Hypothyroidism, or underactive thyroid, causes many body functions to slow down resulting in low energy, depression, weight gain, dry skin and other conditions. In infants, it can cause severe mental and physical disabilities.
Signs You Should Get Help for Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is a condition resulting from too little thyroid hormone. It is most commonly caused by Hashimoto’s disease when the immune system damages the thyroid gland.
Symptoms include the following:
- Feeling tired
- Low energy
- Depression
- Weight gain
- Constipation
- Feeling cold
- Muscle aches
- Dry skin
- Breaking hair
Hypothyroidism Treatment at Rush
See your primary care provider if you have these symptoms. A physical exam and blood tests will determine your diagnosis.
If you have hypothyroidism, your provider will refer you to an endocrinologist — a hormone specialist — who will typically prescribe thyroid hormone medication for you to take daily. This pill is very easy to take, and your symptoms should begin to improve after a few weeks. You will need to continue taking this medication to prevent symptoms from returning.
Your doctor will continue to monitor your hormone levels to make sure they are normal. If your levels change, your medication will be adjusted.
Meet our hypothyroidism providers
Rush Excellence in Hypothyroidism Care
- Leaders in thyroid disease: The Rush endocrinology team includes nationally recognized experts in the care of thyroid disease who are members of the American Thyroid Association and helped write the guidelines for care of hypothyroidism.
- Nationally ranked care: U.S. News & World Report ranked Rush University Medical Center among the best in the nation for endocrinology.
- Scientific study of thyroid hormone: Rush scientists are world leaders in the study of how thyroid hormone works in individual organs.