Widely described as an "invisible illness" due to a lack of visual signs, an underactive thyroid has the potential to become debilitating if not properly managed.
So how would you know if you had it? Well, one noticeable sign often strikes in the morning.
And that’s being tired.
The thyroid gland is a small butterfly-shaped gland in the neck, that sits just in front of the windpipe (trachea). From there it emits hormones that regulate key functions, such as metabolism.
Left untreated, an underactive thyroid - also known as hypothyroidism - can alter how nerves carry information to and from the brain, spinal cord and body.
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Get familiar with the warning signs
Becoming familiar with the warning signs could lead to more timely treatment which should help mitigate any long-term effects.
According to The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), hypothyroidism affects around two per cent of the UK population.
The health body says hypothyroidism is a condition of thyroid hormone deficiency and is usually caused by autoimmune Hashimoto’s thyroiditis - a disease caused by the immune system attacking the thyroid gland, which damages it and makes it swell.
Over time, as the thyroid is destroyed, it's unable to produce enough thyroid hormone.
NICE added: “Long-term consequences of hypothyroidism include cardiovascular disease and an increase in cardiovascular risk factors, including hypercholesterolemia.”
Hypercholesterolemia refers to a high blood cholesterol level. Cholesterol is a waxy substance produced by the liver and is a component of all cells found in the body.
What can hypothyroidism do to the body?
Hypothyroidism can cause a wide range of effects, with some of the more common being lethargy, poor concentration and constipation.
VeryWell Health explains: “Fatigue is a nearly universal symptom of hypothyroidism.
“Bone-numbing fatigue may be one noticeable sign that your thyroid levels aren’t properly regulated.
“The fatigue can develop slowly or come on suddenly, leaving you barely able to lift your head off the pillow in the morning.”
WebMD says the condition may also noticeably disturb sleep by making the body feel cold or causing muscle and joint pain.
“Some people with hypothyroidism also feel extremely sleepy in the daytime, to the point that it’s hard to stay awake,” it adds.
Other symptoms of hypothyroidism
The NHS says the most common symptoms of hypothyroidism include:
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Tiredness
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Constipation
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Slow movements and thoughts
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Being sensitive to cold
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Weight gain
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Depression
Hypothyroidism can also affect your appetite, according to an early study published in the Journal of Thyroid Research.
A hankering for carbohydrates, which is often the body's way of saying it's low on energy, could then lead to weight gain.
The authors said: “Thyroid dysfunction can have clinically significant consequences on appetite and body weight.”
Thankfully, the NHS says the condition is often picked up before “more serious symptoms appear”.
When it isn’t, however, a person may experience:
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A slow heart rate
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A low-pitched and hoarse voice
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A puffy-looking face
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Hearing loss.
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Thinned or partly missing eyebrows
What can I do to prevent hypothyroidism?
Unfortunately, nothing - as it cannot be prevented.
As such, the most sensible thing you can do is to watch for warning signs which should help lessen any impact related to the condition.
If you experience any symptoms, make sure you visit your doctor who will likely test your hormone levels with a blood test.
The NHS explains: “The test, called a thyroid function test, looks at levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and thyroxine (T4) in the blood.
“Doctors may refer to this as ‘free’ T4 (FT4).”
