Keeping Track of Your Thyroid

Got a physical coming up? Ask your doctor to check your thyroid function, urge U.K. researchers. Their study in the Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes shows that about 2.2% of HIVers have abnormal thyroid function, about twice the rate as the general population.

The study shows that an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) -- which can cause depression and fatigue -- is strongly associated with use of protease inhibitors, while an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) -- linked with hyperactivity and anxiety -- is tied closely to NNRTI use, particularly Sustiva.