Underactive thyroid

Hey, went to the doctor today and got my results from my bloodwork done last october.. He says my thyroid is underactive but not too bad.. I got more blood work done today for the thyroid to check the level of it.. also my father has a underactive thyroid he was diagnosed when he was 28 years old. Im 22 at the moment and im a male. Is this common at my age and also is it hereditary? I also feel tired,sluggish and my memory is terrible for my age, also frequent urination and im always sweating from the arm pits, sweat drips down my arms. thanks alot and take care

[Anita Ramsetty, MD]

Hi,
Thyroid disease(over and underactive) is more common in women overall. But it certainly happens in men and has a strong genetic component, as I expect in your case.
I do not know if your symptoms of sweating and frequent urination stem from your thyroid disease or not(sweating is usually from an over active thyroid more often than low). Definitely follow up with your doctor soon in regard to your results and starting treatment in the near future, as well as further investigation into your other symptoms if are not consistent with your thyroid function.
Take care.