📞 +91-93847-93847✉️ drshah@gursagarhealth.inInstagramFacebookWhatsAppISO 9001 : 2015 Certified
Health Library

Understanding an Underactive Thyroid

Tiredness, weight gain and feeling cold — what hypothyroidism is, the tests that matter, and how to look after yourself.

Written by Dr. Randeep Singh Shah, Consultant Homoeopathic Physician · Updated October 2026 · 4 min read
Thyroid

Key points

  • Thyroid gland makes too little hormone
  • Diagnosed with a TSH blood test
  • Take tablets consistently
  • Don't stop prescribed thyroid medicine on your own

What it is

The thyroid is a small gland in the neck that controls how fast the body uses energy. In hypothyroidism it makes too little thyroid hormone, and many body processes slow down.

It is especially common in women and often runs in families. It is diagnosed with a simple blood test (TSH, with T4).

Common signs

  • Tiredness and low energy
  • Weight gain without eating more
  • Feeling cold more than others
  • Dry skin, hair fall and brittle nails
  • Constipation
  • Low mood, poor memory
  • Heavy or irregular periods

Common causes

  • Autoimmune thyroid disease (Hashimoto's) — the most common cause
  • After pregnancy in some women
  • Too little iodine in the diet
  • Some medicines
  • Previous thyroid treatment or surgery

Everyday care that helps

  • Get TSH checked as your doctor advises
  • If you take thyroid tablets, take them the same way every day — usually empty stomach, 30–60 minutes before tea or breakfast
  • Use iodised salt
  • Stay active and sleep well
  • Planning pregnancy? Get thyroid checked first

When to see a doctor promptly

Please get medical help soon if:
  • Extreme tiredness, confusion or drowsiness
  • Swelling in the neck that is growing or makes swallowing hard
  • Very slow heartbeat or feeling faint
  • Thyroid symptoms during pregnancy
“Thyroid tablets work best when taken the same way, every day. Consistency is half the treatment.”— Dr. Randeep Singh Shah

How we approach it at Gursagar

We review your thyroid reports, symptoms, periods, weight, energy, mood and family history.

Dr. Shah prescribes classical homoeopathic medicine chosen for you individually, alongside your regular thyroid care. Please never stop or change thyroid tablets without your treating doctor's advice, and keep testing as advised.

Common questions

Is it lifelong?

Often yes, but many people live completely normal lives with regular monitoring.

Should I avoid cabbage?

Normal cooked amounts are fine for most people.

Can I consult online?

Yes, with your latest TSH report.

Dr. Randeep Singh Shah
Dr. Randeep Singh ShahConsultant Homoeopathic Physician · PG Hom (London) — Gold Medalist · Postgraduate, IACH Greece · D.H.M.S. (India) · AFHom (UK)
Practising classical homoeopathy since 1999 · Gursagar Homoeopathic Hospital, Rajpura & Chandigarh · Full profile →

Would you like Dr. Shah to look at your case?

Consult in person at Rajpura or Chandigarh, or online from anywhere in India and abroad.

Book a consultation💬 WhatsApp 95306 75847

This article is for general health education and is not a substitute for a medical consultation. Every person is assessed individually, and results differ from person to person. Please do not stop or change any medicine prescribed to you without speaking to your doctor. Dr. Randeep Singh Shah, D.H.M.S., AFHom (UK) · Reg. No. 2423-A.

💬