Handling Hypothyroidism

Early, accurate diagnosis and treatment of hypothyroidism is essential to manage the condition, says Dr Shehla Shaikh.

- Dr Shehla Shaikh

Have you recently observed that you get exhausted easily or feel tired all the time? Have you noticed a sudden unexplained spike in your weight? If your last visit to your physician was years back and you have been experiencing extreme fatigue, weight gain, constipation etc, the problem may be because you are suffering from hypothyroidism.

WHAT IS HYPOTHYROIDISM?

Hypothyroidism, also called underactive thyroid disease, is a common disorder. The thyroid gland, which is located in the front lower part of the neck, controls how the body’s cells use energy from food. With hypothyroidism, the thyroid gland does not make enough thyroid hormone, resulting in a low metabolic rate, thereby having a dramatic impact on a huge variety of bodily functions.

SYMPTOMS