A thyroid problem occurs when the thyroid gland, a small butterfly-shaped gland in the neck, doesn’t produce the right amount of thyroid hormones. These hormones regulate metabolism, energy, and many body systems, so imbalances can affect your whole body.
Types of Thyroid Problems
1. Hypothyroidism (Underactive Thyroid)
- The thyroid doesn’t make enough hormones.
- Common causes: Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, iodine deficiency, certain medications.
Symptoms:
- Fatigue or weakness
- Weight gain despite no change in diet
- Cold intolerance
- Dry skin and hair
- Hair thinning or hair loss
- Constipation
- Puffy face or swelling
- Slow heart rate
- Depression or low mood
2. Hyperthyroidism (Overactive Thyroid)
- The thyroid produces too much hormone.
- Common causes: Graves’ disease, thyroid nodules, thyroiditis.
Symptoms:
- Weight loss despite increased appetite
- Rapid heartbeat or palpitations
- Anxiety, irritability, or nervousness
- Tremors (shaky hands)
- Heat intolerance
- Sweating
- Frequent bowel movements
- Bulging eyes (in Graves’ disease)
- Difficulty sleeping
3. Goiter
- Enlargement of the thyroid gland.
- Can occur with hypo- or hyperthyroidism, or due to iodine deficiency.
- May cause a visible swelling in the neck or difficulty swallowing/breathing.
4. Thyroid Nodules
- Lumps in the thyroid.
- Often benign, but some can be cancerous.
- Usually detected during physical exam or imaging; may cause swallowing issues or hormone imbalance.
5. Thyroid Cancer
- Rare compared to other thyroid disorders.
- Symptoms: painless lump, neck swelling, hoarseness, difficulty swallowing.
When to See a Doctor
- Persistent fatigue, weight changes, or temperature sensitivity.
- Swelling in the neck or lumps in the thyroid.
- Heart palpitations, anxiety, or tremors.
- Unexplained hair loss or skin changes.
Diagnosis
- Blood tests: TSH, Free T4, Free T3
- Antibody tests (for autoimmune causes)
- Ultrasound (for nodules or structural changes)
- Biopsy (if nodules suspicious for cancer)
💡 Tip: Thyroid problems are often easily treated with medications or, in some cases, surgery. Early detection makes management much simpler.
If you want, I can make a clear chart of thyroid problems with their main symptoms and causes — super easy to read and remember.
Do you want me to do that?
