The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland at the front of your neck. Its hormones set the pace of your metabolism, so when it makes too little or too much, you can feel it almost everywhere: energy, weight, mood, heart rate and periods. Most thyroid problems are common, easy to test for, and well controlled with the right treatment.
Start by understanding your report. TSH is usually the first number doctors look at, and one abnormal result is often rechecked before treatment begins.
Take your tablet the same way every day and recheck TSH 6–8 weeks after starting or changing the dose, so your doctor can fine-tune it.
Once your dose is stable, most people need a TSH check every 6–12 months, and sooner if you plan a pregnancy or your symptoms change.
These symptoms overlap with many other conditions, so a blood test is the only way to know whether your thyroid is the cause.
Underactive thyroid
The thyroid doesn't make enough hormone. It is the most common thyroid problem and is much more common in women.
Overactive thyroid
The thyroid makes too much hormone, speeding up the body. Untreated, it can strain the heart and weaken bones.
An autoimmune condition where the immune system gradually damages the thyroid. It is a common cause of hypothyroidism.
An autoimmune condition that makes the thyroid overactive. It is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism and can also affect the eyes.
Lumps within the thyroid. They are very common, especially with age, and most are not cancer.
Enlarged thyroid
A swelling of the thyroid gland, seen as a lump at the front of the neck. Thyroid levels can be low, normal or high.
Call 108 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have:
The standard first check. 12-hour fasting not needed. Report in 24 hours.
For suspected autoimmune thyroid disease. Adds anti-TPO antibodies. Report in 48 hours.
The repeat test 6–8 weeks after a dose change. Morning sample, before your tablet.
Hypothyroidism is usually managed rather than cured: a daily tablet keeps hormone levels normal. Hyperthyroidism can sometimes settle after a course of anti-thyroid medicine, or be treated permanently with radioactive iodine or surgery.
Take it at the same time every day on an empty stomach with water, usually 30 to 60 minutes before breakfast. Keep it about 4 hours apart from calcium or iron supplements, which reduce how much you absorb.
No. Feeling better usually means the dose is working. Stopping can bring symptoms back over a few weeks. Talk to your doctor before changing or stopping any thyroid medicine.
No diet cures a thyroid condition. For most people iodised salt provides enough iodine, and extra iodine or kelp supplements can make some thyroid problems worse. Foods like cabbage and soy are fine in normal amounts.
Yes, as soon as possible. Thyroid hormone needs rise in pregnancy, and many women on levothyroxine need a higher dose and more frequent tests.
Medically reviewed by
Dr. Anjali Deshpande · MBBS, MD (Medicine), DM Endocrinology
Last reviewed 1 September 2026 · How we review content
This guide is for general information and does not replace a consultation. Talk to your doctor before starting, stopping or changing any medicine.