If you are often tired throughout the day, talk to your doctor. You may have hypothyroidism, a condition that occurs when your body does not produce enough of the thyroid hormone.

In addition to fatigue, symptoms of hypothyroidism can include weight gain, weakness, abnormal menstrual cycles, depression and irritability. “Hypothyroidism is an extremely common condition, especially among women,” says Ahmad Z. Sheikh, MD, FACE, ECNU, CCD, endocrinologist, Saint Francis Medical Partner. “Some researchers estimate as many as 10 percent of women lack a sufficient amount of the thyroid hormone.”

Treatment involves taking thyroid replacement in a pill form. However, it can take some time to find the right dosage of medication. “You will need to work closely with your doctor to find the dosage that will bring your thyroid level back to a normal range and decrease your symptoms,” says Sheikh.

For more information on hypothyroidism, call 573-331-3996.