The thyroid is a small gland in the neck that regulates how the body uses energy. When it becomes underactive (hypothyroidism), it can bring on tiredness, weight gain, feeling unusually cold and low mood; an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) tends to cause the opposite - weight loss, a racing heartbeat, anxiety and feeling too warm.
Both are usually confirmed with a simple blood test and respond well to treatment - an underactive thyroid is typically managed with a daily hormone replacement tablet, while an overactive thyroid might be treated with medication or, less often, other approaches. Anyone noticing a cluster of these symptoms should ask their GP about a thyroid check.
Common questions
What symptoms does an underactive thyroid cause?
Tiredness, weight gain, feeling the cold more than usual, and low mood.
How is a thyroid problem usually confirmed?
A straightforward blood test. Both overactive and underactive thyroid conditions are generally easy to manage once diagnosed.