Thyroid Problems

The thyroid gland produces hormones to control metabolism and growth. Thyroid problems occur when the gland becomes over active (hyperthyroidism) or under active (hypothyroidism) through disease. Symptoms of an overactive thyroid include weight loss/gain, fatigue, muscle weakness and breathing difficulty. Symptoms of an under active thyroid include weight gain, slow heart rate, hoarse voice, flaky skin. The thyroid can also develop nodules that may become cancerous.

In This Article

Did you know?	Causes of thyroid problems
Over-active thyroid (hyperthyroidism)	Under-active thyroid (hypothyroidism)
Symptoms of thyroid problems	Diagnosis of thyroid problems
Related Terms

Did you know?

Hyperthyroidism (over-active thyroid) affects 2% of women and 0.2% of men
An under-active thyroid (hypothyroidism) affects 2% of women and 0.1% of men
Thyroid problems are more common in people over 60
Less than 1% of people who are overweight have a thyroid problem

Causes of thyroid problems

Thyroid problems are categorised as either being over-active (hyperthyroidism) or under-active (hypothyroidism).

Over-active thyroid (hyperthyroidism)

When the thyroid gland produces too much thyroxine and triiodothyronine hormones then it is referred to as hyperthyroidism. This is caused by a number of conditions.

Graves' disease – this is the common cause of an over-active thyroid and is a condition of the immune system. The body produces antibodies to help fight infections but with an autoimmune condition the antibodies attack healthy tissue. Graves' disease can also affect the eyes resulting in discomfort and vision problems.

Thyroid nodules – lumps, known as nodules, can develop on the thyroid which can contain abnormal tissue that affects the production of the two thyroid hormones thyroxine and triiodothyronine..

When two or more nodules are present on the thyroid gland it is called toxic multinodular goitre. If only one nodule is present the condition is called a toxic thyroid nodule.

Iodine – iodine is found in food and used by the thyroid gland to produce hormones. Too much iodine (through supplements) can trigger the production of too much thyroxine and triiodothyronine. This usually only occurs if non-toxic nodules are present in the gland.

Medications – a medication called 'amiodarone' which is used to control an irregular heartbeat can cause hyperthyroidism if non-toxic nodules are in the thyroid gland. Amiodarone contains iodine.

Thyroid cancer – hyperthyroidism can be caused by cancer in the thyroid follicles (known as follicular thyroid cancer). Cancer cells in the gland can begin to produce the thyroid hormones on its own.

Under-active thyroid (hypothyroidism)

When the thyroid gland doesn't produce enough thyroxine, hypothyroidism (under-active thyroid) occurs. The main causes of hypothyroidism are listed below.

Autoimmune problems – an autoimmune reaction causes antibodies to attack thyroid gland cells resulting in inflammation called 'thyroiditis'. This inflammation damages the gland preventing the production of enough throxine.

Treatment for over-active thyroid – over-treatment for hyperthyroidism using radioactive iodine or surgery can cause the thyroid to become under-active.

Iodine deficiency – although rare, a lack of iodine in the diet can cause hypothyroidism.

Viral infection – the thyroid gland can become inflamed as a result of a viral infection.

Birth defect – if the thyroid gland doesn't develop properly in the womb, a baby can be born with an under-active thyroid. The condition, known as congenital hypothyroidism, is usually identified during the neonatal screening process.

Symptoms of thyroid problems

There are many symptoms to both an over-active thyroid and an under-active thyroid although it is unusual to experience them all. The main symptoms for both conditions are listed below.

Over-active thyroid symptoms

Symptoms associated with hyperthyroidism include:

breathing difficulties
problems sleeping
mood swings
fatigue
muscle weakness
frequent need to pass stools or urine
diarrhoea
streatorrhoea (fatty stools)
increased appetite
weight gain or loss
infrequent menstruation or periods stopping altogether
hyperactivity
loss of libido (sex drive)

Hyperthyroidism has some physical signs that you may experience such as:

swollen neck (caused by inflammation of the thyroid gland)
heart rate increase while at rest
difference in rhythm between the heart and pulse
tremors
moist skin
red palms
nails becoming loose
hair loss (patches)
itchy skin
muscle twitches in the face and limbs

In some rare cases a serious reaction can occur known as a thyroid storm. This usually occurs after an infection, injury, stroke or during childbirth if hyperthyroidism hasn't been properly diagnosed or controlled. Thyroid storm symptoms include:

rapid heartbeat (140bpm or more)

fever
dehydration
jaundice
confusion
agitation
hallucinations

If left untreated, a thyroid storm can induce a coma so seek medical attention immediately.

Under-active thyroid symptoms

The symptoms of an under-active thyroid can appear slowly and may not be noticeable for many years. Common early symptoms of hypothyroidism include:

sensitivity to the cold
constipation
feeling tired
muscle aches
muscle weakness
muscle cramps
dry skin
weight gain
brittle hair
brittle nails
lack of concentration
depression

If left untreated, the following symptoms can develop:

puffy face
dull expression
thinning eyebrows
hoarse voice
hearing problems (even deafness)
anaemia
slow heart rate

Diagnosis of thyroid problems

Thyroid problems are diagnosed by a GP performing a thyroid function test. This is a blood test that determines how well the thyroid is functioning.

Related Terms

Weight
Appetite
Throat
Neck
Lobe
Lump
Benign
Malignant

Therapies to consider

Chinese Herbal Medicine

Herbal Medicine

Homeopathy

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