Signs your thyroid needs checking

The thyroid is small but controls the energy of the whole body, and its problems are common, especially in women.

Signs of an underactive thyroid: tiredness, weight gain, feeling cold, hair loss and constipation.

Signs of an overactive thyroid: palpitations, nervousness, weight loss, tremor and sweating.

The first test is TSH, with no fasting; if abnormal the doctor adds Free T4 and antibodies.