Thyroid Problems

Home Thyroid Problems
thyroid-problems

Thyroid Problems

Thyroid disorders occur when the gland produces either too much or too little hormone. The two most common conditions include:

  • Hypothyroidism – when the thyroid is underactive and doesn’t produce enough hormones.
  • Hyperthyroidism – when the thyroid is overactive and produces excess hormones.

Other conditions include goiter (enlarged thyroid), thyroid nodules, and thyroiditis (inflammation), and in some cases, thyroid cancer.

Symptoms and Causes:

Common Symptoms of Hypothyroidism:
  • Fatigue
  • Weight gain
  • Cold intolerance
  • Dry skin and hair
  • Constipation
  • Depression
  • Slowed heart rate
  • Menstrual irregularities

Common Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism:
  • Weight loss despite normal or increased appetite
  • Heat intolerance
  • Palpitations or fast heart rate
  • Nervousness, anxiety
  • Tremors
  • Sweating
  • Sleep disturbances
  • Muscle weakness

Causes:

  • Autoimmune diseases (e.g., Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, Graves' disease)
  • Iodine deficiency or excess
  • Infections
  • Radiation or certain medications
  • Genetic factors
  • Thyroid surgery or congenital defects

Diagnosis & Evaluation:

Thyroid conditions are diagnosed through a combination of clinical evaluation and laboratory testing, which may include:

  • Thyroid Function Tests (T3, T4, TSH)
  • Ultrasound of the thyroid gland
  • Thyroid antibody tests
  • Thyroid scan (radioactive iodine uptake)
  • Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) for nodules

Treatment Options:

Treatment is tailored according to the type and severity of the thyroid condition:

For Hypothyroidism:
  • Thyroid hormone replacement therapy (Levothyroxine)
  • Regular monitoring to maintain hormone balance
For Hyperthyroidism:
  • Anti-thyroid medications (like Methimazole or Propylthiouracil)
  • Radioactive iodine therapy to shrink the gland
  • Beta-blockers to manage symptoms
  • Surgical removal of the thyroid in severe or resistant cases
For Nodules or Thyroid Cancer:
  • Monitoring or biopsy for benign nodules
  • Surgery, radioactive iodine, or chemotherapy for malignant nodules

Prevention & Long-Term Management:

While not all thyroid problems are preventable, the following steps can help reduce risk and manage ongoing conditions:

  • Regular health check-ups, especially if you have a family history of thyroid disorders
  • Adequate iodine intake through diet (unless otherwise advised)
  • Managing stress and avoiding exposure to radiation
  • Timely treatment of autoimmune conditions
  • Adhering to prescribed medications and follow-up tests
  • Awareness of early symptoms for timely intervention
Book an Appointment