HYPOTHYROIDISM: SYMPTOMS, CAUSES, TREATMENT & CARE IN ABU DHABI, UAE

If you feel constantly tired, are gaining weight without a clear reason, or are struggling with hair loss and low mood, your thyroid might be the hidden cause. Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) is very common worldwide – especially in women – and often goes undiagnosed for years.

At Reem Hospital in Abu Dhabi, our endocrinology team regularly sees patients who say things like:

“I thought it was just stress or age, I never imagined it was my thyroid.”

This blog will guide you through everything you need to know about hypothyroidism, including symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment, diet, and when to consult a thyroid specialist in Abu Dhabi or anywhere in the UAE.

What Is Hypothyroidism?

Hypothyroidism happens when your thyroid gland (a small butterfly-shaped gland in the neck) does not produce enough thyroid hormones, mainly T4 (thyroxine) and T3 (triiodothyronine). These hormones control how your body uses energy (metabolism), affecting almost every organ, from your heart and brain to your skin and gut.

When thyroid hormone levels are low, the body slows down. That’s why many symptoms of hypothyroidism feel like “everything is in slow motion”: slow metabolism, slow digestion, slow thinking, low energy.

Common Symptoms of Hypothyroidism

Symptoms of hypothyroidism can develop slowly and are often mistaken for stress, aging, or “just being tired.” Not everyone has all symptoms, but these are the most common:

General

• Constant fatigue and low energy
• Feeling unusually cold, even in warm weather
• Sleepiness, sluggishness, or “brain fog”

Weight & Metabolism

• Unexplained weight gain or difficulty losing weight
• Swollen face or puffiness around the eyes
• High cholesterol levels

Hair, Skin & Nails

• Dry, rough skin
• Hair loss or thinning hair, including eyebrows
• Brittle nails

Mood & Mental Health

• Low mood or depression
• Memory problems or difficulty concentrating
• Irritability

Women’s Health & Fertility

• Irregular, heavy, or painful periods
• Difficulty getting pregnant (infertility)
• Increased risk of miscarriage 

Other Physical Symptoms

• Constipation
• Hoarse voice
• Muscle aches, cramps, or weakness
• Slowed heart rate

If you are in Abu Dhabi or elsewhere in the UAE and recognize several of these symptoms, it is worth asking your doctor for thyroid function tests.

What Causes Hypothyroidism?

Several conditions can lead to an underactive thyroid. The most common causes worldwide include:

1. Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis (Autoimmune Thyroid Disease)
   • The immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland.
   • This is the most common cause of hypothyroidism in many countries.
2. Thyroid Surgery or Radioactive Iodine Treatment
   • Previous thyroid surgery (for nodules, goitre, or thyroid cancer) can reduce hormone production.
   • Radioactive iodine treatment for hyperthyroidism can eventually cause hypothyroidism.
3. Medications
   • Certain medications (e.g., amiodarone, lithium, some cancer treatments) may affect thyroid function.
4. Iodine Imbalance
   • Thyroid cells need iodine to produce hormones.
   • Both iodine deficiency and excess iodine can affect the thyroid.
5. Congenital Hypothyroidism
   • Some babies are born with an underactive thyroid and require early diagnosis and treatment.
6. Postpartum Thyroiditis
   • Some women develop thyroid problems in the months after giving birth.

In the UAE, where lifestyle conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and PCOS are relatively common, hypothyroidism may coexist with other hormonal problems. Careful assessment by an endocrinologist in Abu Dhabi is important for a full picture of your health.

How Is Hypothyroidism Diagnosed?

If your doctor suspects hypothyroidism, they will usually order blood tests, including:

• TSH (Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone): The most sensitive test.
• Free T4 (Thyroxine): Measures circulating thyroid hormone.
• Sometimes Free T3, Thyroid antibodies (TPO, Tg), or a thyroid ultrasound if needed.

In Abu Dhabi, these tests are easily available in hospital labs and outpatient clinics. At Reem Hospital, thyroid blood tests and endocrine consultations are often done on the same day to speed up diagnosis and treatment planning.

If you are already on levothyroxine (thyroid hormone tablets), regular TSH monitoring helps your doctor adjust your dose and keep you within the target range.

Hypothyroidism Treatment: 

Hypothyroidism is usually a long-term condition, but the good news is that it is very treatable with the right medication and follow-up. The goal is to restore normal thyroid hormone levels and relieve symptoms.

Standard Treatment: Levothyroxine

• Levothyroxine is a synthetic form of T4, identical to the hormone your thyroid naturally produces.
• It is taken once daily, usually in the morning on an empty stomach, with water, at least 30–60 minutes before breakfast or other medications.
• Your doctor will start with a specific dose based on your age, weight, heart health, and TSH level, then adjust according to follow-up blood tests.

How Long Does Treatment Last?

• For most people (especially with autoimmune hypothyroidism or after thyroid removal), treatment is lifelong.
• Some temporary forms of hypothyroidism (e.g., postpartum thyroiditis) may improve over time, but this must be assessed by a specialist.

