• Hyperthyroidism
• Hypothyroidism

What are the Early Warning Signs of Thyroid Problems?

Medically reviewed and edited by Guiselly Ezaro-Romero, FNP-C

What is the Thyroid?

The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located in the neck. It’s responsible for producing and regulating certain hormones in the body. The two primary hormones produced by the thyroid are:

• Triiodothyronine (T3)

• Thyroxine (T4)

These hormones are collectively known as the thyroid hormone.

Additionally, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) is produced by the pituitary gland in the brain that stimulates the thyroid gland to produce T3 and T4.

The thyroid plays an important role in regulating the body’s metabolism, ensuring food is efficiently converted to energy.

Thyroid hormones control:

• How the body burns calories

• The body’s temperature

• The body’s energy levels

These hormones also affect the heart rate, blood pressure, and the body’s oxygen use. If the gland produces fluctuating thyroid hormones – too many or too few – it can lead to various disorders.

What Thyroid Disorders are There?

There are four main types of thyroid diseases.

Hypothyroidism

This is when the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough hormones, causing the metabolism to slow down. This condition is also known as an under-active thyroid.

Hypothyroidism symptoms include:

• Weight gain

• Fatigue

• Cold intolerance

• Constipation

• Mood disturbances like depression

Hyperthyroidism

This occurs when the gland produces too much thyroid hormone, which causes the body’s metabolism to speed up. This is also known as an overactive thyroid.

Symptoms of hyperthyroidism include:

• Weight loss

• Anxiety

• Tremors

• Increased heart rate

• Sweating

Thyroiditis

This is when the thyroid gland becomes inflamed, typically in response to viral infections or autoimmune diseases.

Autoimmune diseases that can cause this thyroiditis include:

• Graves disease

• Hashimoto's disease

• Hashimoto's thyroiditis

• Postpartum thyroiditis

• Thyroid eye disease

An important part of treating thyroid problems is managing any underlying autoimmune disease through medication.

Thyroid nodules

Nodules are growths or lumps on the thyroid gland that can cause either the overproduction or underproduction of thyroid hormone. Nodules can be cancerous or benign.

Thyroid cancer

This is a rare type of cancer that develops in the thyroid gland. It often doesn’t cause any initial symptoms, but it be accompanied by:

• A lump or swelling in the neck

• An enlarged thyroid gland

• Difficulty swallowing

• Changes in voice

What are the Early Warning Signs of Thyroid Problems?

The early warning signs of thyroid problems will vary depending on whether the gland is overactive or under-active.

Some early warning signs of a thyroid disorder include:

• Fatigue or exhaustion

• Weight gain or weight loss

• Feeling sensitive to cold due to an unregulated body temperature

• Changes in appetite

• Heart palpitations or other changes in heart rhythm

• Hair loss or thinning

• Dry skin or hair

• Muscle weakness or stiffness

• Constipation or irregular bowel movements

• Irregular menstrual cycles

• Low or high blood pressure

• Mood swings, depression, anxiety, or irritability

What are the Treatment Options for Thyroid Disease?

The treatment for thyroid disease depends on the type of disorder you have. For example, treatment for an overactive thyroid would differ from an under-active thyroid.

• Hypothyroidism: Treatment includes taking daily prescription medications that are a form of hormone replacement therapy. These medications help replace the missing thyroid hormones and restore normal thyroid function.

• Hyperthyroidism: To treat hyperthyroidism, doctors usually prescribe medication to reduce thyroid hormone production. In rare and severe cases, surgery to remove the thyroid gland may be necessary.

• Thyroiditis: This thyroid disease doesn’t necessarily require treatment as it often resolves on its own. However, if it is causing over or under-production of thyroid hormones, medication may be required.

• Thyroid nodules: Treatment will depend on whether the nodules are cancerous or benign. Cancerous nodules will require surgery or radioactive iodine therapy.

With the appropriate treatment, most thyroid conditions and their symptoms can be effectively managed, allowing you to live a normal and healthy life.

How Can I Improve My Thyroid Health?

If you suspect you have a thyroid disorder, it’s important that you see a health care provider. They will run various blood tests to determine if you have a thyroid condition.

Besides seeing a doctor for testing, there are also certain actions you can take to improve your thyroid health, including:

• Losing weight

• Eating a balanced diet

• Getting enough iodine-rich foods in your diet so that the thyroid gland can produce hormones

• Managing stress

• Exercising regularly

• Avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption

• Taking your prescribed medications as directed

Where Can I Learn More About Thyroid Dysfunction?

To learn more about thyroid hormones and the warning signs of thyroid disease, you can consult with a board-certified physician or nurse.

Book your telehealth appointment on LifeMD and speak to a licensed medical professional from the comfort of your home.

Guiselly Ezaro-Romero, FNP-C

Guiselly holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Master of Science with a Family Nurse Practitioner concentration. In 2023, she earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice. Guiselly has experience in acute care, long-term care, primary care, and hospice.

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