GIVE YOUR THYROID A HEALTH CHECK
My Weekly’s favourite GP from TV and radio writes for you
It’s about the same size and shape as a bow tie and sits at the nape of your neck. Your thyroid gland is in charge of telling your body how fast to tick over. If it goes into overdrive or slows, your whole body is affected.
Fortunately, both underactive and overactive thyroid can usually be successfully treated, so it’s important to know the signs. A simple blood test for the levels of thyroxine (the hormone your thyroid gland produces) and TSH (the hormone from your brain which “sets the thermostat” inside your thyroid) should give diagnosis. Sometimes other tests such as an ultrasound scan of your thyroid will be needed.
Underactive thyroid is far more common in women than men, affecting 1 in 50 women in a lifetime. The most common cause is “autoimmune” – your immune system, which usually helps you fight off infection, makes antibodies which recognise your thyroid gland as an enemy. This stops it from working efficiently and your whole body clock slows down.
It’s hardly surprising, then, that tiredness, weight gain, feeling the cold and constipation are among the symptoms. You may find you struggle mentally, and can develop aches and pains, fluid retention, dull hair and dry skin. Less commonly, your sex drive and periods can be affected and you may become hoarse. These symptoms are often vague and put down to stress. In older people underactive thyroid can cause memory problems or confusion, so can be mistaken for dementia.
IF YOU’RE ON CARBIMAZOLE AND DEVELOP A SORE THROAT, SEE YOUR DOCTOR STRAIGHT AWAY – RARELY, IT CAN LEAD TO SERIOUS COMPLICATIONS
Once diagnosed, you’ll be given thyroxine tablets for life. Your doctor may adjust the dose a few times. Once your levels are stable you’ll only need a blood test once a year.
The most common cause of overactive thyroid is Grave’s disease, another autoimmune condition. Most common in women in their 20s-40s, it can happen at any age. Basically, your body goes into overdrive. Symptoms include irritability; anxiety; hand tremor; weight loss despite eating more; insomnia; palpitations; feeling hot and sweating; diarrhoea; and shortness of breath. Other symptoms include a swelling on your neck, called a goitre, and protruding eyes.
The most common initial treatment for overactive thyroid is a tablet called carbimazole. You’ll need regular blood tests while taking them. Unlike underactive thyroid, it often settles in 12-18 months.
Other conditions can cause tiredness. Stress, depression, insomnia or overwork can all lead your body to send messages to slow down. But if you are tired for any length of time, see your GP. First checks, along with a thyroid blood test, include: Full blood count – anaemia, often due to low iron levels, may also lead to breathlessness and paleness.
Liver and kidney function – liver problems can cause yellow eyes and swollen tummy. Poor kidney function is more common with age.
Infection, with urine infections top of the list.
Type 2 diabetes – more common if you’re overweight or if it runs in your family. Other symptoms include thirst, passing water more often and repeated minor infections like boils or thrush.
Cancer is less common as a cause of tiredness, but always report symptoms like being off your food, losing weight for no reason or coughing up blood. Next week: Save us from shingles
IF YOU’RE ON THYROXINE TABLETS AND THE SAME SYMPTOMS AS BEFORE COME BACK, YOUR DOSE MAY NEED ADJUSTING ‘‘ IF YOU DO SUFFER TIREDNESS FOR ANY LENGTH OF TIME, IT’S IMPORTANT TO SEE GP’’ YOUR