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:

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

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.

Opening hours
Clinic
Monday to Friday 8.30am to 8pm
Sundays - 9.00am to 2.00pm
Pharmacy
Monday to Friday 8.30am to 8pm
Sundays - 9.00am to 2.0pm
Switchboard
Monday to Friday 8.30am to 8pm

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