Hypothyroidism, or an under active thyroid gland, is a common condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones.1 This under-production of hormones slows down the body’s metabolism, often leaving patients feeling cold, tired and depressed.2 If you suffer from hypothyroidism then you are also likely to notice you have gained weight, despite following a sensible diet and exercising regularly.1
About 10% of thyroid patients in Singapore are affected by hypothyroidism. The most common causes are Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (a form of autoimmune thyroid disease) and previous treatment for hyperthyroidism (i.e., radioactive iodine or thyroid surgery). People of Indian ethnicity have a higher risk of developing this disorder due to Hashimoto’s thyroiditis than Chinese or Malays.3
The symptoms of hypothyroidism are unpleasant and can affect a person’s self-esteem, work, and home and family life.4
Symptoms include:1,5,6
If left untreated, hypothyroidism can cause more serious complications and even become life-threatening. Severe complications of hypothyroidism include:
The heart is a major target of thyroid hormones.
Too little thyroid hormone as a consequence of an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) may cause:10
Mild hypothyroidism (also known as subclinical hypothyroidism) affects 4–20% of the population.11 It is more common in women than in men and occurs with increasing frequency with age.12 If you have both heart disease and a slightly underactive thyroid, then it is vital that your thyroid function is returned to normal. The presence of both diseases is associated with increased risk for death from heart disease.13
Many people remain undiagnosed with thyroid problems and suffer for a long time as their symptoms are often confused with those of other conditions, such as depression or weight gain.9 Hypothyroidism can be confirmed by your doctor through a simple blood test called the thyroid function test which checks the level of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and thyroid hormones in your blood.
If you are concerned that you could be suffering from problems with your thyroid gland, please discuss this with your doctor. To aid your consultation, download our Wellbeing Diary to help you keep a check of the symptoms you are experiencing, or try our short thyroid disorders symptom checker.
Treatment for hypothyroidism is straightforward, well-established, and highly effective. As there is no cure for hypothyroidism, the aim of treatment is to replace the missing thyroid hormones in the body.2 Appropriate medication, taken daily, should enable most patients to live a symptom-free life.9
If you have been diagnosed with hypothyroidism, it is important to remember that treatment is a lifelong commitment and medication has to be taken every day in the correct dose and timing as prescribed by your doctor for optimal benefit. This may seem a bit daunting, but by taking control of your condition and following your treatment plan, you should be able to stay healthy and remain symptom-free. It is advisable to see your doctor more frequently if any changes in your condition occur.2
