HOLLYWOOD actor and author Stanley Tucci recently shared his experience with thyroid issues on David Tennant’s podcast.
The 64-year-old actor underwent high-dose radiation and chemo- therapy after a tumour was discov- ered at the base of his tongue in 2017.
The Devil Wears Prada star spoke openly on the podcast about how several years after treatment, while filming a TV show in Italy in 2024, he began noticing a significant drop in his energy.
Stanley told David: “I would be so tired in the afternoon, like com- pletely exhausted by one o'clock and I was like, something’s wrong with me. Finally, I had a blood test. My thyroid was non-functioning.”
An underactive thyroid can often fly under the radar, so we have spo- ken to some experts who have explained exactly what it is, and have highlighted common symp toms to look out for.
What is an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism)?
The thyroid gland is a small butterfly-shaped gland in the neck, just in front of the windpipe. One of its main functions is to produce hormones that help regulate the body’s metabolism.
“An underactive thy- roid (known as hypo-thyroidism) is where the thyroid gland doesn’t make enough of the hormones,’ explains Dr Nata- sha Fernando, GP and medical director at Medichecks.
“If levels are too low, your body's functions slow down, including your metabolism, and you may experience unwanted symptoms.”
What causes it?
Hypothyroidism is typically due to damage. If the thyroid functions normally, there may be a problem with the pituitary gland or the hypothalamus, a structure within your brain.
Who is more likely to be affected?
It is mostly seen in women between the ages of 40-50 and is seen in women 10 times more often than men, according to Thyroid UK.
What are some ...
The 64-year-old actor underwent high-dose radiation and chemo- therapy after a tumour was discov- ered at the base of his tongue in 2017.
The Devil Wears Prada star spoke openly on the podcast about how several years after treatment, while filming a TV show in Italy in 2024, he began noticing a significant drop in his energy.
Stanley told David: “I would be so tired in the afternoon, like com- pletely exhausted by one o'clock and I was like, something’s wrong with me. Finally, I had a blood test. My thyroid was non-functioning.”
An underactive thyroid can often fly under the radar, so we have spo- ken to some experts who have explained exactly what it is, and have highlighted common symp toms to look out for.
What is an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism)?
The thyroid gland is a small butterfly-shaped gland in the neck, just in front of the windpipe. One of its main functions is to produce hormones that help regulate the body’s metabolism.
“An underactive thy- roid (known as hypo-thyroidism) is where the thyroid gland doesn’t make enough of the hormones,’ explains Dr Nata- sha Fernando, GP and medical director at Medichecks.
“If levels are too low, your body's functions slow down, including your metabolism, and you may experience unwanted symptoms.”
What causes it?
Hypothyroidism is typically due to damage. If the thyroid functions normally, there may be a problem with the pituitary gland or the hypothalamus, a structure within your brain.
Who is more likely to be affected?
It is mostly seen in women between the ages of 40-50 and is seen in women 10 times more often than men, according to Thyroid UK.
What are some ...
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Leicester Mercury (Digital) - 1 Issue, March 25, 2025