What is a Thyroid Disorder?
Thyroid disorders refer to a wide range of conditions that affect the thyroid gland, a small, butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of the neck that produces thyroid hormones. These hormones regulate many essential body functions including metabolism, heart rate, body temperature, and more.
Some common thyroid disorders include:
- Hypothyroidism: This is when the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones. Symptoms can include fatigue, weight gain, feeling cold, muscle weakness, dry skin, hair loss, and depression. It is typically treated with synthetic thyroid hormone medication.
- Hyperthyroidism: This is when the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone. Symptoms typically include unexplained weight loss, rapid heart rate, profuse sweating, hand tremors, irritability, muscle weakness, and more. Common causes are Graves' disease, thyroid nodules, and thyroiditis. Treatment depends on the cause but may include antithyroid medications, radioactive iodine, or thyroid surgery.
- Goiter: This refers to an enlargement of the thyroid gland, creating a swelling at the front of the neck. A goiter can occur with both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, or even when thyroid hormone levels are normal. The most common cause is iodine deficiency. Treatment depends on the cause but may include thyroid hormone therapy or surgery.
- Thyroid nodules: These are lumps that develop within the thyroid gland. Most are benign, but around 5% may be cancerous, so evaluation is important. Treatment depends on if it is cancerous or causing problematic symptoms.
- Thyroid cancer: This is fairly uncommon compared to other cancers. However, cases are increasing. Symptoms can include a lump or swelling in the neck. Treatment options include surgery, radioactive iodine therapy, thyroid hormone therapy, external radiation, chemotherapy, and more. Prognosis is often excellent if caught early.
Thyroid disorders can occur at any age but are more common in women, especially women over 50 years old. Risk increases if you have a family history or other autoimmune disorders.
Diagnosis typically begins with a physical exam of the thyroid gland and blood tests of thyroid hormones. This helps determine if hormones are too high (hyperthyroidism), too low (hypothyroidism), or normal. Additional testing like ultrasounds or biopsy may help evaluate lumps, nodules, or goiter.
With treatment, most thyroid problems can be managed effectively. But untreated thyroid disorders can raise the risk for various medical concerns such as cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, infertility, and even pregnancy complications. So be sure to consult your doctor if you experience any potential thyroid symptoms. Monitoring TSH levels via annual wellness checkups can help detect thyroid dysfunction early. With proper treatment to restore hormone balance, most people with thyroid disorders can expect to enjoy healthy, active lives.