Thyroid Disorder - What All Should You Know

Written and reviewed by
Dr. Vishwanath B L 93% (106 ratings)
Doctor of Medicine (M.D.), MBBS Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery
Diabetologist, Bangalore  •  19 years experience
Thyroid Disorder - What All Should You Know

Thyroid disorders are conditions that affect the thyroid gland, which is a butterfly-shaped gland in front of the neck. There are specific kinds of thyroid disorders that include:

  1. Hypothyroidism
  2. Hyperthyroidism
  3. Goiter
  4. Thyroid Nodules
  5. Thyroid Cancer
  6. Epidemiology, Incidence, and Prevalence

It has been estimated that about 42 million people in India suffer from thyroid diseases.

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland produces an insufficient amount of thyroid hormone. It can develop from problems within the thyroid gland, pituitary gland, or hypothalamus.

Symptoms of hypothyroidism can include:

  1. Fatigue
  2. Poor concentration or feeling mentally "foggy"
  3. Dry skin
  4. Constipation
  5. Feeling cold
  6. Fluid retention
  7. Muscle and joint aches
  8. Depression
  9. Prolonged or excessive menstrual bleeding in women

Common Causes of Hypothyroidism

  1. Hashimoto's thyroiditis (an autoimmune condition that causes inflammation of the thyroid gland)
  2. Thyroid hormone resistance
  3. Other types involving inflammation of the thyroid, such as acute thyroiditis and postpartum thyroiditis

Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism refers to the excessive production of thyroid hormone, a less common condition than hypothyroidism. Symptoms of hyperthyroidism are usually related to increased metabolism. In mild cases, there may not be apparent symptoms.

Signs and symptoms of hyperthyroidism can include:

  • Tremors
  • Nervousness
  • Fast heart rate
  • Fatigue
  • Intolerance for heat
  • Increase in bowel movements
  • Increased sweating
  • Concentration problems
  • Unintentional weight loss

Common causes of hyperthyroidism

  • Graves' disease
  • Toxic multinodular goiter
  • Thyroid nodules that overexpress thyroid hormone (known as "hot" nodules)
  • Abnormal secretion of TSH
  • Thyroiditis (inflammation of the thyroid gland)
  • Excessive iodine intake

Goiter: A goiter is an enlargement of the thyroid gland, regardless of cause. A goiter may be associated with hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, or a normal thyroid function.

Thyroid Nodules: Nodules are lumps or abnormal masses in the thyroid. Nodules can be caused by benign cysts, benign tumors, or less commonly, by cancers of the thyroid. If nodules are excessively large, they may cause symptoms related to compression of nearby structures.

Thyroid Cancer: Thyroid cancer is more common among adult women than men or youth. About 2/3rd of cases occur in people under age 55. There are different kinds of thyroid cancers depending upon the specific cell type within the thyroid that has become cancerous. Most cases of thyroid cancer have a good prognosis and high survival rates, especially when diagnosed in its early stages.

Investigations

Blood tests are done to measure levels of thyroid hormones. Blood tests are also done to identify antibodies against thyroid tissue, such as titers of antithyroglobulin, antithyroperoxidase, or TSH receptor-stimulating antibodies.

Treatment of Thyroid Disorders

Thyroid disorders can be treated with medications or, in some cases, surgery. The treatment will depend on the particular disease of the thyroid.Medications can be given to replace the missing thyroid hormone in hypothyroidism. Synthetic thyroid hormone is given in pill form by mouth. When hyperthyroidism is present, medications can be used to decrease the production of thyroid hormone or prevent its release from the gland.

In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!

6204 people found this helpful
Icon

Book appointment with top doctors for Thyroid Disorders treatment

View fees, clinic timings and reviews

Related Questions

I have been operated for Papillary thyroid carcinoma and doing good...
3
I a a thyroid patient from last 4 years. From last 3 months I am wo...
57
My wife's endocrinology reports are as given below T3: 1.0 ng/ml (L...
36
I am using thyronorm 12. 5 mg tablets from my 4th month (in PREGNAN...
Hi Sir/Madam, I'm diagnosed as cml I'm on treatment with tab imatin...
My mother had cml and is taking imatinib 400 mg once day since last...
1
Hi, I have pcos , I have taken treatment earlier after which I conc...
4
I am 35 year old male. Just week ago I am diagnosed hyperthyroidism...
5
View all related questions

Related Health Tips

Thyroid Gland Removal Surgery - What All Should You Know?
2976
Thyroid Gland Removal Surgery - What All Should You Know?
Ashwagandha - The Magical Herb!
11175
Ashwagandha - The Magical Herb!
Thyroid Disorders
5362
Thyroid Disorders
Hypothyroidism - Symptoms + Homeopathic Remedies
5734
Hypothyroidism - Symptoms + Homeopathic Remedies
Chronic Myeloid Leukemia - Know The Facts About It!
3458
Chronic Myeloid Leukemia - Know The Facts About It!
Chronic Myeloid Leukemia - Why Does It Happen?
2605
Chronic Myeloid Leukemia - Why Does It Happen?
Understanding The Survival Rate Of Childhood Leukaemia!
4055
Understanding The Survival Rate Of Childhood Leukaemia!
Ayurvedic Approach Towards Hypothyroidism
4783
Ayurvedic Approach Towards Hypothyroidism
View more health tips

To view more such exclusive content

Download Lybrate App Now

Get Add On ₹100 to consult India's best doctors