Health
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What is an Underactive Thyroid?

Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

Underactive thyroid is also called hypothyroidism. This name refers to a condition where the thyroid gland fails to produce enough thyroid hormone. The gland is small and is located at the base of the throat. It is controlled by the pituitary gland, which releases something called thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). When the thyroid gland detects TSH, it releases two different thyroid hormones called thyroxine and triiodothyronine. Sometimes the gland doesn’t produce enough of one or both of these hormones and this results in hypothyroidism.

Symptoms of having an underactive thyroid gland can be varied. They frequently include tiredness, fatigue, and weight gain not explained by diet. Other symptoms like easily breakable fingernails, depression, very heavy menstrual periods, and extra sensitivity to cold can also be present.

An underactive thyroid can cause weight gain.
An underactive thyroid can cause weight gain.

An extremely underactive thyroid gland may result in loss of mental acuity and in some people, it may look early onset Alzheimer’s. Alternately some people lapse into coma due to extremely low blood pressure. In most cases, people receive treatment for underactive thyroid gland long before this occurs because they may feel like they are constantly under the weather and exhausted.

A myxedema coma is a loss or reduction of brain function and is a serious complication of hypothyroidism.
A myxedema coma is a loss or reduction of brain function and is a serious complication of hypothyroidism.

Diagnosis of underactive thyroid is made through a blood test. When people have too much TSH and too little thyroxine, it’s frequently an indication that the body is not producing enough thyroid hormones. Usually people are treated with thyroxine only in the form of Synthroid or levothyroxine, a generic drug. Levels of these hormones will be tested again once treatment begins to make sure people are getting the right amounts of medication.

Diagnosis of underactive thyroid is made through a blood test.
Diagnosis of underactive thyroid is made through a blood test.

Sometimes medical treatment is touted as safe and effective without risk. This isn’t always the case. While many people tolerate thyroid medication very well, continued thyroid supplementation in older women is associated with increased risk for osteoporosis. Though it’s undoubtedly true that medication for underactive thyroid is important, it’s not without this serious side effect.

Thyroid functioning affects the body's metabolism.
Thyroid functioning affects the body's metabolism.

Another thing many people who take thyroid medication appear to notice is that treatment with generic drugs may not be quite as effective. There is some evidence to suggest that the brand name Synthroid works better, perhaps based on the way the drug breaks down in the body. There are some doctors that acknowledge that there does appear to be a difference between the generic and brand norm form, but not all doctors do. If generic medication does not appear to be offering you symptom relief from underactive thyroid, you might want try the brand name version, though it is more expensive.

Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

Tricia has a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and has been a frequent WiseGEEK contributor for many years. She is especially passionate about reading and writing, although her other interests include medicine, art, film, history, politics, ethics, and religion. Tricia lives in Northern California and is currently working on her first novel.

Learn more...
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

Tricia has a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and has been a frequent WiseGEEK contributor for many years. She is especially passionate about reading and writing, although her other interests include medicine, art, film, history, politics, ethics, and religion. Tricia lives in Northern California and is currently working on her first novel.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon24508

Spasiba,

I think you're wrong. Lifestyle changes are usually not enough to change thyroid function, and there are some problems with continuing to have low thyroid levels. Low levels can degrade brain function, make people more at risk for contracting illnesses, make it difficult to lose or maintain weight and other things. These are things that ought to be avoided. Lots of people have low thyroid and think they can just "live with it," but that's not the case, and herbal medicines do not replace thyroid hormones. With all due respect, I have to say your advice would misguide people when what they really need is thyroid replacement and medical help.

Paired with thyroid replacement, I'm sure your plans would help promote overall health though.

spasiba

To ease the symptoms of underactive thyroid some lifestyle changes might be helpful. Exercise, in particular yoga, herbal medicine or even acupuncture can help.

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • An underactive thyroid can cause weight gain.
      By: Kzenon
      An underactive thyroid can cause weight gain.
    • A myxedema coma is a loss or reduction of brain function and is a serious complication of hypothyroidism.
      By: gwimages
      A myxedema coma is a loss or reduction of brain function and is a serious complication of hypothyroidism.
    • Diagnosis of underactive thyroid is made through a blood test.
      By: reineg
      Diagnosis of underactive thyroid is made through a blood test.
    • Thyroid functioning affects the body's metabolism.
      By: lom123
      Thyroid functioning affects the body's metabolism.
    • Tiredness and fatigue are common symptoms of an underactive thyroid.
      By: olly
      Tiredness and fatigue are common symptoms of an underactive thyroid.