Thyroid: Causes, Symptoms, Types, Treatment & More

What are the Types of Thyroid Diseases?

Some of the most common types of thyroid disorders include: 

• Hyperthyroidism: Hyperthyroidism is the name given to an overactive thyroid gland that produces too much T4. It is more prevalent in women than in men. In severe cases, hyperthyroidism manifests itself as Graves’ Disease & affects almost 70% of patients who suffer from an overactive thyroid. 

• Hypothyroidism: Hypothyroidism is the name given to an underactive thyroid that does not produce enough T4 for normal body functions. 

• Goiter: A goiter is an enlargement of the thyroid gland & is usually caused by a lack of iodine in the body. Although painless, an enlarged goiter can cause discomfort while eating & swallowing & in severe cases, constriction when breathing. 

• Hashimoto’s Disease: Also known as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, Hashimoto’s is a chronic disease that results when the body’s immune system attacks the thyroid gland & its ability to produce regulating hormones resulting in an underactive thyroid. Though it can happen at any age, it is more common in middle-aged women. 

• Graves’ Disease: Similar to Hashimoto’s, Graves’ disease is also a result of the immune system mistakenly impacting the thyroid gland. The only difference between Hashimoto’s disease & Graves’ disease is that in the latter the thyroid gland overproduces the hormones that monitor metabolism. 

• Nodules in the Thyroid: In cases where there is a prolonged deficiency of iodine, or a diagnosis of Hashimoto’s small nodule-like growths can form on the thyroid. Mostly the nodules are too small to notice or feel, however, in rare cases they can grow to a larger size to cause breathing & swallowing difficulties & thyroid cancer. 

• Thyroid Cancer: Though rare, thyroid cancer is the most common endocrine cancer in children.

What are the Symptoms of Thyroid Disease?

The symptoms of thyroid disease depend on the thyroid being overactive or underactive. 

Symptoms of Hypothyroidism (Underactive Thyroid)

Hypothyroidism is the name given to the medical condition when the thyroid becomes underactive. It is more common in women than men, where patients are likely to manifest symptoms as they age. As hypothyroidism progresses gradually, its symptoms are easy to miss. 

Symptoms of Hypothyroidism (Underactive Thyroid) usually manifest as: 

• Tiredness
• Increased sensitivity to temperatures, especially feeling cold
• Weight gain
• Constipation 
• Weak & poor concentration
• Dry skin & hair
• Feeling low or depressed
• Muscle pains & aches
• Puffy face 
• Slower heartbeat
• Menstrual changes (especially prolonged or excessive bleeding) & fertility issues

Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism (Overactive Thyroid)

Even though hyperthyroidism can develop in any patient, it is also more common in women than men. It happens when antibodies stimulate the thyroid to produce too much hormone, sending the gland into a state of overactivity. As it tends to run in families, hyperthyroidism has been found to have genetic links.

Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism (Overactive Thyroid) include: 

• Rapid heartbeat & palpitations
• Elevated blood pressure
• Irritability & restlessness
• Tremors in hands & legs & muscle cramps
• Excessive sweating 
• Frequent bowel movements
• Weight loss
• Irregular periods
• Increased appetite
• Itching 
• Nausea 

When Should you See a Doctor for Thyroid Disease?

Depending on the severity of the symptoms, especially relating to hyperthyroidism, it is advisable to see a doctor timely to address concerns. The first step in diagnosis is undertaking a detailed medical history & a physical exam. A doctor may also recommend some of the following tests: 

Cholesterol Assessments

Low cholesterol & triglyceride levels are indicative of higher metabolism which is one of the first signs of hyperthyroidism.  

Thyroid Function Tests

A doctor will also recommend a T4, free T4, & T3 test to measure the levels of thyroid hormones in your blood. Similarly, you may also be asked to take a thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) test. TSH is a hormone that affects the pituitary gland, which in turn influences the number of hormones produced by the thyroid. A low TSH is also one of the earlier signs of hyperthyroidism. 

Ultrasound & Scans

An ultrasound can also be taken for a more detailed picture of what is happening within the gland. An ultrasound will provide a clearer scan of any mass & will also indicate if they are solid or cystic. 

CT or MRI Scans

For an even more detailed analysis of the thyroid, a doctor might recommend a computed tomography (CT) scan or a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan for identifying possible tumors.