Feeling Tired All the Time? It Could Be Your Thyroid

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We all have days when our energy isn’t what it used to be. But if you’ve been feeling unusually tired for weeks or months, even after getting enough rest, it may be worth looking beyond your daily routine. One possible cause is an underactive thyroid, a condition that becomes more common with age.

The thyroid is a small gland in the front of your neck that produces hormones helping to regulate your metabolism. When it doesn’t produce enough of these hormones, many of your body’s functions begin to slow down.

Symptoms can develop gradually and are easy to mistake for normal ageing. Along with ongoing tiredness, you may notice feeling colder than those around you, unexplained weight gain, dry skin, constipation, low mood, muscle aches, or slower thinking and memory. Not everyone experiences the same combination of symptoms.

An underactive thyroid is diagnosed with a simple blood test. If the results show your thyroid isn’t working properly, treatment usually involves taking a daily thyroid hormone tablet. Many people notice a gradual improvement in their energy and overall wellbeing once their hormone levels return to a healthy range.

Because these symptoms can also be caused by many other health conditions, it’s important not to diagnose yourself. If you’ve noticed persistent changes in your energy, mood, or general health, make an appointment with your GP to discuss what’s been happening.

Keeping a record of your symptoms can be helpful before your appointment. Note when they started, whether they’re getting worse, and how they’re affecting your daily activities. This information can assist your GP in deciding which tests, if any, are appropriate.

It’s easy to blame everything on getting older. Sometimes, though, there’s an underlying cause that’s both identifiable and treatable. If you’ve been feeling unlike yourself for some time, asking the right questions could be the first step towards feeling better again.