What Is Thyroid Disease?
Thyroid disease refers to disorders that impact the thyroid gland's function, resulting in either excessive (hyperthyroidism) or insufficient (hypothyroidism) production of thyroid hormones.
The thyroid is a small but important gland that ensures various processes in the body work efficiently and harmoniously. The butterfly-shaped gland, located in the neck, makes and releases the hormones needed to control metabolism and regulate blood pressure, heart rate, body temperature, and how the body responds to other hormones.
In some cases, solid or fluid-filled lumps called thyroid nodules may develop in the gland. Additionally, rare cysts in the throat, known as thyroglossal cysts, can arise during a baby’s development.
Thyroid function should be assessed with blood tests in any individual with a thyroid nodule. While thyroid nodules and thyroglossal cysts are typically benign (non-cancerous), further evaluation may be necessary based on the size and other characteristics of the nodule.
Who Could Be Affected by Thyroid Disease?
Thyroid disease can affect people of any age, gender, or race, but certain factors may increase the risk of developing the disease, including:
- Being female.
- Being 60 years of age or older.
- Having a family history of thyroid disease.
- Having an autoimmune condition such as type 1 diabetes, adrenal insufficiency, systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, and many others.
- Taking a medication high in iodine.
- Previous treatment for a thyroid condition or radiation for head or neck cancer.
Examples of Conditions That Can Cause Thyroid Disease
Some examples of conditions that can cause thyroid disease include:
- Autoimune hypothyroidism (Hashimoto’s hypothyroidism) or hyperthyroidism (Grave’s disease).
- Thyroiditis (a transient inflammation of the thyroid after an infection).
- Postpartum thyroiditis (a transient inflammation of the thyroid after giving birth).
- Iodine deficiency (when iodine levels are too low to make enough thyroid hormone).
- A non-functioning thyroid gland (congenital or autoimmune).
- Medications (amiodarone, lithium, immune checkpoint inhibitors, and other medications).
- Infiltrative diseases (e.g., sarcoidosis, hemochromatosis, and other conditions).
- Surgical removal of the thyroid.
- Previous exposure to radiation treatment for head and neck cancer.
The Different Kinds of Thyroid Disorders
There are several types of thyroid disease, including:
- Hyperthyroidism, which occurs when the thyroid produces too much of the hormones the body needs.
- Hypothyroidism, which occurs when the thyroid makes too little of the necessary hormones.
- Thyrotoxicosis, a condition that may develop from having too much of a thyroid hormone in the body
- Thyroid nodules, or small, usually non-cancerous tumors that may develop in the thyroid.
- Thyroid cancer, which occurs more frequently in those who have received radiation therapy to treat head or neck cancer.
- Postpartum thyroiditis, an inflammation of the thyroid that may occur in women after giving birth.
Symptoms of Thyroid Disease
The symptoms of thyroid disease can vary from person to person and may resemble symptoms caused by other diseases and conditions. Some of the following symptoms of thyroid disease will depend on whether your body is producing too little or too much thyroid hormone:
- Fatigue or tiredness.
- Anxiety.
- Irritability or nervousness.
- Sleep disturbances.
- Vision problems or eye irritation.
- Weight changes.
- Enlarged thyroid gland (goiter).
- Muscle weakness and tremors.
- Menstrual cycle changes.
- Voice changes, especially hoarseness.
- Dry, coarse hair.
- Sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures.
How Is Thyroid Disease Diagnosed?
Because the symptoms of thyroid disease may mirror those of other conditions, an accurate diagnosis involves a physical exam and blood tests to measure the levels of the thyroid hormones – thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroxine (T4) and, at times, triiodothyronine (T3). If warranted, your doctor may suggest other blood tests to check for different types of autoimmune disorders or cancer.
In addition, your doctor may recommend imaging tests like a thyroid scan or ultrasound to examine the size of the thyroid and check for any nodules or other abnormalities.
Checking Your Thyroid at Home
Only your doctor can diagnose thyroid disease but there are steps you can take at home to check your thyroid for any enlargement or anything unusual that may point to a potential problem with your thyroid:
- With a handheld mirror, examine the lower area of the front of your neck. The thyroid can be found below your voice box and close to your collarbones.
- Tip your head back slightly a take a drink of water, watching this area in your hand-held mirror as you swallow.
- Check for any bulges or anything unusual when you swallow.
Be sure to consult with your doctor if you notice anything unusual when you check your thyroid at home or are experiencing other potential symptoms of thyroid disease.
Treatments for Thyroid Disease
The treatment for thyroid disease depends on the specific type of thyroid disorder you have, its underlying cause, and other factors like the severity of your symptoms and your overall health.
The primary treatment for hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) generally involves taking a synthetic hormone like levothyroxine daily. Treatment for hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) may include:
- Anti-thyroid drugs like methimazole and propylthioracil.
- Radioactive iodine therapy.
- Beta blockers.
- Surgical removal of all or part of the. thyroid (thyroidectomy).
Regular follow-up appointments and communication with your doctor is important to managing your thyroid disorder and modifying your treatment as needed.
Find a Cooper Thyroid Disease Specialist
For an appointment with a Cooper endocrinologist who treats thyroid disease, call 800.8.COOPER
(800.826.6737) or use our online appointment request form.