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Home Health Library Hypothyroidism
Moderate severity · Endocrinology

Hypothyroidism

Underactive thyroid · Slow metabolism

The thyroid gland produces too little thyroid hormone, slowing every body process. A daily tablet usually restores normal life.

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At a glance
Prevalence
1 in 10 Indian women
Typical age
30–60 years
Outlook
Easily managed
System
Hormones
Reviewed by a verified Endocrinology doctor
What causes it

Causes

  • Hashimoto's autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Iodine deficiency
  • Post-thyroid surgery or radiation
  • Certain medications (lithium)
  • Pituitary disease
How it feels

Symptoms & effects

  • Unexplained weight gain
  • Cold intolerance, dry skin
  • Constipation
  • Hair thinning and loss
  • Heavy or irregular periods, fatigue
How it’s treated

Treatment & cure

  • Daily levothyroxine on empty stomach
  • TSH check every 6–8 weeks during titration
  • Adjust dose in pregnancy
  • Treat associated lipid issues
  • Address selenium if deficient
Staying ahead

Prevention

  • Use iodised salt
  • Annual TSH if family history
  • Avoid soy/calcium within 4 hrs of levothyroxine

Do’s

  • Take levothyroxine first thing, empty stomach
  • Re-test TSH 6 weeks after a dose change
  • Tell every doctor you're on thyroid meds
  • Plan pregnancy with endocrinologist

Don’ts

  • Skip the morning tablet
  • Take levothyroxine with coffee or milk
  • Self-stop because you feel better
  • Take it with iron or calcium pills
See a doctor immediately if

Symptoms are sudden or severe, getting worse despite home care, or interfering with sleep, work or daily life. Don’t self-diagnose from the internet — book a verified clinician below.

Top specialists

Top 4 doctors for Hypothyroidism

Ranked by patient rating, years of experience and review volume. All verified by MediConsult’s clinical team.

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RA 1

Dr. Rangholiya Ankur

MD Medicine · 11 yrs

0 (0)
Sarthi hospital · 3 rd floor
Next slot By appointment · ₹5000
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RS 2

Dr. Roshani Savaliya

MD Medicine · 7 yrs

0 (0)
new civil hospital surat · athwagate
Next slot By appointment · ₹1000
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BS 3

Dr. Bhargav Sagar

MD Medicine · 6 yrs

0 (0)
P P Savani Hospital · Surat
Next slot By appointment · ₹800
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PP 4

Dr. Piyush Patoliya

MD Medicine · 6 yrs

0 (0)
Vaghani Hospital and Prasutigruh · 4th Floor
Next slot By appointment · ₹800
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Low haemoglobin · Iron stores empty
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Renal calculi · Severe flank pain
Type 2 Diabetes
High blood sugar · Insulin resistance
Disclaimer · This article is educational and reviewed by clinicians, but it cannot replace an in-person assessment. Medication doses, prevention advice and treatment choices vary by person. Always confirm with a doctor before acting on anything here.