Hypothyroidism
What is Hypothyroidism?
Hypothyroidism happens when your thyroid gland doesn't make enough thyroid hormones. Your thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland in your neck. It makes hormones that control how your body uses energy. When these hormone levels drop too low, your metabolism slows down.
This slowdown affects almost every system in your body. Your heart may beat slower. Your digestion slows. Your body temperature drops. Even your brain function can change. About 5 out of 100 Americans have hypothyroidism. Women are 5 to 8 times more likely to develop it than men.
The good news is that hypothyroidism is highly treatable with medication. Most people feel much better once their hormone levels return to normal. Regular blood testing helps track your thyroid function and ensures your treatment is working properly.
Symptoms
- Persistent fatigue and low energy
- Unexplained weight gain or difficulty losing weight
- Feeling cold when others feel comfortable
- Dry skin and brittle hair or nails
- Hair thinning or hair loss
- Constipation and slow digestion
- Muscle weakness and joint pain
- Depression or mood changes
- Brain fog and difficulty concentrating
- Slower heart rate
- Heavy or irregular menstrual periods
- Puffy face or swelling
Many people have mild symptoms at first and don't realize anything is wrong. Symptoms often develop slowly over months or years. Some people have no noticeable symptoms until their thyroid function drops significantly.
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Causes and risk factors
The most common cause of hypothyroidism is Hashimoto's thyroiditis. This is an autoimmune condition where your immune system attacks your thyroid gland. Over time, this damage reduces the gland's ability to make hormones. Other causes include thyroid surgery, radiation treatment for cancer, certain medications, and iodine deficiency. Some babies are born with an underactive thyroid.
Your risk increases if you're over age 60, female, have a family history of thyroid problems, or have other autoimmune diseases. Pregnancy can trigger thyroid problems in some women. Being deficient in key nutrients like iodine, selenium, or iron may affect thyroid function. Stress and inflammation can also play a role in thyroid health.
How it's diagnosed
Hypothyroidism is diagnosed through blood tests that measure thyroid hormone levels. The most important test is TSH, which stands for thyroid stimulating hormone. High TSH levels usually mean your thyroid isn't making enough hormones. Your doctor may also check Free T4 and Free T3 levels to get a fuller picture of how your thyroid is working.
Rite Aid's blood testing service includes thyroid panel tests at Quest Diagnostics locations nationwide. Our testing measures TSH, Free T4, Total T4, Free T3, Total T3, Reverse T3, and other markers that help identify thyroid problems. We also check related markers like cholesterol, ferritin, and vitamin levels that can be affected by thyroid function. Early detection helps you start treatment sooner and avoid long-term complications.
Treatment options
- Thyroid hormone replacement medication, typically levothyroxine taken daily
- Regular blood tests every 6 to 8 weeks initially, then annually once stable
- Ensure adequate iodine intake through diet or supplements if deficient
- Eat selenium-rich foods like Brazil nuts, fish, and eggs
- Address iron deficiency with iron-rich foods or supplements if needed
- Reduce inflammation through an anti-inflammatory diet rich in vegetables and omega-3 fats
- Manage stress with regular exercise, sleep, and relaxation practices
- Avoid excessive amounts of raw cruciferous vegetables if eating in large quantities
- Work with your doctor to adjust medication dosage based on symptoms and test results
- Consider functional medicine approaches to address root causes like autoimmunity
Concerned about Hypothyroidism? Get tested at Rite Aid.
- Simple blood draw at your nearest lab
- Results in days, not weeks
- Share results with your doctor
Frequently asked questions
Hypothyroidism means your thyroid makes too little hormone, slowing your metabolism. Hyperthyroidism means it makes too much hormone, speeding up your metabolism. Hypothyroidism causes weight gain, fatigue, and feeling cold. Hyperthyroidism causes weight loss, anxiety, and feeling hot.
Most cases of hypothyroidism are lifelong conditions that require ongoing treatment. However, some temporary forms, like postpartum thyroiditis, may resolve on their own. With daily medication and regular monitoring, most people with hypothyroidism live normal, healthy lives. Working on root causes like autoimmunity may improve your condition over time.
If you're newly diagnosed or changing medication doses, test every 6 to 8 weeks. Once your levels are stable, annual testing is usually sufficient. If you have symptoms or medication changes, test more frequently. Regular testing helps ensure your treatment is working and prevents symptoms from returning.
Thyroid hormones control your metabolic rate, which is how fast your body burns calories. When hormone levels drop, your metabolism slows down. Your body burns fewer calories at rest and stores more energy as fat. You may also retain more water and salt, adding to weight gain.
Focus on nutrient-dense whole foods including selenium-rich foods, iodine from fish and seaweed, and iron-rich proteins. Eat plenty of vegetables, healthy fats, and high-quality proteins. Avoid highly processed foods and excess sugar. If you have Hashimoto's, reducing gluten and dairy may help reduce inflammation for some people.
Yes, chronic stress can worsen thyroid function. Stress raises cortisol levels, which can interfere with thyroid hormone production and conversion. Stress also worsens autoimmune conditions like Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Managing stress through sleep, exercise, and relaxation techniques supports better thyroid health.
Yes, thyroid medication is safe and essential during pregnancy. Untreated hypothyroidism can harm both mother and baby. Pregnant women often need higher medication doses because pregnancy increases thyroid hormone needs. Your doctor will monitor your levels closely and adjust your dose as needed throughout pregnancy.
High TSH means your pituitary gland is working hard to stimulate your thyroid. This usually indicates hypothyroidism, where your thyroid isn't making enough hormones. Your pituitary releases more TSH to try to get your thyroid to work harder. TSH above 4.5 to 5.0 typically suggests an underactive thyroid.
Certain supplements may support thyroid function if you have deficiencies. Selenium, zinc, and iodine are important for thyroid hormone production. Iron and vitamin D deficiencies can worsen symptoms. Always test your levels before supplementing, as too much iodine can actually worsen thyroid problems in some people.
TSH alone doesn't tell the whole story. You may have conversion problems where T4 isn't converting to active T3. You might have high Reverse T3, which blocks thyroid hormone action. Some people need their TSH in a specific range to feel well. Testing Free T3, Reverse T3, and thyroid antibodies provides more information.