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Mayo Clinic Minute: Do you have hypothyroidism?
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You've been feeling fatigued and have gained some weight. It could be just a sign that you're getting older, but there might be a chance these general symptoms are caused by hypothyroidism.
Dr. Victor Bernet, a Mayo Clinic endocrinologist, says a blood test can confirm the condition, also called underactive thyroid.
Journalists: Broadcast-quality video pkg (1:03) is in the downloads at the end of the post. Please courtesy: "Mayo Clinic News Network." Read the script.
"Hypothyroidism is when the thyroid is making inadequate amounts of thyroid hormone," says Dr. Bernet.
If you have an underactive thyroid gland, the symptoms may not be noticeable early on, but they can include fatigue, weight gain, dry skin, constipation, muscle pain, and swelling in the hands and feet.
"You just have one of these symptoms, the chances of hypothyroidism is going to be less than when you have a conglomeration of these symptoms all developing — that can be a big deal," says Dr. Bernet.
Over time, if hypothyroidism isn't treated, the symptoms can become worse and lead to other health issues, like high cholesterol and heart problems.
"The symptoms of hypothyroidism overlap with many other general medical issues. So it's important, if you suspect yourself of having hypothyroidism, to go see your doctor and have some appropriate thyroid blood testing done," says Dr. Bernet.
Often, treatment is simply taking daily oral thyroid medication to return hormone levels to a typical range. And treatment likely will be lifelong.
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