HEALTH CHECK
The hidden health condition that leaves you tired, putting on weight and feeling down – and can take YEARS to spot
There is only one way to check for the condition, according to the NHS
MILLIONS of Brits may have a deadly thyroid condition that takes years to spot, a study suggests.
Around one in 10 have an underactive thyroid, which can lead to fatal heart attacks, University of Aberdeen researchers found.
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However, most patients are not diagnosed for around 4.5 years, by which point they will have seen their tiredness, weight gain and mental health symptoms get worse, experts say.
Dr Avinash Hari Narayanan, of , said: “Up to 10 per cent of people are likely to be suffering from an underactive thyroid.
“The study found that it can take 4.5 years for people to be diagnosed with this potentially fatal condition.
“Particularly concerning is the fact that 25 per cent of individuals over the age of 65 exhibit thyroiditis — a swelling of the thyroid which can lead to unusually high or low levels of thyroid hormones in the blood — highlighting a marked vulnerability among older people.”
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An underactive thyroid — known as hypothyroidism medically — is when your thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones.
Some 2.2million Brits are thought to be living with an underactive thyroid, according to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).
The main symptoms are tiredness, weight gain and feeling depressed.
Other signs include dry skin, thinning hair, intolerance of cold, heavy periods, reduced fertility, memory loss and poor concentration.
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Most cases are caused by the immune system attacking the gland and damaging it, or by damage to the gland caused by treatments or cancer.
It can be treated successfully with daily hormone tablets that replace those not being produced by the thyroid.
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However, many patients are left undiagnosed for long periods because the signs can be difficult to spot.
According to the NHS, the only accurate way of finding out whether you have a thyroid problem is to have a blood test that checks hormone levels.
You should see a GP and ask to be tested for an underactive thyroid if you are suffering tiredness, weight gain, depression, cold sensitivity, dry skin and hair or muscle aches.
Previous research has shown that an underactive thyroid can increase the risk of heart disease.
Despite the amount of people it affects, and the dangers associated with the condition, medical professionals can be slow to diagnose the problem
Dr Avinash Hari Narayanan
The study, published in , looked at how the condition affects the heart.
Researchers analysed data from previous studies, finding hypothyroidism is linked to a range of heart conditions.
Dr Narayanan said: “Left untreated, hypothyroidism can result in the increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
“That’s because low levels of the hormone thyroxine can lead to increased levels of cholesterol in your blood.
“This causes fatty deposits to build up in your arteries, restricting the flow of blood. This can ultimately lead to strokes and heart attacks.”
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He added: “Despite the amount of people it affects, and the dangers associated with the condition, medical professionals can be slow to diagnose the problem.
“The University of Aberdeen study found patients, particularly women, were dismissed out of hand with patronising comments such as ‘eat more vegetables’, ‘take up jogging’, 'it's laziness’ and ‘it’s all in your head’ by GPs and even consultants.”
What are the symptoms of an underactive thyroid?
Common symptoms include:
- Tiredness
- Being sensitive to cold
- Weight gain
- Constipation
- Depression
- Slow movements and thoughts
- Muscle aches and weakness
- Muscle cramps
- Dry and scaly skin
- Brittle hair and nails
- Loss of libido (sex drive)
- Pain, numbness and a tingling sensation in the hand and fingers (carpal tunnel syndrome)
- Irregular periods or heavy periods
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