It is widely accepted that hypothyroidism (an under functioning thyroid) could be a factor in a very wide range of conditions including ME and CFS, fatigue and depression but there is little agreement within the medical profession as to what actually constitutes an under-functioning thyroid. Moreover, because the symptoms are often relatively low level, a significant number of sufferers never even get as far as consulting their doctor.

If you have been feeling 'under the weather' for some time, for no apparent reason, the About.com website now has a good in-line thyroid self assessment quiz which will at least give you some indication of whether you should at least get it medically checked.

For more on the what does or does not constitute clinical hypothyroidism see The Great Thyroid debate.

More articles on thyroid conditions

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First Published in 2010