Hypothyroidism psychosomatics

What psychosomatics says

In psychosomatics, hypothyroidism is often described as the state when your strength runs out after a long race. For years you ran, kept up for everyone, and your body switched to power-saving mode.

Inside, you may hear “I won't make it anyway,” “I'll never manage.” Then it feels easier to slow down completely than to lose again.

Psychosomatics helps you understand which race wore you out like this, and who set it up for you.

What it is

The most common cause of hypothyroidism is autoimmune thyroiditis, also called Hashimoto's. The immune system gradually damages the thyroid.

According to the Russian Ministry of Health clinical guidelines (2024), almost 5 in 100 people have hypothyroidism. Most often it's a mild, hidden form: TSH is already high, while the T4 hormone is still normal. Every year, hypothyroidism appears for the first time in about 3–4 out of 1,000 women.

Women get hypothyroidism much more often than men, and more often after age 60. That's how the US National Institutes of Health explains it. It's detected with a blood test for TSH.

If hypothyroidism is confirmed, an endocrinologist will choose a hormone for you. It's important to take it exactly as your doctor prescribed and not to stop on your own.

How it shows up

• Tiredness and sleepiness, even after sleeping
• You're always cold
• You gain weight even though you eat the same as before
• Dry skin, hair loss
• Low mood, forgetfulness
• Cycle irregularities

An endocrinologist makes the diagnosis based on a blood test for TSH and thyroid hormones.