Hypothyroidism, in particular, is more prominent in people over the age of 40, affecting approximately two in every 100 people.
This type of disorder occurs when the thyroid gland produces less hormones than it should.
As a consequence, a person’s metabolism runs slowly, thereby leading to weight gain.
Also known as an underactive thyroid, the condition could lead to:
- Fatigue
- Cold intolerance
- Muscle weakness
- Constipation
- Depression
- Impaired concentration
- Impaired memory
- Hair loss on the body, scalp and eyebrows
- Hoarse voice
- Difficulty swallowing
- Loss of libido
- Gritty eyes
- Breathlessness.
The NHS warns: “Symptoms usually develop slowly and you may not realise you have a medical problem for several years.”
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Additional symptoms might include:
- Brittle hair and nails
- Irregular periods
- Pain, numbness and a tingling sensation in the hands and fingers.
More serious signs of an underactive thyroid could involve a slow heart rate, a puffy-looking face, and anaemia.
The British Thyroid Foundation confirmed that a “simple blood test” can determine if you have the condition.
The charity elaborated: “An underactive thyroid is typically associated with a thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) level above the reference range and a thyroxine (FT4) level that is below the reference range.
“It is reasonable to have a test for thyroid antibodies to confirm that the cause is autoimmune.”
If affected, your doctor should prescribe levothyroxine, a synthetic version of the thyroxine produced by the thyroid gland.
The dosage, ranging from 50mcg to 300mcg, will be based on the blood test results and body weight.
Treatment will need to be continued for several months before a person begins to feel better.
Side effects of levothyroxine
The Mayo Clinic advises anybody experiencing the side effects to talk to their doctor.
Possible side effects of levothyroxine:
- Chest pain, discomfort, or tightness
- decreased urine output
- difficult or laboured breathing
- difficulty with swallowing
- dilated neck veins
- extreme fatigue
- fainting
- fast, slow, irregular, pounding, or racing heartbeat or pulse
- fever
- heat intolerance
- hives or welts, skin itching, rash, or redness
- irregular breathing
- irritability
- menstrual changes
- nausea
- pain or discomfort in the arms, jaw, back, or neck
- sweating
- swelling of the eyes, face, lips, throat, or tongue.
Certain side effects may not require medical attention as they will dissipate as your body becomes accustomed to the medication.
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