Weight gain and fatigue may be caused by an underactive thyroid

Some of the main signs of an underactive thyroid include persistent fatigue that interferes with daily activities and unexplained weight gain. Thyroid disorders are more common in women. According to SYNLAB's laboratory doctor, Dr. Anneli Raave-Sepp, iodine deficiency, which increases in demand during puberty and pregnancy, is one of the causes.

The main function of the thyroid gland is to participate in metabolism and body temperature regulation, and to ensure normal functioning of the central nervous system. The most common thyroid disorders are hypothyroidism, where the body produces too few thyroid hormones, and hyperthyroidism, where the body produces too many thyroid hormones.

Both underactive and overactive thyroid can cause fatigue

Thyroid disorders can manifest with various symptoms that may appear gradually or suddenly. Fatigue associated with thyroid problems can worsen slowly or, conversely, suddenly appear so severe that one cannot even lift their head off the pillow in the morning. Despite having sufficient sleep, the body remains exhausted in the morning. Engaging in physical activity becomes a challenge due to lack of energy alongside daily tasks. "Long-lasting daily fatigue, however, is not the normal state of the body," says the laboratory doctor.

Common symptoms of hypothyroidism include:

• Persistent fatigue and even apathy
• Weight gain
• Constipation
• Cold intolerance
• Hair loss
• Dry skin
• Irregular menstrual cycles
• Slow heart rate
• Hoarseness
• Problems with memory and mood decline
• High cholesterol

Fatigue can also be a sign of an overactive thyroid. This is often due to difficulties with falling asleep and anxiety caused by the stress on the body from hyperthyroidism. "Because the thyroid gland is closely linked to the nervous system, stress and excessive tension can be the root causes of problems. At the same time, nervousness and sleep disorders can also be symptoms of thyroid disease," notes Dr. Raave-Sepp.

Common symptoms of hyperthyroidism include:

• Hand tremors
• Weight loss
• Rapid heart rate
• Light-sensitive and bulging eyes
• Irritability (tendency to cry)
• Heat intolerance (e.g. in saunas)
• Persistent sweating unrelated to physical exertion

While an underactive thyroid can lead to weight gain, it's not an early symptom

Normal body weight is partially individual, but weight changes reflect a person's lifestyle and health. As the thyroid plays a crucial role in regulating metabolism, thyroid disorders can influence body weight - hyperthyroidism usually accelerates metabolism and leads to weight loss, while hypothyroidism slows down metabolism and causes weight gain.

Most weight gain related to hypothyroidism is due to excessive salt and water retention. Significant weight gain is rarely linked to hypothyroidism. If weight gain is the only symptom pointing towards underactive thyroid, it's unlikely to be the cause. Weight changes are among the last symptoms indicating thyroid disease.

Thyroid problems can affect anyone

Thyroid disorders are more common in women due to iodine deficiency in some thyroid hormones. The need for iodine increases during puberty and pregnancy. While thyroid disorders in men are less frequent, they can present with less obvious clinical symptoms.

"Diagnosing thyroid overactivity or underactivity solely based on symptoms is not possible, as they can indicate other illnesses as well. Blood tests are required for diagnosis," says the laboratory doctor. She adds that if a person has most of the symptoms associated with thyroid disease, especially if there's a family history of thyroid problems, it's advisable to check thyroid hormone levels.

"In addition, women planning to conceive should have their thyroid checked to assess the possibility of pregnancy and the risk of miscarriage due to thyroid problems," advises the laboratory doctor.

The necessary tests for diagnosing thyroid disorders are included in SYNLAB's Thyroid panel, which covers the following tests: thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxine (FT4), and thyroperoxidase antibody (TPO IgG).

Most thyroid problems are easily treatable

Dr. Anneli Raave-Sepp recommends always consulting a doctor when having tests done, to review the results together and receive recommendations for next steps. "Health checks can determine whether treatment involving thyroid medication, conscious nutrition, vitamin supplementation, or improving sleep habits is necessary," says Dr. Raave-Sepp.

Most thyroid disorders are benign and can be treated effectively, leading to a swift improvement in well-being and quality of life. "Hyperthyroidism responds well to thionamide treatment. For hypothyroidism, hormone replacement therapy is usually lifelong, but with medication, thyroid hormone levels can be kept within normal range, and the person should feel as good as without the condition. To receive treatment, one should consult their general practitioner or an endocrinologist," explains Dr. Anneli Raave-Sepp.