Hypothyroidism is a condition in which your thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough of the thyroid hormone for your body to function properly. This can lead to a number of symptoms, including fatigue, unexplained weight gain, muscle aches and weakness, forgetfulness, difficulty concentrating, sensitivity to cold, puffiness around the eyes and face, mood changes, and heavy or irregular periods. Hypothyroidism is most commonly treated with thyroid hormone replacement, which is a medication you need to take every day. Managing stress, getting enough sleep, regular exercise, and a healthy diet can help ease symptoms of hypothyroidism.
What Is Hypothyroidism? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and PreventionMedically Reviewed by Gebreselassie (Gebre) Nida, MD | May 21, 2023
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What was your first symptom of hypothyroidism?
FAQ
What are the warning signs of hypothyroidism?
Warning signs of hypothyroidism include unexplained weight gain, feeling fatigued, a puffy face, feeling more sensitive to cold temperatures, memory issues, dry skin, and having heavy or more frequent menstrual periods.
Does hypothyroidism cause weight gain in the belly?
Left untreated, hypothyroidism can cause weight gain and lead to obesity. Common areas people report experiencing weight gain include the face and the belly.
How can I lose weight with hypothyroidism?
Tips to lose weight with hypothyroidism include cutting out simple carbs and added sugars, sticking to small, frequent meals throughout the day, exercising, and taking your medication as prescribed.
How do you fix hypothyroidism?
Hypothyroidism is typically treated with thyroid hormone replacement medication called levothyroxine, which is taken daily.
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Anna L. Goldman, MD, is a board-certified endocrinologist. She teaches first year medical students at Harvard Medical School and practices general endocrinology in Boston.
Gebreselassie (Gebre) Nida, MD, is a full-time general endocrinology practitioner in North Carolina. He is board-certified in internal medicine and endocrinology, diabetes, and met...
Sandy Bassin, MD, is an endocrinology fellow at Mount Sinai in New York City. She is passionate about incorporating lifestyle medicine and plant-based nutrition into endocrinology,...
Kacy Church, MD, practices as a clinical endocrinologist with the Palo Alto Medical Foundation in Burlingame, California. She balances both outpatient and inpatient responsibilitie...
Lynn Grieger is a registered dietitian-nutritionist, certified diabetes care and education specialist, certified personal trainer, and certified health and wellness coach. She comp...
Rosalyn Carson-DeWitt, MD combines an undergraduate English degree from Kalamazoo College and a medical degree from Michigan State University in her work as a medical writer, edito...
Elise M Brett, MD, is a board-certified adult endocrinologist. She received a bachelor's degree from the University of Michigan and her MD degree from the Icahn School of Medicine ...
Michael Natter, MD, is a clinical assistant professor in the department of medicine at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine in New York City. Fusing his background in fine art with ...
Reyna Franco, RDN, is a New York City–based dietitian-nutritionist, certified specialist in sports dietetics, and certified personal trainer. She is a diplomate of the American Col...
Bhargavi Patham, MD, is board-certified in internal medicine as well as endocrinology, diabetes, and metabolism. She is currently practicing academic medicine at Houston Methodist ...
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