Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism)

An underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) is a common condition where the thyroid gland in your neck does not make enough hormones. This can cause symptoms like tiredness and weight gain. It can be managed with treatment.

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Doctor
5.0(36)

Andrei Popov

General medicinePain medicine7 years of experience

Dr. Andrei Popov is a family physician with specialized training in the management of chronic pain. He provides video consultations for adults in Spain and across Europe: whether you have been living with pain for months that no one has been able to properly explain, or you need to resolve a health issue without waiting weeks for an appointment.

His approach is clear: to listen, organize your case, and provide you with a practical roadmap based on evidence-based medicine and adapted to your medical history and personal needs.

Pain: how he can help

  • Chronic pain (more than 3 months
  • Migraine and recurrent or high-intensity headaches
  •  Neck, lower back, back and joint pain
  •  Post-traumatic pain after injuries or surgeries
  •  Pain of neurological origin: neuralgia, neuropathic pain, fibromyalgia

General medicine

  • Frequent respiratory infections (cold, flu, persistent cough)
  • Hypertension, diabetes and metabolic disorders
  • Review of laboratory tests and MRI/CT reports (explained in clear language)
  • Preventive medicine and health monitoring
  • Second opinions and treatment adjustments (when clinically appropriate)

What the consultation is like
 Each session lasts up to 30 minutes. We review symptoms, medical history, medications and any tests you provide, and you finish the consultation with a clear treatment plan, defined next steps, and criteria to understand when follow-up may be needed. If warning signs are detected, he will clearly advise whether you need in-person care or urgent medical attention.

Book a video appointment
€86
This page provides general information and does not replace a doctor’s consultation. If symptoms are severe, persistent or worsening, seek medical advice promptly.

An underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) is a common condition where the thyroid gland in your neck does not make enough hormones. This can cause symptoms like tiredness and weight gain. It can be managed with treatment.

Symptoms of an underactive thyroid

Symptoms of an underactive thyroid may be mild and may not be easy to notice.

Common symptoms include:

  • feeling extremely tired (fatigue)
  • feeling cold more than usual
  • putting on weight
  • constipation
  • difficulty concentrating or thinking clearly
  • low mood or depression
  • dry skin, dry hair or hair loss
  • a croaky (hoarse) voice
  • irregular or heavy periods if you have them

Symptoms usually develop slowly and get worse over time.

See a GP if:

  • you think you might have an underactive thyroid

Some of the symptoms are common and can be caused by other conditions. But it's important to get them checked by a GP.

How an underactive thyroid is diagnosed

If a GP thinks you might have an underactive thyroid, they'll ask about your symptoms.

They'll also ask if someone else in your family has had a thyroid condition or an autoimmune condition, or if you've recently been pregnant.

The GP may examine your neck to find out if your thyroid gland is swollen.

You may have blood tests to check how much thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and thyroxine (T4) is in your blood.

The GP may also refer you to a specialist for more tests.

Treatment for an underactive thyroid

An underactive thyroid is usually treated with medicine to replace the thyroid hormone that your body cannot produce. This medicine is usually levothyroxine tablets.

You'll usually need to take them for the rest of your life to prevent your symptoms returning. You should be able to live a normal life.

Important

You'll have regular blood tests to check you're on the right dose of levothyroxine. Being on the wrong dose can cause side effects, such as feeling or being sick, diarrhoea, headaches or problems sleeping.

If you have any side effects, talk to your GP or a pharmacist.

Causes of an underactive thyroid

In the UK, the main cause of an underactive thyroid is an autoimmune condition called Hashimoto's disease.

If you have Hashimoto's disease, your immune system attacks your thyroid gland meaning it cannot make enough thyroid hormone.

Hashimoto's disease is most common in women, and usually starts between the ages of 30 and 50. But anyone can get an underactive thyroid.

An underactive thyroid can also be caused by:

  • having another thyroid condition, such as thyroiditis
  • surgery or radiotherapy around your neck or thyroid
  • treatment for an overactive thyroid
  • not getting enough iodine in your diet – this is rare in the UK
  • treatment with certain medicines

You're also more likely to have an underactive thyroid if others in your family have had a thyroid condition.

Risks of an underactive thyroid

An underactive thyroid is not usually serious if you're having the right treatment.

