What is Hypothyroidism?

Hypothyroidism means your thyroid gland is underactive and does not produce enough thyroid hormone. The most common cause is Hashimoto's Thyroiditis, an autoimmune condition where your immune system attacks the thyroid gland, slowly destroying its ability to work.

What are the symptoms?

Because thyroid hormone controls your metabolism (energy), low levels "slow everything down":

• Fatigue and sluggishness.
• Weight gain (or difficulty losing weight).
• Sensitivity to cold (feeling cold when others are fine).
• Constipation.
• Dry skin and hair loss.
• Depression or "brain fog."

How is it diagnosed?

A blood test measures TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone).

• High TSH means your pituitary is screaming at the thyroid to work harder (indicating the thyroid is failing).
• Low T4 confirms the diagnosis.
• Antibodies (TPO): Confirm if Hashimoto's is the cause.

What is the treatment?

Levothyroxine (T4): This is a synthetic form of the exact hormone your body is missing. It is not a "drug" in the traditional sense; it is a replacement.

How to take it: On an empty stomach, with water, at least 30-60 minutes before breakfast or coffee. Calcium, iron, and soy can block absorption, so take those 4 hours later.

Will my symptoms go away immediately?

No. It takes about 6 weeks for blood levels to stabilize. Dose adjustments are common in the first year. Once your TSH is in the normal range, most symptoms resolve. If fatigue persists despite normal labs, other causes (like sleep apnea or iron deficiency) should be checked.