Understanding Hypothyroidism: When Your Thyroid Slows Down
Medically reviewed by Dr. Swati Tayal Goray, Consultant Endocrinologist & Diabetologist
You’ve been feeling exhausted lately. Maybe your clothes fit a little tighter, your skin feels drier, or your periods have become irregular. You’ve tried sleeping more, eating better, but nothing seems to help.
If this sounds familiar, your thyroid might be part of the story.
What You Might Notice
Hypothyroidism often creeps in quietly. The signs are subtle at first, the kind you can easily brush off as stress or a busy lifestyle. Over time, though, they start to add up:
Constant tiredness or sluggishness
Weight gain or difficulty losing weight
Hair fall, dry skin, or brittle nails
Constipation or facial puffiness
Feeling unusually cold
Heavy or irregular periods
Low mood or lack of motivation
These changes happen because your metabolism slows down when the thyroid doesn’t produce enough hormones.
What’s Happening in Your Body
The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland in your neck that produces hormones (T3 and T4) that regulate metabolism, energy, and mood. When it slows down, your brain steps in by releasing more TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) which is why a high TSH level on a blood test is often the first sign of hypothyroidism.
In India, thyroid disorders affect around 42 million people, and women are up to ten times more likely to develop them.
Why It Happens
The most common cause is an autoimmune condition called thyroiditis, where the immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland.
Other factors can include iodine imbalance, certain medications, or thyroid surgery.
While iodine deficiency has become less common, autoimmune thyroid disease is steadily on the rise especially among women.
How It Affects Women
Your thyroid and reproductive hormones are closely connected. When thyroid function slows down, it can ripple across your cycle, mood, and fertility.
Menstrual changes: 27–72% of women with hypothyroidism experience heavy or irregular bleeding (menorrhagia/ oligomenorrhea).
PCOS connection: Around one-third of women with hypothyroidism also have Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, sharing features like weight gain, acne, and fertility challenges.
Infertility: Low thyroid hormones and raised prolactin can disrupt ovulation; infertility is seen in 22–32% of women with hypothyroidism.
Pregnancy risks: Untreated hypothyroidism may increase miscarriage and pregnancy complications even mild cases deserve attention.
If you’ve been struggling with irregular periods, fatigue, or fertility issues, checking your thyroid levels is a simple, important first step.
Getting Diagnosed and Moving Forward
The good news is that hypothyroidism can be effectively managed once identified. A simple blood test (TSH, T3, T4) can confirm it, and most women respond well to the right dose of thyroid hormone replacement prescribed by their doctor.
Finding the right dose can take time and that’s okay. With patience, regular follow-ups, and consistent care, your body gradually finds its rhythm again.
If you’re newly diagnosed, know this: you’re not alone. Millions of women live full, healthy lives with hypothyroidism, and the right treatment can make an enormous difference in how you feel day to day.
The Takeaway
Hypothyroidism is common, and with the right guidance, it’s entirely manageable. Listening to your body and getting tested early can make a lasting difference.
If you’ve been feeling persistently tired or not quite yourself, don’t ignore it. One small test could bring the clarity you’ve been looking for and help you start feeling like yourself again.
“A healthy thyroid means a healthy metabolism, balanced hormones, and better energy, all within your reach.”
Source: Kumar, S., & Kotur, P. (2020). Effects of hypothyroidism in Indian women of reproductive age group – A review article. Indian Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology Research, 7(1), 1–6. https://doi.org/10.18231/j.ijogr.2020.001
