Hypothyroidism in People with Learning Disabilities: A Forgotten Group?

Written by Verity Chester
Thyroid Patient & NHS Researcher
 
I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism in 2019 after two years of ill health, including weight gain, muscle pain, and exhaustion. I struggled to keep up with the demands of my job as a researcher, and my activity levels and quality of life declined. I didn’t know anything about hypothyroidism at that time, and I struggled to understand my diagnosis.

In my role as a researcher, I work with people with learning disabilities. Having a learning disability is defined by “significant limitations in both intellectual functioning and adaptive behaviour”. People with learning disabilities have a below average IQ, and difficulties reading, communicating verbally, and advocating for themselves. They often are dependent on family members or paid carers to support their everyday tasks, including navigating healthcare, and experience a poorer service within medical services. 

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