Suspected hypothyroidism if you gain weight and get cold easily due to constant fatigue
Oct 30, 2025
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Lack of thyroid hormones that regulate our body's energy metabolism slows down the function of the whole body and causes various physical changes. Hypothyroidism is a disease in which the body's metabolic function slows down due to a lack of hormones secreted by the thyroid gland. When thyroid hormones are insufficient, the whole body feels dull. Fatigue and lethargy persist, and the amount of meals remains the same, but weight is gained or the cold is exceptionally good. In addition, constipation, dry skin, hair loss, decreased concentration, and depression can be accompanied, and if left unattended, it can lead to various systemic diseases such as hyperlipidemia and arteriosclerosis beyond simple fatigue. It is particularly common in women and has a high risk of developing it in people with autoimmune diseases.
The most common cause is Hashimoto's thyroiditis, an autoimmune disease, in which the thyroid gland is damaged by an abnormality in the immune system, resulting in poor function. In addition, thyroid surgery or radiation treatment sequelae, if you are taking drugs that reduce thyroid function, or pituitary disease can be the cause. Diagnosis is made by measuring thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and thyroid hormone (T4) levels through blood tests. Generally, if TSH is high and T4 is low, it is diagnosed as hypothyroidism. If necessary, an ultrasound examination may also check for structural abnormalities in the thyroid gland.
The key to the treatment is to supplement the deficient thyroid hormone with a synthetic hormone drug (rebothyroxine). Hormone levels (TSH·T4) are checked through blood tests every six to eight weeks after taking hormone drugs, and when they enter the stabilization phase, follow-up tests are conducted once every six months to a year. Most patients can live a normal life with only drug control. However, hypothyroidism is a chronic disease that requires lifelong management, so even if symptoms improve, it is important not to stop taking drugs arbitrarily and to continue regular tests. In everyday life, balanced meals, adequate sleep, and regular exercise also help relieve symptoms.
Professor Park So-young of the Department of Endocrinology at Ansan Hospital of Korea University said, `Depression of thyroid gland function can be easily mistaken for fatigue or weight gain as simple aging due to slow progression of symptoms"If even mild symptoms persist for a long time, it is better to seek medical attention" he said. He also stressed that early diagnosis and steady management are of paramount importance because most patients improve with drug treatment.
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This article was translated by Naver AI translator.
