Hypothyroidism, specifically, is extra outstanding in individuals over the age of 40, affecting roughly two in each 100 individuals.

This sort of dysfunction happens when the thyroid gland produces much less hormones than it ought to.

As a consequence, an individual's metabolism runs slowly, thereby resulting in weight achieve.

Also often known as an underactive thyroid, the situation might result in:

• Fatigue
• Cold intolerance
• Muscle weak spot
• Constipation
• Depression
• Impaired focus
• Impaired reminiscence
• Hair loss on the physique, scalp and eyebrows
• Hoarse voice
• Difficulty swallowing
• Loss of libido
• Gritty eyes
• Breathlessness.

The NHS warns: "Symptoms usually develop slowly and you may not realise you have a medical problem for several years."

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Additional signs would possibly embrace:

• Brittle hair and nails
• Irregular intervals
• Pain, numbness and a tingling sensation within the fingers and fingers.

More severe indicators of an underactive thyroid might contain a sluggish coronary heart fee, a puffy-looking face, and anaemia.

The British Thyroid Foundation confirmed {that a} "simple blood test" can decide when you've got the situation.

The charity elaborated: "An underactive thyroid is typically associated with a thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) level above the reference range and a thyroxine (FT4) level that is below the reference range.

"It is cheap to have a take a look at for thyroid antibodies to substantiate that the trigger is autoimmune."

If affected, your doctor should prescribe levothyroxine, a synthetic version of the thyroxine produced by the thyroid gland.

The dosage, ranging from 50mcg to 300mcg, will be based on the blood test results and body weight.

Treatment will need to be continued for several months before a person begins to feel better.

Side effects of levothyroxine

The Mayo Clinic advises anybody experiencing the side effects to talk to their doctor.

Possible side effects of levothyroxine:

• Chest pain, discomfort, or tightness
• decreased urine output
• difficult or laboured breathing
• difficulty with swallowing
• dilated neck veins
• extreme fatigue
• fainting
• fast, slow, irregular, pounding, or racing heartbeat or pulse
• fever
• heat intolerance
• hives or welts, skin itching, rash, or redness
• irregular breathing
• irritability
• menstrual changes
• nausea
• pain or discomfort in the arms, jaw, back, or neck
• sweating
• swelling of the eyes, face, lips, throat, or tongue.

Certain side effects may not require medical attention as they will dissipate as your body becomes accustomed to the medication.