Feeling sluggish or freezing when everyone else is fine? You’re not alone. These could be signs that your thyroid is underperforming – and that your body is running in slow motion. Here's what you need to know.
Your body’s engine slows down
Low thyroid function, also known as hypothyroidism, occurs when your thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough hormones. This affects every cell in your body, slowing down vital functions like metabolism, digestion, and even brain activity.
The symptoms can sneak up on you
Many of the signs are vague and easy to dismiss: exhaustion, dry skin, muscle aches, or simply feeling “off.” But together, they paint a picture of a body that’s struggling to keep up.
Women are most at risk
While anyone can be affected, women – especially those over 40 – are far more likely to develop low thyroid. Researchers believe female hormones may be involved, but the exact reason is still unclear.
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You won’t know without a blood test
Because symptoms are easy to confuse with stress or aging, diagnosis often requires a specific blood test to check levels of TSH and T4 hormones. It’s the only way to know for sure.
It’s often caused by autoimmunity
The most common cause is Hashimoto’s disease – an autoimmune condition where the body mistakenly attacks its own thyroid gland, gradually reducing hormone production.
It can happen after treatment for other conditions
Some people develop low thyroid after treatment for hyperthyroidism or thyroid surgery. Radiation therapy and certain medications can also lead to underactive thyroid over time.
Exercise isn’t always the answer
If your thyroid levels are well managed with medication, you can stay active like anyone else. But with untreated low thyroid, your energy reserves may be too low for regular workouts – rest is often more important in the beginning.
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It may explain your weight gain
Slowed metabolism can make it harder to burn calories, leading to slight weight gain (usually 2–3 kg). But low thyroid alone doesn’t cause severe obesity – diet and activity still play a role.
You can’t prevent it
Unlike lifestyle-related diseases, low thyroid often develops without warning. Eating healthy or exercising won’t prevent it – though treatment works best when you stay physically active.
Hormone pills are key to treatment
The main treatment is daily thyroid hormone replacement. It restores balance, but dosage must be carefully managed – too little means continued symptoms, too much can strain your heart.
Sometimes it resolves on its own
In rare cases, especially after childbirth or infection, the thyroid can bounce back without long-term treatment. But for most, it’s a lifelong condition that needs regular follow-up and care.
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Article based on information from Iform
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