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Always tired? When to have your thyroid checked

Published · 3 min read · Endocrinology

A woman with her hand on the front of her neck

The most common reasons for constant tiredness are poor sleep, stress and anaemia. But in women, especially after childbirth and after 40, an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) is a frequent cause too.

Signs to look out for

  • Tiredness that doesn’t go away after a night’s sleep.
  • Feeling cold when everyone else is warm.
  • Putting on weight for no clear reason.
  • Hair loss and dry skin.
  • Constipation.
  • Changes in your periods.

Which test

The first step is a TSH test: it costs 12 ₼ and the result is ready the next day. If TSH is out of range, the endocrinologist orders free T4 and antibodies and, if needed, a thyroid ultrasound.

Treatment for hypothyroidism is usually one tablet a day, with the dose adjusted to your TSH every 6–8 weeks. If you are planning a pregnancy, it is especially worth checking your TSH beforehand.

This article is for information and does not replace a visit to a doctor.

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