13 Signs You Have An Underactive Thyroid

3. Weight Gain

If you’ve recently gained weight, your thyroid might be contributing to the problem. Hypothyroidism causes weight gain in around half of the population. Most people gain 5 to 10 pounds; however, some women, especially those with severe hypothyroidism, may gain more. While the majority of the weight gain is due to increased salt and water retention, some of it may also be attributable to fat accumulation. Even while weight gain is frequent with hypothyroidism, if you’ve gained a significant amount of weight — say 20 pounds or more — your thyroid is likely not the main culprit. While having your thyroid examined is an excellent idea, you should also consider your nutrition, stress levels, and physical exercise.