Follow-Up & Monitoring

• TSH is usually checked 6–8 weeks after any change in dose.
• Once stable, you may only need thyroid function tests every 6–12 months, unless symptoms change or you become pregnant.

Proper treatment can:

• Improve energy levels
• Help with weight management
• Support mood and mental clarity
• Protect the heart and cholesterol levels
• Support fertility and healthy pregnancy

Hypothyroidism and Pregnancy

Thyroid health is very important in pregnancy, for both the mother and the baby’s brain development. Untreated or poorly controlled hypothyroidism in pregnancy can increase the risk of miscarriage, premature birth, high blood pressure, and developmental problems in the baby.

If you are planning a pregnancy or are already pregnant and living in Abu Dhabi or elsewhere in the UAE:

• Ask your doctor for TSH and thyroid function tests before conception or as early as possible.
• Many women with hypothyroidism need a higher dose of levothyroxine during pregnancy.
• Close monitoring by an endocrinologist and obstetrician is recommended, with regular checks.

At Reem Hospital, endocrinology and obstetrics teams can coordinate care to keep your thyroid levels stable throughout pregnancy.

Hypothyroidism Diet & Lifestyle Tips

Medication is the main treatment, but lifestyle can support your overall health. While there is no “magic hypothyroidism diet,” small changes can help:

1. Balanced Diet

Focus on:

• Fresh vegetables and fruits
• Lean proteins (fish, eggs, chicken, legumes)
• Whole grains (oats, brown rice, quinoa)
• Healthy fats (olive oil, nuts, avocado)

2. Iodine: Not Too Little, Not Too Much

• Iodine is essential for thyroid function, but most people in the UAE get enough from iodised salt and diet.
• Do not take iodine supplements unless your doctor advises, as too much iodine can worsen thyroid issues.

3. Selenium & Zinc
These nutrients support thyroid hormone metabolism:

• Selenium: found in Brazil nuts (in small amounts), fish, eggs.
• Zinc: found in meat, shellfish, beans, and seeds.

Do not self-prescribe high-dose supplements; discuss them with your doctor first.

4. Goitrogens (Cruciferous Vegetables)

• Foods like cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, and kale contain goitrogens, which in large raw amounts can interfere with thyroid hormone production.
• For most people with hypothyroidism, normal portions of cooked cruciferous vegetables are safe and healthy.

5. Weight Management & Exercise

Once your thyroid hormones are balanced, weight management becomes easier, but it still requires:

• Regular physical activity (walking, swimming, strength training)
• Portion control and mindful eating
• Sufficient sleep and stress management

If weight remains a major challenge and you need more weight loss tips for hypothyroidism, our endocrinologists and dietitians can help design a personalized plan.

When Should You See a Thyroid Specialist in Abu Dhabi?

You should consider seeing an endocrinologist or thyroid specialist if:

• You have ongoing fatigue, weight changes, hair loss, or low mood that are not explained.
• Your TSH test is abnormal or borderline and you are unsure what it means.
• You are planning a pregnancy or are already pregnant and have a thyroid condition.
• You already take levothyroxine but still feel unwell, or your TSH is difficult to stabilise.
• You have a goitre (enlarged thyroid) or thyroid nodules.

At Reem Hospital in Abu Dhabi, our endocrinology team offers:

• Comprehensive thyroid function testing (TSH, Free T4, antibodies)
• Ultrasound assessment of the thyroid, when needed
• Personalised hypothyroidism treatment plans
• Close follow-up for pregnant women with thyroid disease
• Coordination with dietitians, cardiologists, and other specialists when required

Hypothyroidism: Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can hypothyroidism cause hair loss?

Yes. Low thyroid hormone levels can lead to hair thinning and hair loss, including from the scalp and eyebrows. With proper treatment, hair often improves, though it may take several months.

2. Is hypothyroidism more common in women?

Yes. Women are significantly more likely than men to develop autoimmune thyroid disease and hypothyroidism, especially between the ages of 30 and 60.

3. Can I stop my thyroid medication once I feel better?

No, do not stop levothyroxine without medical advice. Stopping suddenly can cause symptoms to come back and may be dangerous, particularly if you have heart disease.

4. Does hypothyroidism affect mental health?

Yes. Low thyroid hormone levels can cause low mood, depression, anxiety, and cognitive “brain fog.” Many patients feel emotionally better once their hormone levels are normalized.

5. Can hypothyroidism be prevented?

Not always – especially when it is autoimmune or genetic. However, avoiding unnecessary iodine supplements, getting regular check-ups, and managing other conditions like diabetes and high cholesterol can support overall hormonal health.

Conclusion:

Hypothyroidism is a highly manageable condition when diagnosed early and treated correctly. With proper medication, regular monitoring, and the right lifestyle support, most people regain their energy, mood, and overall well-being. If you’re experiencing symptoms or simply want clarity about your thyroid health, a simple TSH test can give you the answers you need. At Reem Hospital in Abu Dhabi, our endocrinology team is committed to providing evidence-based, personalised care to help you live healthier and feel your best.