International Women's Day 2025: Know Types, Symptoms, And All About Thyroid Disorder

The thyroid gland plays a crucial role in regulating energy levels and overall hormonal balance. Understanding the thyroid conditions is essential for early diagnosis and effective management.

Thyroid Disorder

Source : ABPLIVE AI

(By: Dr Vaishali Naik, Consultant Endocrinology, Holy Family Hospital Bandra, Mumbai)

Thyroid gland related endocrine disorders are mainly classified by the production of too little or too much hormones by the butterfly shaped gland located in the neck region. Hormones control bodily functions such as growth, metabolism, and energy level functioning.

Some Common Cases Include:  

• Hypothyroidism or an underactive thyroid is the most common disorder, which results in insufficient production of the hormone, thus leading to slow metabolism.  
• Hyperthyroidism or overactive thyroid is an uncommon condition where the gland in question produces an excess of hormone, thus causing the metabolism to speed up.  
• A less common case where goiter or an enlarged thyroid, thyroid nodules, and even cancer of the thyroid can occur.  

What Can Lead To Issues In Functioning Within The Thyroid?  

• Autoimmune diseases: Two key disorders of the thyroid are autoimmune in nature: Hashimoto’s thyroiditis leads to hypothyroidism while Graves disease results in hyperthyroidism.  
• Iodine imbalance: Enthralled with iodine too much or too little of iodine will limit the activity of the thyroid.  
• Genetic factors: Hereditary relations are also a risk factor.  
• Effects of medication: Some medicines have been proven to affect the action of the thyroid, such as amiodarone.  
• Hormonal changes: States such as pregnancy, menopause, and even puberty may set off which thyroid disease.  
• Radiation exposure: Both the radiation treatment and excess.

Indications Of Thyroid Disorders:

Indications of Hypothyroidism:

• Tiredness, weight increase, heightened sensitivity to cold.
• Dry and flaky skin, baldness, lower than normal pulse rate.
• Depression, constipation, swollen face.

Indications of Hyperthyroidism:

• Sudden or pinpointed weight reduction, extremely high body temperature accompanied by fast beating of the heart, too much sweating, fever.
• Trembling, nervousness, anxiety and intolerable feeling of high temperatures.
• Difficulty sleeping, increased frequency of urination.

When To Consult With A Doctor:

• Cumulative low energy, varied feelings concerning weight or palpitation of heart.
• If anything that looks like a bump on skin on the neck particular region, or has trouble swallowing.
• Any known family member has thyroid disease.
• Currently has pregnancy, wants to get pregnant, or has issues with thyroid.
• Check-up for a known condition.

Some thyroid disorders can be effectively treated with medication, change of lifestyle, or surgical intervention. If you have any symptoms see a health professional for a correct diagnosis and treatment plan.

[Disclaimer: The information provided in the article, including treatment suggestions shared by doctors, is intended for general informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.]