Common Thyroid Disorders: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments

A number of conditions can cause the thyroid gland to produce either too little (hypothyroidism) or too much (hyperthyroidism) thyroid hormone. Pregnancy, energy levels, mood, metabolism, heart rate, bone health, and many other functions can all be impacted by thyroid disorders.

Certainly, one of the most prevalent endocrine disorders around the globe is thyroid disease. India is not an exception either. Based on projections from multiple thyroid disease studies, the estimated number of thyroid disease cases in India is around 42 million. And that's a huge number. Thyroid issues typically don't present serious health threats. The detectability of even minor thyroid swellings aids physicians in diagnosis, and the accessibility of medical treatment sets thyroid diseases apart from other conditions. 

Thyroid disease is usually a chronic medical condition that requires regular medical attention. In general, thyroid disorders are not preventable. This is due to the fact that autoimmune diseases and/or genetics play a major role in the majority of thyroid disease cases, making it unpreventable. Iodine excess or deficiency-related thyroid issues are the two conditions you might be able to prevent.

Early diagnosis and timely treatment remains the mainstay of thyroid disorder management. This usually involves taking medicine every day. Your doctor will keep an eye on your treatments and make necessary adjustments over time. Finding the best course of action for you to control your hormone levels may take some time. However, a normal life can usually be led even with thyroid disease.

What is Thyroid Gland?

The gland in the front of the neck that resembles a butterfly is called the thyroid. The hormones it produces are essential for controlling blood pressure, body temperature, heart rate, metabolism, and the body's response to other hormones.

The primary function of your thyroid is to regulate your metabolic rate or metabolism. This is the mechanism through which your body converts the food you eat into energy. Your body's cells all require energy to function. Your entire body may be affected by an underactive or overactive thyroid.

Triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) are the two primary hormones that the thyroid produces. This gland is also responsible for secreting calcitonin, the hormone that helps bone cells to absorb calcium and incorporate it into the bone structure.

Common Types of Thyroid Disorders

Following are common types of thyroid disorders:

• Hyperthyroidism: The overactivity of the thyroid gland is known as hyperthyroidism. Thyroid hormone is produced in excess by it. Numerous bodily processes could accelerate as a result of this.
• Hypothyroidism: The opposite of hyperthyroidism is hypothyroidism. Because of its underactivity, your thyroid gland is unable to produce enough hormones. Some bodily processes may become slower as a result of this.
• Hashimoto’s thyroiditis: An autoimmune condition called Hashimoto's thyroiditis causes inflammation in the thyroid gland. Along with other symptoms, it can result in a goiter, which is swelling in the neck from an enlarged thyroid gland. The disorder arises when your thyroid gland's capacity to produce hormones is inadvertently attacked and gradually destroyed by your body's immune system.
• Graves’ disease: An autoimmune condition known as Graves' disease develops when the immune system of your body mistakenly targets your own thyroid gland cells. Your gland may overproduce the hormone that controls your metabolism as a result of this.
• Thyroid nodules: Abnormal growths on or within the thyroid gland are known as thyroid nodules. Although only a small percentage of nodules turn out to be malignant, most are benign. The majority of thyroid nodules are symptomless. However, if they become large enough, they can enlarge your neck and result in pain, goiter, difficulty swallowing and breathing.
• Thyroid cancer: Those with a history of radiation therapy to the head, neck, or chest are more likely to develop thyroid cancer. But it can also happen to people who don't have any established risk factors. Papillary thyroid cancer, follicular thyroid cancer, anaplastic thyroid cancer, and medullary thyroid cancer are the four primary forms of thyroid cancer. The majority of thyroid cancers respond well to treatment.

Symptoms of Thyroid Disorders in Men

Following are thyroid disorder symptoms in men:

• Sudden hair loss
• Low libido or reduced sex drive
• Reduced muscle mass and strength
• Gynecomastia or enlargement of breast
• Erectile dysfunction
• Delayed ejaculation 
• Premature ejaculation 
• Testicular atrophy 
• Infertility because of low quality sperms
• Hip and spine fractures 
• Abnormal heart rate
• Fatigue
• Disturbed sleep
• Sudden weight gain or loss
• Sensitivity to changing temperature
• Dry or sweaty skin
• Mood swings
• Dry and coarse hair
• Enlarged thyroid (goiter)

Symptoms of Thyroid Disorders in Women

Following are thyroid disorder symptoms in women:

• Abnormal heart rate
• Fatigue
• Disturbed sleep
• Sudden weight gain or loss
• Sensitivity to changing temperature
• Dry or sweaty skin
• Mood swings
• Dry and coarse hair
• Enlarged thyroid (goiter)
• Heavy menstrual periods
• Irregular menstrual cycles or a lack of periods
• Constipation
• Hair loss
• Brain fog
• Nail changes

Treatment for Thyroid Disorders

The kind of thyroid disease and its underlying cause will determine how it is treated. Restoring your thyroid hormone levels to a healthy range is the aim. Treatment choices for hyperthyroidism include:

• Hormones like levothyroxine
• Antithyroid drugs (methimazole and propylthiouracil)
• Radioiodine (radioactive iodine) therapy
• Beta-blockers
• Thyroidectomy

Home Remedies for Thyroid Disorder Management 

Hypothyroidism or Underactive Thyroid:

• Eat fish
• Take more cheese, peas, beans, asparagus, sesame seeds, milk, and eggs
• Avoid sugar and sugary foods
• Take probiotic supplements on doctor’s advice
• Lose weight
• Take gluten-free diet

Hyperthyroidism or Overactive Thyroid:

• Lower the intake of iodized salt
• Avoid seafood, dairy products, grain products rich food (such as bread, pasta, and pastries), and egg yolks
• Take L-Carnitine and B-complex/B-12 supplements on doctor’s advice
• Consume lemon balm as a tea or in the form of a supplement
• Use essential oils to manage symptoms

What is Thyroid Blood Test & How to Check Thyroid Report?  

The purpose of thyroid function tests is to assess the functioning of your thyroid gland through a number of blood tests. These tests measure the levels of T3, T3RU, T4, and TSH in the blood.

Their normal ranges are:

• TSH: 0.5 to 4 mIU/L
• Free T4: 0.8 to 1.8 ng/dL in adults.
• Total T3: 80 to 180 ng/dL

Result Interpretation:

TSH	Free T4	Total or Free T3	Thyroid Function
Normal	Normal	Normal	Normal thyroid function
Normal	Normal or low	Normal or low	Normal thyroid function
Normal	Low	Normal or high	Normal thyroid function
High	Low	Normal or low	Primary hypothyroidism
High	Normal	Normal	Subclinical hypothyroidism
Low	High or normal	High	Hyperthyroidism
Low	Normal	Normal	Subclinical hyperthyroidism

Conclusion

Thyroid disorders are prevalent illnesses. The good news is that these can be effectively managed with medication and other therapies. Consult a doctor if you have symptoms of either hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, or if you have known risk factors for thyroid disease.
Get a thyroid function test done at Dr. B. Lal Lab and get accurate results. Also, avail free home collection and free report consultation.

FAQs

Q1: Does a thyroid test require a fast?
A: Generally, there is no need to take any extra precautions, such as fasting, before undergoing a thyroid test.

Q2: What condition is associated with high TSH?
A: Overproduction of thyroid hormone may be the cause of an excess of TSH in the body. Hypothyroidism, also known as underactive thyroid, is the term for this condition.