can affect anyone at any age, but the older you get, the more likely you are to have it happen to you. Women above age 60 and people who have a history of low thyroid in their family are the most at risk.

Low Thyroid Causes

The most common cause of low thyroid in the United States occurs when the body's own immune system attacks the thyroid. This is known as an autoimmune condition.

You can also get low thyroid because of previous thyroid surgery, radiation therapy for cancer, certain viral infections, and by taking certain medications.

Low Thyroid Symptoms

Symptoms tend to accumulate gradually over time. You may not even notice them, or you may think you're just "getting older."

Besides a general feeling of fatigue, low thyroid can cause

• feeling of depression
• dry skin
• brittle nails.
• sensitivity
• constipation
• trouble remembering things
• trouble thinking clearly.

How Is Low Thyroid Treated?

Low thyroid conditions are fairly easy to manage. Your doctor will probably prescribe thyroid hormone pills, and you'll probably feel better within a few days. Symptoms go away more slowly however--sometimes over a period of months..

Once you begin taking medications for low thyroid, you may have to keep taking them indefinitely.

It's also important for you to follow your doctor's instructions when taking thyroid hormone pills. There could be problems if you don't take the right dose. 

Also see our related article on the thyroxine drug. 

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