Published on Apr 14, 2023 | 10:46 AM
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Hypothyroidism is a common endocrine condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone. These hormones regulate metabolism, energy levels, heart rate, digestion, and temperature control. When levels are low, many body systems slow down.
Hypothyroidism affects millions of people in the United States and is especially common in women, adults over 60, and individuals with autoimmune conditions. The most common cause is autoimmune thyroiditis (Hashimoto’s disease).
Symptoms often develop gradually and may include:
Fatigue and low energy
Weight gain despite no major dietary changes
Cold intolerance
Dry skin and hair thinning
Constipation
Depression or brain fog
Irregular or heavy menstrual cycles
Because symptoms can be subtle or overlap with other conditions, lab testing is essential.
Current medical standards recommend blood testing, including:
TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) – primary screening test
Free T4 – confirms hormone deficiency
Thyroid antibodies (when autoimmune disease is suspected)
An elevated TSH with a low Free T4 confirms hypothyroidism.
The gold-standard treatment is levothyroxine, a synthetic form of thyroid hormone identical to what the body naturally produces. Treatment goals include:
Normalizing TSH levels
Relieving symptoms
Preventing long-term complications
Medication dosing is individualized and adjusted based on lab results and symptoms. Most patients require lifelong treatment with periodic monitoring.
With proper treatment and follow-up, most people with hypothyroidism live normal, healthy lives. Telehealth services like CallOnDoc allow patients to receive evaluation, lab review, prescriptions, and follow-up care conveniently from home.
updated 1/15/2026 Shelly House, FNP, is a Family Nurse Practitioner and Call-On-Doc’s trusted medical education voice. With extensive experience in telehealth and patient-centered care, Ms. House is dedicated to making complex health topics simple and accessible. Through evidence-based content, provider collaboration, and a passion for empowering patients, her mission is to break down barriers to healthcare by delivering clear, compassionate, and practical medical guidance.
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