London Medical Endocrinology
Under-active thyroid
London Medical provides the most up-to-date procedures for patients – with clinics held by some of the UK’s most renowned specialists.
Worried about an under-active thyroid?
An underactive thyroid can make you feel tired, depleted and depressed. Too often the condition is ignored or dismissed. London Medical’s top endocrinologists are experts at diagnosing, treating and monitoring thyroid disease so that your energy, health and wellbeing can be restored.
Recognising hypothyroidism
It’s worrying when you feel unwell and your symptoms are unexplained. The endocrinology consultants at London Medical will listen carefully to your concerns, perform a detailed examination and arrange for testing in our state-of-the-art clinic. Common symptoms include:
- Tiredness and loss of energy
- Weight gain
- Low mood and depression
- Increased sensitivity to the cold
- Dry, itchy skin
- Thinning of the eyebrows
- Muscular aches
Hypothyroidism screening
Hypothyroidism is the medical term for an under-active thyroid. It’s a condition in which the thyroid gland doesn't produce enough of the thyroid hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). Thyroid hormones are crucial for driving the body’s metabolism. When there’s too little, the body’s processes slow down, making you gain weight and feel sluggish, cold and exhausted.
The most common cause of an under-active thyroid is autoimmune thyroiditis or Hashimoto's thyroiditis. The body makes antibodies that attack the thyroid gland, reducing its function. Surgery for cancer or radioactive iodine therapy for an overactive thyroid can also make the thyroid under-active.
The symptoms of an under-active thyroid often develop gradually. They are also non-specific, so many people live with the debilitating condition for years before it is diagnosed. Undiagnosed disease is not just unpleasant, it can cause thyroid swelling or goitre, predispose to heart disease and cause problems during pregnancy.
For anyone who is worried about fatigue or concerned about the management of their thyroid disease, London Medical offers screening investigations, expert analysis and supportive care by experienced physicians.
Hypothyroidism testing at London Medical
The definitive way of testing for a thyroid problem is by performing a blood test to check the hormone levels. London Medical offers tests for a number of different factors, including the levels of the thyroid hormones thyroxine (T4) and tri-iodothyronine (T3), the levels of Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH), which typically goes up when the thyroid is underactive, and a test for the antithyroid antibodies produced in autoimmune thyroiditis.
Under-active thyroid treatment
With effective treatment for hypothyroidism, you will be able to lead a healthy and active life. Treatment involves taking daily tablets to replace the hormones you lack.
The drug is usually needed for the rest of your life.
One of London Medical’s consultants will prescribe the medication. They will then monitor your thyroid function and your symptoms to ensure that your good health is restored.
There is evidence that some people treated can still feel unwell, even though their blood tests are in the normal range. If this is the case, the clinic’s experts may also prescribe tri-iodothyronine. This is a specialist approach that can only be supervised by accredited endocrinologists and is not always available on the NHS.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our Consultants
Dr Ralph Abraham
As a founder of London Medical, Dr Ralph Abraham specialises in diabetes, weight management, endocrinology and cholesterol
Professor Maralyn Druce
Consultant endocrinologist, with a clinical practice in both general and specialist endocrinology.
Dr Malcolm Prentice
Consultant in endocrinology, diabetes and general medicine with a special interest in thyroid diseases.
Dr Helen Spoudeas
A paediatric endocrinologist at Great Ormond Street Hospital and is one of a team of paediatric endocrinologists seeing all endocrine patients at the split site London Centre of Paediatric Endocrinology
Professor Andrea Frilling
Honorary Consultant and Professor of Surgery, and chair in endocrine surgery at Imperial College London.
Dr Bobby Huda
Specialist in endocrinology and diabetes who currently practices at several locations around London, including Barts Health NHS Trust.
Dr Dipesh Patel
Leading endocrinology and diabetes consultant physician and has a passion for high quality care.
Dr Rakesh Amin
Clinical lead for endocrinology and diabetes at Great Ormond Street Hospital. As a paediatrician, he treats patients aged between 0-25 years of age only.
Dr Harvinder Chahal
With a focus on adults, Dr Chahal is a consultant in endocrinology, diabetes, bariatric medicine, and general internal medicine at Imperial College Trust.
Dr Mimi Z. Chen
Specialist consultant in diabetes and endocrinology with a particular interest in weight loss and weight management medications.
Dr Ling Ling Chuah
Consultant endocrinologist with over a decade’s experience in the treatment of diabetes.
Professor Melanie Davies
Ms Melanie Davies is a consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist and accredited subspecialist in reproductive medicine, treating ages of 14 and upwards.
Dr David Hopkins
Consultant physician and diabetologist based in London.
Mr Vikram Talaulikar
Associate specialist at UCL with clinical interests that include reproductive endocrinology, PCOS, fertility, recurrent miscarriage, premature menopause.
Our endocrinology specialties
We offer expert care and treatment across a broad range of endocrine disorders and diseases.
Explore our endocrine specialties:
Our Locations
London Medical is located in the Harley Street medical area. Together with top experts across a range of multi-disciplinary fields, we offer the finest facilities for your care, all under one roof.
Monday to Friday 8.30am to 8pm
Monday to Friday 8.30am to 8pm
Monday to Friday 8.30am to 8pm
Speak to a member of our team
Contact the appointments team
If you have any questions or want to book an appointment, please speak to our team on +44 (0)800 0483 330.
If you wish to book online, for private GP appointments, please use our GP appointment form.
Or, make an enquiry online using this form and one of our team will be in touch. Please note, all the information collected is required as part of our registration process. By using this form you agree with the storage and handling of your data by our team. You don't need a referral from your GP to make an appointment with us.