While there is only one thyroid gland, there are several types of thyroid conditions or diseases that can affect its function. These can be broadly categorized into two main types based on hormone production: * Hypothyroidism (Underactive Thyroid): This occurs when the thyroid gland doesn't produceRead more
While there is only one thyroid gland, there are several types of thyroid conditions or diseases that can affect its function. These can be broadly categorized into two main types based on hormone production:
* Hypothyroidism (Underactive Thyroid): This occurs when the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormones.
* Common causes include:
* Hashimoto’s thyroiditis: An autoimmune disorder where the body’s immune system attacks and damages the thyroid gland.
* Iodine deficiency
* Certain medications
* Post-surgical or radiation treatment of the thyroid
* Congenital hypothyroidism (present at birth)
* Hyperthyroidism (Overactive Thyroid): This occurs when the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone.
* Common causes include:
* Graves’ disease: An autoimmune disorder where the immune system stimulates the thyroid to produce excess hormones.
* Toxic adenomas (nodules that overproduce hormones)
* Thyroiditis (inflammation of the thyroid that can temporarily cause excess hormone release)
Besides these two main categories, other common thyroid conditions include:
* Goiter: An enlargement of the thyroid gland, which can be caused by both hyper- or hypothyroidism, or iodine deficiency.
* Thyroid Nodules: Lumps or growths in the thyroid gland, which are usually benign (non-cancerous) but can sometimes be cancerous or cause hormone imbalances.
* Thyroiditis: Inflammation of the thyroid gland, which can cause temporary hyperthyroidism followed by hypothyroidism. Examples include postpartum thyroiditis, subacute thyroiditis, and silent thyroiditis.
* Thyroid Cancer: Malignant growth of cells in the thyroid gland. There are different types, such as papillary, follicular, medullary, and anaplastic.
So, while there are two primary classifications (hypo- and hyperthyroidism), there are various underlying conditions and diseases that fall under the umbrella of “thyroid problems.”
The symptoms of thyroid problems can vary greatly depending on whether your thyroid gland is producing too much hormone (hyperthyroidism) or too little (hypothyroidism). Symptoms of an Underactive Thyroid (Hypothyroidism): When your thyroid doesn't produce enough hormones, your metabolism slows downRead more
The symptoms of thyroid problems can vary greatly depending on whether your thyroid gland is producing too much hormone (hyperthyroidism) or too little (hypothyroidism).
See lessSymptoms of an Underactive Thyroid (Hypothyroidism):
When your thyroid doesn’t produce enough hormones, your metabolism slows down, leading to symptoms like:
* Fatigue and tiredness: Feeling exhausted even after getting enough sleep.
* Weight gain: Often unexplained, despite no changes in diet or exercise.
* Increased sensitivity to cold: Feeling cold even in mild temperatures.
* Constipation: Slower digestion.
* **Dry skin and hair: Skin can be dry and scaly, and hair may become thin, coarse, or brittle.
* Muscle aches, tenderness, and stiffness: Including muscle weakness and cramps.
* Joint pain, stiffness, or swelling.
* Depression and mood changes: Feeling sad, apathetic, or experiencing mood swings.
* Memory problems and difficulty concentrating: Often described as “brain fog.”
* Slowed heart rate (bradycardia).
* Heavy or irregular menstrual periods.
* Hoarse voice.
* A puffy face or swelling in the face/legs.
* Loss of libido (sex drive).
* Thinning or partly missing eyebrows.
* Carpal tunnel syndrome (pain, numbness, and tingling in the hand and fingers).
Symptoms of an Overactive Thyroid (Hyperthyroidism):
When your thyroid produces too much hormone, your metabolism speeds up, causing symptoms such as:
* Unexplained weight loss: Often despite an increased appetite.
* Rapid or irregular heartbeat (palpitations, tachycardia, or arrhythmia).
* Nervousness, anxiety, and irritability.
* Tremor: Usually a slight trembling in the hands and fingers.
* Increased sweating and sensitivity to heat: Warm, moist skin.
* Changes in bowel patterns: Especially more frequent bowel movements or diarrhea.
* Sleep problems: Difficulty falling or staying asleep (insomnia).
* Muscle weakness.
* Changes in menstrual cycles: Irregular or lighter periods.
* Enlarged thyroid gland (goiter): May appear as a swelling at the base of the neck.
* Bulging eyes (thyroid eye disease/Graves’ ophthalmopathy): More common in Graves’ disease, an autoimmune cause of hyperthyroidism. This can also involve a gritty sensation, pressure or pain, puffy or retracted eyelids, redness, inflammation, light sensitivity, or double vision.
* Thinning skin.
* Fine, brittle hair.
* Reddened palms.
* Raised, itchy rash (hives) or discolored, swollen skin (Graves’ dermopathy).
When to see a doctor:
Many of these symptoms can be caused by other conditions. If you experience persistent or concerning symptoms that might suggest a thyroid problem, it’s important to see a healthcare provider. A simple blood test can often help determine if your symptoms are related to your thyroid.