Thyroid Disease

Thyroid Disease

Though small, the thyroid – a small, butterfly-shaped gland located in the front of the neck – plays a powerful role. It produces hormones that regulate metabolism, heart rate, blood pressure, body level, and energy levels.   

Diagram of the thyroid gland located in the body and its functions.

When the thyroid isn’t working properly it can lead to thyroid disease, which may involve either too much (hyperthyroidism) or too little (hypothyroidism) hormone production. In some cases, nodules or growths may also develop in the gland. In addition to functional disorders like hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, thyroid disease can also involve: 

  • Thyroid nodules – solid or fluid-filled lumps that form on the gland 
  • Thyroglossal cysts – rare developmental cysts that form in the neck during infancy 

Many thyroid nodules are typically benign (non-cancerous), but further evaluation may be necessary based on the size and other characteristics of the nodule. 

 

Who is at Risk for Thyroid Disease?  

Thyroid disease can affect anyone, 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 (for example, 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 

 

Common Causes of Thyroid Disease  

Thyroid disease can result from a range of causes, including: 

  • Autoimmune conditions like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis or Grave’s disease 
  • Inflammation, including after childbirth (postpartum thyroiditis) or infection 
  • Iodine deficiency  
  • A non-functioning thyroid gland (congenital or autoimmune) 
  • Medications such as amiodarone, lithium, or immune therapies, among others 
  • Infiltrative diseases like sarcoidosis or hemochromatosis 
  • Surgical removal of the thyroid 
  • Radiation exposure for head and neck cancer treatment 

 

Types of Thyroid Disorders 

Some of the most common types of thyroid disease include:  

  • Hyperthyroidism – an overactive thyroid that produces too many hormones 
  • Hypothyroidism – an underactive thyroid that doesn’t make enough hormones 
  • Thyrotoxicosis – a condition where they thyroid hormone levels become dangerously high  
  • Thyroid nodules –usually non-cancerous lumps in the thyroid 
  • Thyroid cancer – more likely after exposure to radiation therapy 
  • Postpartum thyroiditis –inflammation after childbirth that can affect hormone levels  

 

Symptoms of Thyroid Disease 

The symptoms of thyroid disease can vary and may resemble symptoms caused by other diseases and conditions. Symptoms depend on whether the thyroid is underactive or overactive but may include:  

  • 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 

 

Diagnosing Thyroid Disease  

Diagnosing thyroid disease typically includes: 

  • A physical exam  
  • Blood tests to check hormone levels, including thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroxine (T4), and triiodothyronine (T3).  
  • Additional blood tests to check for autoimmune disorders or cancer 
  • Imaging tests, such as thyroid scan or ultrasound to examine the size of the thyroid and check for any nodules or other abnormalities 

 

Checking Your Thyroid at Home 

While only a doctor can diagnose thyroid disease, you can do a simple self-check at home using and mirror and glass of water: 

  • Stand in front of a mirror a locate your thyroid (below your voice box and close to your collarbones) 
  • Tilt your head back slightly a take a sip of water 
  • Watch the area as your swallow – look for bulges or anything unusual 

Be sure to talk to your doctor if you notice anything unusual or are experiencing symptoms of thyroid disease.  

 

Treatment Options 

Treating thyroid disease depends on the specific type of 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 manage your condition and modifying your treatment as needed.  

 

Schedule an Appointment 

To schedule an appointment with a Cooper endocrinologist who treats thyroid disease, call 800.8.COOPER (800.826.6737) or use our online appointment request form. 

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