Care Area
Thyroid & metabolic care
The thyroid is a small gland in the neck that controls your metabolism. When it is underactive or overactive, it affects energy, weight, mood and the heart. Most thyroid problems are well controlled with simple medicine and regular monitoring.
Understanding thyroid problems
An underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) slows the body down, while an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) speeds it up. A simple blood test — mainly TSH, with T3 and T4 — tells us which it is and how severe.
Hypothyroidism is common and easily treated with a once-daily tablet, but the dose needs occasional adjustment based on repeat tests. Treated well, thyroid conditions rarely interfere with everyday life.
Common signs & symptoms
- Underactive: tiredness and weight gain
- Feeling cold, dry skin and hair fall
- Constipation and low mood
- Overactive: weight loss and palpitations
- Feeling hot, sweaty or anxious
- Tremor of the hands
How to take care
If you are on thyroid medicine, take it on an empty stomach at the same time each morning, and wait before eating or drinking tea or coffee. Get your TSH rechecked when advised so the dose can be fine-tuned.
Eat a balanced diet, stay active and keep your weight steady. Tell the doctor if you are planning a pregnancy or already pregnant, as the dose often needs to change.
What to do
- Take the tablet on an empty stomach, same time daily
- Get your TSH tested as advised
- Keep regular follow-up visits
- Maintain a healthy, balanced diet and weight
- Tell the doctor early if you are pregnant or planning
What to avoid
- Don't skip or suddenly stop the medicine
- Don't change the dose on your own
- Don't take it with tea, coffee, calcium or iron
- Don't ignore new palpitations or rapid weight change
- Don't rely on diet alone to replace treatment
When to see the doctor
See the doctor for fast or irregular heartbeats, severe tiredness, a new or growing swelling in the neck, marked unexplained weight change, or if you become pregnant while on thyroid medicine.
Consult
Talk to Dr Ajit Kishor about thyroid concerns
Monika Niwaas, opposite Patna College, near Razza High School, Annie Besant Road, Patna 800004, Bihar.