If your underactive thyroid is not treated, or you're on the wrong dose of medicine, you may have an increased risk of getting:

In very rare cases, a severe underactive thyroid may lead to a life-threatening condition called myxoedema coma. It's more common in older people. This is an emergency and requires treatment in hospital.

An underactive thyroid and pregnancy

If you have an underactive thyroid and are pregnant or planning to get pregnant, tell your GP.

You'll need further tests and it's likely your dose of levothyroxine will need to change while you're pregnant.

If it's not treated, an underactive thyroid can increase your chance or having serious complications in pregnancy, including high blood pressure (pre-eclampsia), birth defects, premature birth or miscarriage.

Treatment usually helps prevent these complications, and the GP will talk to you about any risks.

Consult with a doctor about Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism)

Consult with a doctor about Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism)

Discuss your symptoms and possible next steps with a doctor online.

Online doctors for Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism)

Discuss your symptoms and possible next steps for Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) with a doctor online.

Doctor
5.0(36)

Andrei Popov

General medicinePain medicine7 years of experience

Dr. Andrei Popov is a family physician with specialized training in the management of chronic pain. He provides video consultations for adults in Spain and across Europe: whether you have been living with pain for months that no one has been able to properly explain, or you need to resolve a health issue without waiting weeks for an appointment.

His approach is clear: to listen, organize your case, and provide you with a practical roadmap based on evidence-based medicine and adapted to your medical history and personal needs.

Pain: how he can help

  • Chronic pain (more than 3 months
  • Migraine and recurrent or high-intensity headaches
  •  Neck, lower back, back and joint pain
  •  Post-traumatic pain after injuries or surgeries
  •  Pain of neurological origin: neuralgia, neuropathic pain, fibromyalgia

General medicine

  • Frequent respiratory infections (cold, flu, persistent cough)
  • Hypertension, diabetes and metabolic disorders
  • Review of laboratory tests and MRI/CT reports (explained in clear language)
  • Preventive medicine and health monitoring
  • Second opinions and treatment adjustments (when clinically appropriate)

What the consultation is like
 Each session lasts up to 30 minutes. We review symptoms, medical history, medications and any tests you provide, and you finish the consultation with a clear treatment plan, defined next steps, and criteria to understand when follow-up may be needed. If warning signs are detected, he will clearly advise whether you need in-person care or urgent medical attention.

Book a video appointment
€86
Doctor
5.0(12)

Yevgen Yakovenko

Family medicine12 years of experience

Dr. Yevgen Yakovenko is a licensed surgeon and general practitioner in Spain and Germany. He specialises in general, paediatric, and oncological surgery, internal medicine, and pain management. He offers online consultations for adults and children, combining surgical precision with therapeutic support. Dr Yakovenko works with patients across different countries and provides care in Ukrainian, Russian, English, and Spanish.

Areas of medical expertise:

  • Acute and chronic pain: headaches, muscle and joint pain, back pain, abdominal pain, postoperative pain. Identifying the cause, selecting treatment, and creating a care plan.
  • Internal medicine: heart, lungs, gastrointestinal tract, urinary system. Management of chronic conditions, symptom control, second opinions.
  • Pre- and postoperative care: risk assessment, decision-making support, follow-up after surgery, rehabilitation strategies.
  • General and paediatric surgery: hernias, appendicitis, congenital conditions, both planned and urgent surgeries.
  • Injuries and trauma: bruises, fractures, sprains, soft tissue damage, wound care, dressing, referral when in-person care is required.
  • Oncological surgery: diagnosis review, treatment planning, and long-term follow-up.
  • Obesity treatment and weight management: a medical approach to weight loss, including assessment of underlying causes, evaluation of comorbidities, development of a personalised plan (nutrition, physical activity, pharmacotherapy if needed), and ongoing progress monitoring.
  • Imaging interpretation: analysis of ultrasound, CT, MRI, and X-ray results, surgical planning based on imaging data.
  • Second opinions and medical navigation: clarifying diagnoses, reviewing current treatment plans, helping patients choose the best course of action.

Experience and qualifications:

  • 12+ years of clinical experience in university hospitals in Germany and Spain.
  • International education: Ukraine – Germany – Spain.
  • Member of the German Society of Surgeons (BDC).
  • Certified in radiological diagnostics and robotic surgery.
  • Active participant in international medical conferences and research.

