Features - Underacive Thyroid is Common In Women after the Menopause

The thyroid gland, which is in your neck, sets the rate at which you produce energy from your body's stores by the release of thyroid hormones.

Hypothyroid

If your thyroid is underactive - not producing enough hormone - you'll have too little energy and will feel slow, tired and lethargic. You'll become hypothyroid.

There are many causes, but for some it seems to be part of the ageing process. Hypothyroidism is especially common in women after the menopause. Look for the following symptoms:

exhaustion, tiredness, sleep problems
difficulty concentrating or remembering
weight gain
dry hair, skin and nails
depression or anxiety
constipation
poor libido
breathlessness and swelling of feet
hoarseness
cold intolerance
face swelling and puffy eyes
in women, heavy periods

How many people are affected?

Hypothyroidism is ten times more common in women than in men and usually occurs over the age of 40.

What's the treatment?

It's difficult to prevent thyroid illness. Hypothyroidism is treated with thyroid hormone medication.

This article was sourced from the BBC and was last medically reviewed by Dr Rob Hicks in July 2006.

Page updated: 7 January 2009