Can exercise improve fatigue in hypothyroidism?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am 38 years old and have hypothyroidism. On some days, I just feel tired despite how many hours of sleep I got.

I have tried to start running again, but I find it hard to make it a regular habit. I always hear people say that exercise is good, but I don’t know how much of a difference it actually makes.

Can running actually help with hypothyroidism, or is managing the condition mostly about taking the medications correctly?

Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have reviewed your question and understood your problem.

What you are feeling is very common in hypothyroidism, and it does not mean you are doing anything wrong.

The foundation of treatment is still getting your thyroid hormone levels properly controlled with the right dose of medication, because exercise cannot replace that. However, once your levels are within the normal range, regular running or any consistent physical activity can make a meaningful difference in how you feel.

Exercise does not correct the thyroid gland itself, but it can help improve energy levels over time, support metabolism, reduce fatigue, improve mood, and assist with weight control and muscle strength, all of which are often affected in hypothyroidism.

The key is that the benefit is gradual and sometimes subtle at first, so it can feel like it is not helping when, in fact, your body is slowly adapting.

It is perfectly natural to have some days when one feels fatigued, even if he/she is doing everything right, because of the fact that his/her thyroid levels are still not completely balanced or due to sleep, stress, and nutrition.

The best thing to do is to use the correct dose of the medicine, engage in exercise, and not rush into things.

I hope I have answered your question.

Let me know if I can assist you further.

Thank you.