Thyroid
The thyroid is a small gland in the neck that sets the pace of your metabolism. These guides explain thyroid blood tests, an underactive or overactive thyroid, thyroid lumps and thyroid care in pregnancy. Each one ends with the signs that mean you should see an endocrinologist.
Thyroid tests
Hypothyroidism
Hyperthyroidism
Thyroid nodules and goitre
Thyroid in pregnancy
Thyroid medicines
Common questions
- Can I take my thyroid tablet with tea?It is better not to swallow your thyroid tablet with tea or coffee. Coffee is known to reduce how much levothyroxine your body absorbs, and tea with milk is likely to do the same, so doctors usually suggest plain water and a gap of 30 to 60 minutes before your morning cup. If that is truly impossible, keeping the same routine every day and telling your doctor matters more than perfection.
- Can thyroid problems cause weight gain?Yes, an underactive thyroid can cause some weight gain, but usually only a few kilos, and much of it is retained salt and water rather than fat. When the thyroid is treated, people often lose a little of this, but treatment rarely leads to large weight loss. If you have gained a lot of weight, other causes such as diet, sleep, medicines, PCOS or insulin resistance are usually more important and worth discussing.
- Should I fast before a thyroid test?Fasting is not strictly needed for a thyroid test, but TSH is a little higher in the early morning and slightly lower later in the day and after food. The best approach is to test at a similar time and in a similar state each time, often in the morning, so one report can be compared with the next. If you take thyroid tablets or biotin supplements, ask your doctor how to time them around the test.