UNDERACTIVE THYROID SPECIALIST – DHA LAHORE

Hypothyroidism Treatment
in Lahore | Dr. Rizwan Niazi

  • 18+ Years Specialist Endocrinology
  • TSH & T4 Accurate Interpretation
  • Hashimoto’s Autoimmune Management
  • Pregnancy Thyroid Care
  • American Thyroid Association Member
  • Online & In-Person Consultations

Dr. Rizwan Niazi (MBBS, MRCP, MCPS, MD) provides specialist hypothyroidism care for patients across Lahore, DHA, and Pakistan. Accurate diagnosis. Personalised treatment. Long-term monitoring.

تھائیرائیڈ کی کمزوری  –  ہائپوتھائیرائیڈزم

(جب تھائیرائیڈ گلٹی کافی ہارمون نہ بنائے)

پاکستان میں لاکھوں خواتین تھائیرائیڈ کی کمزوری کا شکار ہیں مگر انہیں پتہ نہیں ہوتا۔ تھکاوٹ، وزن بڑھنا، بالوں کا گرنا، اور سردی لگنا اس بیماری کی عام علامات ہیں۔ صرف ایک خون کا ٹیسٹ – TSH – اس کی تشخیص کر سکتا ہے۔ ڈاکٹر رضوان سے آج ہی ملیں۔

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UNDERSTANDING YOUR CONDITION

What Is Hypothyroidism?

Hypothyroidism means the thyroid gland is underactive – it does not produce enough thyroid hormone. This slows down nearly every process in the body, from your heartbeat to your metabolism.

The thyroid gland normally produces hormones that regulate how fast the body works. When output is too low, the body ‘slows down’ – causing fatigue, weight gain, low mood, and many other symptoms that are often dismissed as stress or aging.

In Pakistan, hypothyroidism is particularly common among women, yet it frequently goes undiagnosed for months or years. A simple blood test measuring TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) is all that is needed to screen for it.

  • TSH high + T4 low = underactive thyroid confirmed
  • Most common thyroid disorder in Pakistani women
  • Often confused with anaemia, stress, or depression
  • Can be triggered by pregnancy or after delivery
  • Highly treatable with the right specialist care
Blood test being taken to check thyroid function TSH T4 levels in Lahore
Thyroid blood test (TSH, T4) – the key first step in diagnosing hypothyroidism in Lahore

SIGNS TO WATCH FOR

Symptoms of Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism symptoms are often gradual and easy to dismiss. If you recognise several of these, a TSH blood test is the right first step.

🔴

Energy & Metabolism

  • Persistent fatigue and sluggishness
  • Weight gain without change in diet
  • Feeling cold even in warm weather
  • Slow heart rate
  • Puffy face, especially around the eyes
💕

Skin, Hair & Nails

  • Hair thinning or hair loss
  • Dry, rough skin
  • Brittle nails
  • Thinning of the outer third of eyebrows
  • Pale or yellowish skin tone
🧠

Mood & Cognition

  • Low mood or depression
  • Brain fog – difficulty concentrating
  • Poor memory
  • Constipation
  • Irregular or heavier periods

CAUSES & RISK FACTORS

What Causes Hypothyroidism?

Most hypothyroidism in Pakistan is caused by autoimmune disease or follows previous thyroid treatment. Iodine deficiency also remains a factor in some regions.

🧠

Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis

The most common cause. The body’s immune system produces antibodies that gradually damage the thyroid, reducing its ability to make hormones over time. More common in women. Often runs in families.

  • Detectable by TPO antibody blood test
  • Can be present for years before symptoms appear
  • Family history increases your risk
🏥

After Thyroid Treatment

People who have had radioactive iodine treatment for an overactive thyroid, or who have had part or all of the thyroid removed surgically, often develop hypothyroidism afterwards as a planned outcome of treatment.

  • Very manageable with thyroid hormone replacement
  • Dose is adjusted over time with regular monitoring
  • Regular blood test review by Dr. Rizwan ensures stability
📈

Other Causes

Other less common causes include iodine deficiency (more common in areas away from major cities), certain medications that affect thyroid function, or problems with the pituitary gland in the brain.

  • Iodine deficiency – still seen in some regions of Pakistan
  • Medications affecting thyroid hormone production
  • Pituitary gland problems (rare)
  • Thyroiditis following pregnancy (post-partum thyroiditis)

HOW DR. RIZWAN ASSESSES YOU

How Is Hypothyroidism Diagnosed?

Diagnosis is based on blood tests, but accurate interpretation requires specialist knowledge. Dr. Rizwan reviews all results in the context of your symptoms.

TSH Blood Test

TSH is the most sensitive test for thyroid problems. A high TSH means the pituitary gland is working harder to stimulate an underperforming thyroid. This is the first test to order.

Free T4 Level

If TSH is high, Free T4 is measured to confirm the thyroid is underproducing. A low Free T4 alongside a high TSH confirms primary hypothyroidism.

Antibody Testing

TPO antibodies identify whether an autoimmune process (Hashimoto’s) is the cause. This is important for prognosis and monitoring frequency.

