Thyroid Conditions

Thyroid Conditions

Located in the neck, right below the voice box, the thyroid is a gland that governs the body’s metabolism. By secreting two hormones, known as tri-iodothyronine and thyroxine, the thyroid is the gland directly responsible for determining how the body will break down the food you eat and whether your body should use it as an immediate energy source or store it for future energy needs.

Thyroid conditions, however, interrupt this process, making the body react in atypical ways. Different types of thyroid conditions can cause trembling and rapid heart beat or lethargy and weight gain. Symptoms of thyroid problems and thyroid disease will be covered further down this page. If there are specific thyroid conditions for which you are seeking information, please visit our thyroid conditions overview page, which offers a variety of PDF documents regarding the symptoms of thyroids problems as well as possible treatment options.

Signs and Symptoms of Thyroid Disease: Hyperthyroidism

One of the more common thyroid conditions is known as hyperthyroidism. Those with hyperthyroidism experience the effects of an overactive thyroid gland. Hyperthyroidism, like almost all other thyroid disorders occur most commonly in women, with hyperthyroidism being particularly common between ages 20-40.

Of the different types of hyperthyroidism, the more predominant type is known as Graves’ disease. Graves' disease is an autoimmune disorder that causes your own immune system to attack your thyroid gland and stimulate it to produce excessive amounts of the two thyroid hormones. Though the precise nature of the genetic abnormality is not known at this time, it is known to be passed on in families.

Symptoms of hyperthyroidism can include:

• Feeling warm
• Increased perspiration
• Weakness and fatigue
• Trembling hands
• Accelerated heartbeat
• Weight loss
• Loose or frequent stools
• Irritability / anxiety
• Eye problems - such as irritation and general discomfort
• Menstrual changes
• Infertility

To learn more about hyperthyroidism, please visit our thyroid conditions page.

Signs and Symptoms of Thyroid Disease: Hypothyroidism

The opposite of hyperthyroidism is a thyroid condition known as hypothyroidism. Individuals with hypothyroidism have an underactive thyroid gland, which is producing too little thyroid hormone. In most cases, the thyroid gland itself is causing the hypothyroidism. On rare occasions, however, the pituitary gland, which controls the thyroid, is preventing the thyroid from producing adequate levels of thyroid hormone.

Of the different types of hypothyroidism, the most common is known as Hashimoto’s disease. Like Graves’ disease, Hashimoto’s disease also an autoimmune disease that cause the bodies immune system to attack the thyroid gland. In addition to the common symptoms of thyroid problems, Hashimoto’s disease can also lead to: a goiter, depression, heart problems, and birth defects.

Symptoms of hypothyroidism can include:

• Fatigue
• Depression
• Sluggishness
• Sensation of feeling cold
• Weight gain of 5–10 pounds
• Dry hair and skin
• Constipation, less frequent bowel movements
• Menstrual changes

Our thyroid conditions resource page contains additional information regarding symptoms of thyroid problems and more.

The Presence of Thyroid Nodules

One of the most common of thyroid conditions is known as thyroid nodules. Characterized by a lump or swelling in the thyroid gland itself, thyroid nodules are present in as much as half of the population. While the vast majority of thyroid nodules are very small, and often unnoticeable by the individual with the nodules, thyroid nodules can grow to readily detectable, ranging from a half inch (or one centimeter) to several inches across. Such thyroid nodules occur in as much as 5 percent of the population.

Unlike the other thyroid conditions mentioned above, thyroid nodules are not caused by an underactive thyroid or overactive thyroid. Moreover, often, they project no real physical symptoms, and are either only detected incidentally during a physical examination or brought to attention when they begin to present pain in the neck or affect normal swallowing and/or breathing. While the vast majority of thyroid nodules are benign, the possibility of malignancy or cancerous cells in the nodule is always a concern when abnormally large thyroid nodules are discovered.

There are three primary ways that doctors determine the nature of thyroid nodules:

• Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy -- A thin needle is inserted in to the thyroid nodules and extracts fluid or cells, which are then tested for the presence of cancer.
• Thyroid Scan -- A small amount of radioactive iodine is introduced into the system and monitored by a camera that lets doctors see whether the thyroid nodule is functioning in a manner typical of a benign or cancerous nodule.
• Thyroid Ultrasound -- This presents a picture of the thyroid nodule itself, which lets doctors more precisely determine the size and shape of the nodule and whether it is solid or fluid-filled. It also lets doctors see where the most effective place to inject a needle for a fine needle aspiration biopsy may be.

Additional information regarding thyroid nodules and other thyroid problems can be found on our thyroid conditions page.

Learn More About Thyroid Conditions

While the symptoms of thyroid problems such as hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, and thyroid nodules are useful to know, they represent just one element of the knowledge needed to actively address and treat thyroid conditions. For additional information regarding diagnosis, treatment options, specific types of thyroid conditions, and more, please take some time to go through the information presented on our thyroid conditions page. Additionally, you can find useful links for further exploration, as well as bilingual documents for both English and Spanish speakers.

To learn more about The Hormone Foundation and the educational resources we provide those experiencing symptoms of thyroid disease, such as informative programs and publications, please contact us today.

Additional Resources About Endocrine System Disorders:

Addison's Disease: Endocrine System Diseases

Symptoms of Menopause

Diabetes Symptoms

Editors:

Kenneth Burman, MD

Leonard Wartofsky, MD

March 2008