Dr Yakovenko explains complex topics in a clear, accessible way. He works collaboratively with patients to analyse health issues and make evidence-based decisions. His approach is grounded in clinical excellence, scientific accuracy, and respect for each individual.

If you are unsure about a diagnosis, preparing for surgery, or want to discuss your test results – Dr Yakovenko will help you evaluate your options and move forward with confidence.

Book a video appointment
€72
Doctor
5.0(3)

Lina Travkina

Family medicine13 years of experience

Dr. Lina Travkina is a licensed family and preventive medicine doctor based in Italy. She provides online consultations for adults and children, supporting patients across all stages of care – from acute symptom management to long-term health monitoring and prevention.

Areas of medical care include:

  • Respiratory conditions: colds, flu, acute and chronic bronchitis, mild to moderate pneumonia, bronchial asthma.
  • ENT and eye conditions: sinusitis, tonsillitis, pharyngitis, otitis, infectious and allergic conjunctivitis.
  • Digestive issues: gastritis, acid reflux (GERD), IBS, dyspepsia, bloating, constipation, diarrhoea, functional bowel symptoms, intestinal infections.
  • Urological and infectious diseases: acute and recurrent cystitis, bladder and kidney infections, prevention of recurrent UTIs, asymptomatic bacteriuria.
  • Chronic conditions: hypertension, diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, metabolic syndrome, thyroid disorders, excess weight.
  • Neurological and general symptoms: headache, migraine, dizziness, fatigue, sleep disturbances, reduced concentration, anxiety, asthenia.
  • Chronic pain support: back, neck, joint, and muscle pain, tension syndromes, pain associated with osteochondrosis and chronic conditions.

Additional care areas:

  • Preventive consultations and check-up planning.
  • Medical advice and follow-up consultations.
  • Test interpretation and diagnostic guidance.
  • Structured support for undiagnosed complaints.
  • Second opinion on diagnoses and treatment plans.
  • Nutritional and lifestyle support for vitamin deficiencies, anaemia, metabolic issues.
  • Post-operative recovery support and pain management.
  • Preconception counselling and postpartum support.
  • Immunity support and strategies to reduce frequency of infections.

Dr. Travkina combines evidence-based medicine with an attentive, personalised approach. Her consultations focus not only on treatment, but also on prevention, recovery, and long-term wellbeing.

If during the consultation it becomes clear that your case requires in-person assessment or specialised care outside of her scope, the session will be terminated and the payment fully refunded.

Book a video appointment
€75
Doctor
5.0(19)

Nuno Tavares Lopes

Family medicineGeneral medicine18 years of experience

Dr. Nuno Tavares Lopes is a licensed physician in Portugal with 17 years of experience in emergency medicine, family and general practice, and public health. He is the Director of Medical and Public Health Services at an international healthcare network and serves as an external consultant for the WHO and ECDC.

  • Emergency care: infections, fever, chest/abdominal pain, minor injuries, paediatric emergencies
  • Family medicine: hypertension, diabetes, cholesterol, chronic disease management
  • Travel medicine: pre-travel advice, vaccinations, fit-to-fly certificates, travel-related illnesses
  • Sexual and reproductive health: PrEP, STD prevention, counselling, treatment
  • Weight management and wellness: personalised weight loss programmes, lifestyle guidance
  • Skin and ENT issues: acne, eczema, allergies, rashes, sore throat, sinusitis
  • Pain management: acute and chronic pain, post-surgical care
  • Public health: prevention, health screenings, long-term monitoring
  • Sick leave (Baixa médica) connected to Segurança Social in Portugal
  • IMT medical certificates for driving licence exchange
Dr. Nuno Tavares Lopes provides medical support for patients using GLP-1 medications (Mounjaro, Wegovy, Ozempic, Rybelsus) as part of a weight loss strategy. He offers individualised treatment planning, regular follow-up, dose adjustment, and advice on combining medication with sustainable lifestyle changes. Consultations follow the medical standards accepted in Europe.

Dr. Lopes also provides interpretation of medical tests, follow-up care for complex patients, and multilingual support. Whether for urgent concerns or long-term care, he helps patients act with clarity and confidence.

Book a video appointment
€70

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