What you need to know
- Your thyroid is a small butterfly shaped gland in the neck, just below the Adam’s apple. It is responsible for producing T3 and T4 hormones, which are required for regulating metabolism.
- There are two main conditions affecting the thyroid gland: hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. These conditions present with very different symptoms and require different treatment.
- Through careful monitoring and diligent treatment, it is possible to live a normal life free from the symptoms of these disorders. Surgery may also be an option to help provide a cure.
Common thyroid disorders
The thyroid is a small butterfly-shaped gland that produces hormones essential for regulating your metabolism. There are two main conditions that can impact the thyroid: hypothyroidism (under active) and hyperthyroidism (over active).
There are two main conditions affecting the thyroid gland: hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.
These conditions mean that the thyroid is either producing too much T3 and T4 hormones, or not enough. Both can be problematic, leading to a wide range of symptoms. Medication and treatment is possible for both conditions, and individuals can often overcome their symptoms to live a healthy life.
Early signs of a thyroid disorder
The signs and symptoms will vary depending on the condition. Both can be dangerous if they are left untreated, so early intervention and proper management with medication is advised.
Hypothyroidism, or underactive thyroid
When the body does not produce enough thyroid hormones, the metabolism slows down, leading to weight gain, depression, fatigue, dry skin and feeling cold.
This condition is commonly caused by a secondary disease, often Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. This is an autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid. It can also be secondary to conditions such as thyroid cancer, or deficiencies such as an iodine deficiency.
Hyperthyroidism, or overactive thyroid
When the thyroid gland is overactive, it produces too much thyroid hormone. This causes the metabolism to speed up, leading to a rapid heart beat, weight loss, anxiety, tremors, heat intolerance and a swollen neck.
This condition is commonly caused by autoimmune conditions such as Graves’ Disease. With this condition, the immune system attacks the thyroid and causes it to overproduce hormones. It can also be caused by tumours on the pituitary gland, or a growth on the thyroid, known as a Toxic Nodular Goiter.
Both can be dangerous if they are left untreated, so early intervention and proper management with medication is advised.
Treatment for thyroid disorders
Both conditions require treatment to help either replace missing hormones, or to slow production in the body.
Treatment for underactive thyroid
For an underactive thyroid, the goal is to replace the missing hormones to allow the body to function correctly. Treatment is usually a daily dose of levothyroxine tablets, which help to stabilise functions in the body.
This treatment will need to continue for the rest of your life. When well managed, there is typically no change in life expectancy, and individuals can lead a normal life free from symptoms.
Treatment for overactive thyroid
With an overactive thyroid, the goal is to reduce thyroid function. Anti-thyroid medications such as carbimazole, methimazole and propylthiouracil are commonly prescribed. Beta blockers may also be recommended to help slow the heart rate and help with anxiety.
It’s also possible to have radioactive iodine therapy which helps to destroy thyroid cells and reduce hormone production. Finally, surgery may be recommended to remove the thyroid, or part of the thyroid.
This is an entirely manageable condition and life expectancy should not be impacted if the individual can commit to lifelong medication.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best treatment for thyroid symptoms?
The best treatment will depend on the cause of the condition. For an underactive thyroid, the best option is hormone replacement. For an overactive thyroid, the best treatment can vary from person to person. It could include anti-thyroid medication, or it could include surgery.
Can thyroid disorders go away permanently?
No, there is no cure for thyroid conditions and it would be considered a lifelong condition. However, through careful management, it is possible for individuals to live a normal and healthy life with a thyroid condition. Regular health checks and hormone testing can help to maintain good health.
How are thyroid conditions diagnosed?
If you suspect you may have a thyroid issue, your primary care physician may carry out a physical exam to look for signs of an enlarged thyroid or nodules on the thyroid. A blood test can help to identify hormone levels in the blood, and this will help to identify if the thyroid gland is either over active or under active.
