iStock/ThinkstockBy DR. JENNIFER ASHTON, ABC News Senior Medical Contributor
Have you been feeling tired lately or gaining weight? Do you think your thyroid may be to blame?
The thyroid is one of the major hormonal glands in the body. When it is underactive, a condition called hyperthyroidism can cause fatigue, weight gain and even depression.
The condition can be easily diagnosed with a blood test called a TSH. Sounds pretty simple, right? Well, most of the time it is. But there is now growing controversy about whether or not to treat a condition called subclinical thyroid dysfunction, when the TSH level is normal but increasing.
My prescription: Have a discussion about your situation with your doctor or healthcare provider.
As always, weigh the risks versus the benefits versus the options — it’s the smart medical thing to do.
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