Thumbnail image of: Thyroid and Parathyroid Glands: Illustration

Hypothyroidism (Low Thyroid Level): Brief Version

What is hypothyroidism?

You have hypothyroidism when your thyroid gland does not make enough thyroid hormone. Your thyroid gland is in the lower front of your neck. Thyroid hormones are chemicals that control the way your body turns the food you eat into energy. They also control body functions like temperature, heart rate, and appetite.

What are the symptoms?

Your symptoms may slowly get worse over time. You may:

Feel tired
Be depressed
Feel weak
Be constipated
Gain weight
Feel cold a lot of the time when everyone else is warm

You may also have:

Swollen eyelids
Slow heart rate
Coarse, dry hair or brittle nails
Thick, dry skin
Heavy and long menstrual periods

How is it treated?

Your healthcare provider will prescribe medicine to take the place of the thyroid hormone your body is not making. After you take the hormone pills for about a week, you will feel better. You will likely need to take your pills every day for the rest of your life.

How can I take care of myself?

Follow your healthcare providerâ€™s advice. Donâ€™t stop taking your medicine or change the way you take it unless your provider tells you to.

You will need to have blood tests to check your thyroid hormone level for the rest of your life. The tests can help make sure you are getting the right amount of medicine.

Ask your healthcare provider:

How long it will take to get better
What things you should avoid
How to take care of yourself at home
What problems you should watch for and what to do if you have them

Make sure you know when you should come back for a checkup.

Developed by RelayHealth.

Adult Advisor 2015.1 published by RelayHealth.
Last modified: 2015-01-28
Last reviewed: 2015-01-28

This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information is intended to inform and educate and is not a replacement for medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

Hypothyroidism (Low Thyroid Level): Brief Version: References

National Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases Information Service (NEMDIS). (2013). National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive And Kidney Disease, National Institute of Health. NIH Pub No. 13-6180. Retrieved 01/2015 from http://www.endocrine.niddk.nih.gov/pubs/hypothyroidism/index.aspx#hypothyroidism.

Sinha S, Kemp S. Pediatric Hypothyroidism. Medscape Reference. WebMD LLC Retrieved 06/30/2014 form http://reference.medscape.com/article/922777-clinical.

FamilyDoctor.org. Hypothyroidism/Diagnosis and Tests. 11/2010. Accessed 1/28/2013 from http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/diseases-conditions/hypothyroidism/diagnosis-tests.html.

Patient Portal

myTuftsMed is our new online patient portal that provides you with access to your medical information in one place. MyTuftsMed can be accessed online or from your mobile device providing a convenient way to manage your health care needs from wherever you are.

With myTuftsMed, you can:

View your health information including your medications, test results, scheduled appointments, medical bills even if you have multiple doctors in different locations.
Make appointments at your convenience, complete pre-visit forms and medical questionnaires and find care or an emergency room.
Connect with a doctor no matter where you are.
Keep track of your children’s and family members’ medical care, view upcoming appointments, book visits and review test results.
Check in on family members who need extra help, all from your private account.

PATIENT PORTAL >

Specialty Areas

Click on the field you would like more information on: