Thyroid Problems: Symptoms, Causes, and Care

The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located at the front of your neck, just beneath the skin. It is part of the endocrine system and plays a crucial role in regulating several of the body’s essential functions. The thyroid produces hormones such as triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4), which are responsible for managing your metabolism—the process through which the body converts food into energy. These hormones also help regulate heart rate, body temperature, blood pressure, and body weight. Thyroid disorders arise when the gland produces either too much or too little of these hormones. Continue reading to explore the types of thyroid problems, their symptoms, causes, and treatment options.

Types of Thyroid Disorders

There are two key types of thyroid problems. These are:

• Hypothyroidism: This occurs when the thyroid gland produces insufficient thyroid hormones, often referred to as an underactive thyroid. It leads to a slowdown in various bodily functions, including metabolism.
• Hyperthyroidism: In this condition, the thyroid gland produces an excessive amount of thyroid hormones, also known as an overactive thyroid. This results in an acceleration of bodily functions, such as metabolism and heart rate.

Causes of Thyroid Problems

Both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism arise from various underlying causes, including autoimmune conditions, iodine levels, and structural changes in the thyroid gland.

Conditions that can cause hypothyroidism include:

• Hashimoto’s Disease: It is a chronic autoimmune disorder and the leading cause of hypothyroidism.
• Iodine Deficiency: The thyroid requires iodine to produce hormones. A lack of iodine in the diet can lead to hypothyroidism, often resulting in goitre (thyroid enlargement). This is a prevalent cause in areas without sufficient iodised salt availability.
• Congenital Hypothyroidism: In some cases, babies are born with an underdeveloped or absent thyroid gland, leading to hypothyroidism from birth.

Conditions that can cause hyperthyroidism include:

• Graves’ Disease: This is a chronic autoimmune disease that leads to an overactive thyroid. It’s one of the most common causes of hyperthyroidism.
• Excessive Iodine: When your body has too much iodine, your thyroid produces more thyroid hormones than you require.
• Thyroid Nodules: These are abnormal lumps on your thyroid gland. If the nodules are hyperfunctioning, they can lead to hyperthyroidism.

Symptoms of Thyroid Disorders

The symptoms of thyroid disease typically fall into two categories, based on whether your body is producing too much (hyperthyroidism) or too little thyroid hormone (hypothyroidism).

Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism

• Difficulty falling or staying asleep
• Rapid heartbeat (tachycardia)
• Unintended weight loss
• Sweaty or clammy skin
• Increased sensitivity to heat
• Irregular menstrual cycles or absence of periods (amenorrhea)
• Feelings of irritability, anxiety, or nervousness

Symptoms of Hypothyroidism

• Persistent fatigue
• Slow heart rate
• Unexplained weight gain
• Dry, coarse skin and hair
• Increased sensitivity to cold
• Heavy or prolonged menstrual periods (menorrhagia)
• Depressive mood

Diagnosis of Thyroid Problems

To diagnose thyroid conditions, your healthcare provider will begin by discussing your symptoms, reviewing your medical history, and performing a physical examination. During the exam, they will gently check your thyroid gland for enlargement or the presence of nodules. To confirm a diagnosis, they may use the following tests:

Thyroid Function Tests

These are blood tests that measure the amount of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), T3, T4, and thyroid antibodies in your blood. These tests help determine whether your thyroid is functioning normally or if conditions like hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism are present.

Imaging Tests

Imaging helps evaluate the thyroid’s size, shape, and structure.

• Thyroid Scan: This test provides detailed images of the thyroid, allowing the doctor to check for abnormalities like enlargement or nodules.
• Ultrasound: High-frequency sound waves generate images of your thyroid, helping to identify lumps (nodules) or an enlarged gland (goitre).

Treatment Options for Thyroid Disorders

The treatment for thyroid disorders varies based on the specific condition and underlying cause, aiming to restore thyroid hormone levels to a healthy range.

Treatment for Hyperthyroidism

For hyperthyroidism, your healthcare provider may recommend one or more of the following options:

• Antithyroid Medications: Drugs like propylthiouracil and methimazole help suppress the thyroid gland's production of hormones.
• Radioiodine Therapy: This involves ingesting a tablet or liquid containing radioactive iodine, which selectively damages thyroid cells to reduce hormone production.
• Beta-Blockers: While these medications don’t directly affect thyroid function, they can help alleviate symptoms such as a rapid heartbeat.
• Surgery: In severe or persistent cases, a thyroidectomy (surgical removal of the thyroid gland) may be recommended. Post-surgery, patients will need to take synthetic thyroid hormone replacement pills for life to maintain normal hormonal balance.

Treatment for Hypothyroidism

Individuals diagnosed with hypothyroidism will need lifelong thyroid hormone replacement therapy, as no medication, surgery, or alternative treatment can naturally restore thyroid function once it slows down. Doctors commonly prescribe synthetic thyroid hormones like levothyroxine, which effectively replaces the hormones the thyroid can no longer produce. 

Lifestyle Changes to Manage Thyroid Health

Adopting healthy lifestyle habits can play a significant role in maintaining optimal thyroid function. Here are some tips:

• Eat a Balanced Diet: Incorporate iodine-rich foods like dairy products, seafood, and iodised salt into your meals. Selenium, found in nuts, whole grains, and lean meats, is also vital for thyroid health.
• Stay Physically Active: Regular physical activity can enhance your metabolism and support thyroid function. Whether it’s a brisk walk, yoga, or a fitness class, choose activities you enjoy and make exercise a consistent part of your routine.
• Manage Stress Levels: Excessive stress can interfere with thyroid function. Practice stress-relief techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga to reduce stress hormones and promote thyroid well-being.
• Prioritise Quality Sleep: Adequate sleep is crucial for thyroid health. Aim for 7–9 hours of restful sleep each night, establish a calming bedtime routine, and minimise screen time before bed to improve sleep quality.
• Stay Hydrated: Proper hydration supports overall health, including metabolism and thyroid hormone conversion. Ensure you drink enough water daily to keep your thyroid functioning efficiently.

Potential Complications of Untreated Thyroid Disorders

If thyroid conditions are left untreated, they can lead to severe health complications.

Hyperthyroidism can lead to problems including:

• Heart problems, like heart rhythm issues (like atrial fibrillation) rapid heart rate, or heart failure
• Stroke
• Osteoporosis (loss of bone density)

Hypothyroidism can result in complications like:

• Peripheral neuropathy
• Mood disorders, such as depression
• Infertility
• Increased risk of heart failure and heart disease
• Myxedema coma

Thyroid Problems: Prevention and Regular Check-ups

Most thyroid conditions are not preventable due to their connection with genetics or autoimmune disorders, which aren’t avoidable. The only risk factor you may be able to prevent is the excess or deficiency of iodine. Moreover, routine medical check-ups are essential for early detection and management of thyroid conditions. Blood tests to measure thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and thyroid hormone levels can identify potential issues before they cause significant symptoms. Regular check-ups are particularly important if you have a family history of thyroid disorders or other risk factors.

Conclusion

Thyroid disorders, whether they involve an overactive or underactive thyroid, can significantly impact your overall health and well-being. However, with early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, most thyroid conditions can be managed effectively. Understanding the symptoms, causes, and available treatments is crucial in taking proactive steps toward maintaining thyroid health. Regular check-ups with your healthcare provider are essential for detecting thyroid issues early and preventing complications.