Thyroid Disease
Thyroid disorders, such as hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, have symptoms that may overlap with those of other conditions, making diagnosis difficult.
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What Is Thyroid Disease?
The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located in the front of the neck that is essential to the endocrine system. It produces hormones that are essential to metabolism and general well-being, influencing energy, digestion, heart rate, and mood. A thyroid disorder can cause weight fluctuations, one of the most common symptoms of thyroid dysfunction.
What Are Symptoms of Thyroid Disease?
If your thyroid is overactive (hyperthyroidism), it produces too much thyroid hormone. Symptoms of hyperthyroidism include:
- Rapid heart rate.
- Excessive sweating or feeling hot.
- Change in energy level.
- Weight loss.
- Difficulty sleeping.
- Irritability or mood swings.
If your thyroid is underactive (hypothyroidism), it produces too little thyroid hormone. Symptoms of hypothyroidism include:
- Fatigue.
- Feeling cold.
- Weight gain.
- Dry skin and hair.
- Constipation.
- Depression.
Since these symptoms also occur with many other conditions, a thyroid problem can be difficult to diagnose. It is not uncommon to have a thyroid disorder and not know it. An evaluation by an experienced endocrinologist can confirm the diagnosis.
Risks of thyroid disorders
There are certain risks related to an underactive or overactive thyroid.
Hypothyroidism can contribute to weight gain and metabolic complications such as high cholesterol, both of which can contribute to heart disease. It can also contribute to depression and fatigue.
Hyperthyroidism can cause heart problems such as a rapid heart rate, or arrhythmia. It can also contribute to thinning of the bones.
Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can increase the risk of birth defects or infertility in some women. Left untreated for a prolonged period of time, they also can be life threatening.
Other thyroid disorders and associated medical conditions
The most common cause of thyroid disorders is autoimmune thyroid disease, where antibodies mistakenly attack the thyroid. For example, in Graves' hyperthyroidism, antibodies cause excessive thyroid hormone production, while in Hashimoto's thyroiditis, antibodies reduce thyroid hormone production by gradually destroying the thyroid itself.
Autoimmune thyroid disease can be linked to other autoimmune conditions, such as celiac disease and type 1 diabetes.
Other associated disorders include thyroid nodules, which are often harmless, although in some cases they can be linked to malignant thyroid tumors. Nodular goiter is one of the most common endocrine diseases.
How Do You Treat Thyroid Disease?
With proper treatment, most people with thyroid disease can live a normal life.
Treatments vary depending on the type of thyroid problem, but in general, the use of hormone medications is the most common solution. After the initial treatment, your doctor will regularly monitor your condition to tailor the therapy to your needs.
Regular monitoring is essential to effectively manage thyroid disorders and prevent long-term complications.
Reviewed March 2025.