Ultrasound if Needed

If the thyroid gland feels enlarged or there is neck swelling, an ultrasound scan gives a detailed view of the gland’s size and structure. Available in Lahore.

TREATMENT OPTIONS

How Is Hypothyroidism Treated?

Hypothyroidism is one of the most treatable hormonal conditions. Most patients feel significantly better once the right treatment level is established.

Thyroid Hormone Replacement

The standard treatment is a daily tablet that replaces the thyroid hormone the gland is not producing enough of. It is taken once a day, usually in the morning on an empty stomach.

Most patients notice improvement in symptoms within 4–8 weeks once the correct dose is established. The dose is adjusted based on follow-up blood tests.

  • Taken once daily – usually in the morning
  • Dose is personalised – not one-size-fits-all
  • Blood tests reviewed every 6–12 months when stable
  • Dose adjusted during pregnancy – important to monitor
  • Most patients take it long term

Getting the Dose Right

The most common reason patients on treatment still feel unwell is an incorrect dose. Too low and symptoms persist; too high and a new set of problems can develop.

Dr. Rizwan reviews both the blood test results and your symptoms together – not just the number on a lab report. This is especially important during pregnancy, where thyroid requirements increase significantly.

Monitoring Schedule

  • First dose: TSH recheck at 6–8 weeks
  • Pregnancy: checked every 4–6 weeks
  • Stable patients: once or twice a year
  • After any dose change: recheck in 6–8 weeks

WHY CHOOSE DR. RIZWAN NIAZI

Specialist Hypothyroidism Care in Lahore

A general blood test can tell you your TSH is abnormal, but getting the treatment right – and keeping it right over time – requires a specialist. Dr. Rizwan manages hypothyroidism with a detailed, personalised approach that goes beyond simply prescribing a standard dose.

He sees patients in Lahore and DHA at Chughtai Medical Center, and offers online consultations for patients from other cities in Pakistan.

Qualifications & Credentials

  • MBBS
  • MRCP – Royal Colleges of Physicians, UK
  • MCPS
  • PG Dip. Diabetes – UK
  • MD – Diabetes & Endocrinology
  • Member, American Thyroid Association (ATA)
  • Member, American Diabetes Association (ADA)
  • 18+ years specialist endocrinology experience
Dr. Rizwan Niazi — Endocrinologist and Thyroid Specialist, DHA Lahore
Dr. Rizwan Niazi – Endocrinologist & Thyroid Specialist, DHA Lahore

Chughtai Medical Center

154-CC Sector-DD, Phase IV, DHA Lahore
Mon–Sat  ·  10:00 AM – 7:00 PM

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Common Questions About Hypothyroidism

What is the difference between hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism?
Hypothyroidism means the thyroid is underactive – it produces too little hormone, causing fatigue, weight gain, and feeling cold. Hyperthyroidism is the opposite – too much hormone, causing weight loss, anxiety, and heart palpitations. Both are diagnosed with blood tests and are treatable.
Can hypothyroidism be cured?
In most cases, hypothyroidism requires long-term management rather than a one-time cure. However, with the correct treatment and regular monitoring, the vast majority of patients live completely normal, symptom-free lives. Some cases – such as post-viral thyroiditis – can be temporary.
Is it safe to have hypothyroidism during pregnancy?
Untreated or under-treated hypothyroidism during pregnancy can affect both the mother and baby. However, with specialist monitoring and correct treatment, women with hypothyroidism have healthy pregnancies and babies all the time. The treatment dose usually needs to increase in pregnancy – Dr. Rizwan monitors this closely.
Why do I still feel tired even though my TSH is normal on treatment?
Feeling unwell despite a ‘normal’ TSH is a common issue. The problem is that normal ranges are very wide – what is technically normal may not be optimal for you as an individual. Dr. Rizwan reviews symptoms alongside blood tests to find the right balance for each patient.
Does hypothyroidism cause weight gain?
Yes – a slow thyroid slows metabolism, which can lead to gradual weight gain that is hard to lose with diet alone. Once the thyroid is treated correctly, metabolism normalises. However, some weight gain may also have other causes which Dr. Rizwan will assess at your consultation.
Can hypothyroidism cause depression?
Yes. Low thyroid hormone affects brain chemistry and is a recognised cause of depression. Patients are sometimes treated for depression for months before a thyroid blood test reveals the underlying cause. If treatment for depression is not working, ask to have your thyroid checked.
How often do I need blood tests if I have hypothyroidism?
Once your treatment is stable and your TSH is in the right range, most patients need a blood test once or twice a year. More frequent testing is needed after any dose change, during pregnancy, or if new symptoms develop.
How do I book a hypothyroidism consultation in Lahore?
Simply WhatsApp +92 300 608 8807 or click the button on this page. Bring any existing thyroid blood test results. Dr. Rizwan’s clinic is at Chughtai Medical Center, 154-CC Sector-DD, Phase IV, DHA Lahore – open Monday to Saturday, 10AM to 7PM.