Hypothyroidism (Underactive Thyroid): symptoms, causes & treatment in Nigeria
Also known as underactive thyroid, low thyroid.
This page is general health information, not a diagnosis. Always consult a licensed clinician about your own health.
Overview
Hypothyroidism means the thyroid gland produces too little hormone, slowing the body down — fatigue, weight gain, feeling cold and sluggish thinking. It develops gradually and is easy to miss or mistake for stress. A simple blood test diagnoses it, and daily replacement tablets restore normal life.
Symptoms
Persistent tiredness and sluggishness
Unexplained weight gain
Feeling cold when others are comfortable
Dry skin and thinning hair
Constipation
Heavy or irregular periods
Puffy face
Low mood and poor concentration
Causes & risk factors
Autoimmune thyroid disease (Hashimoto's)
Previous thyroid surgery or radioactive iodine treatment
Iodine deficiency
Certain medicines affecting the thyroid
Treatment & self-care
Treatment is a daily thyroid hormone tablet at a dose your doctor adjusts using periodic blood tests — most people feel like themselves again within weeks. The tablet is usually lifelong and is taken on an empty stomach. Untreated hypothyroidism in pregnancy affects the baby, so testing before or early in pregnancy is wise.
See a doctor urgently if
Ongoing fatigue, weight gain and cold intolerance
A neck swelling
Planning pregnancy with known thyroid disease
Severe drowsiness or confusion in a known hypothyroid patient
Frequently asked questions
What are the first signs of Hypothyroidism (Underactive Thyroid)?
Early signs often include persistent tiredness and sluggishness, unexplained weight gain, feeling cold when others are comfortable. Symptoms vary from person to person, so a proper assessment by a doctor is the only way to be sure.
Can Hypothyroidism (Underactive Thyroid) be treated?
Treatment is a daily thyroid hormone tablet at a dose your doctor adjusts using periodic blood tests — most people feel like themselves again within weeks. The tablet is usually lifelong and is taken on an empty stomach. Untreated hypothyroidism in pregnancy affects the baby, so testing before or early in pregnancy is wise.
When should I see a doctor about Hypothyroidism (Underactive Thyroid)?
See a doctor promptly if you notice: ongoing fatigue, weight gain and cold intolerance; a neck swelling; planning pregnancy with known thyroid disease; severe drowsiness or confusion in a known hypothyroid patient.