Thyroid disease: What to know about symptoms and treatment

The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland in the front of your neck. Part of your endocrine system, it produces important hormones that affect nearly all the chemical reactions in your body’s cells, including how your body repairs tissue, converts food into energy and eliminates waste.

When your body produces too much thyroid hormones — or too little — it can cause complications and long-term issues if left untreated. That’s why it’s important to recognize the symptoms of thyroid disease and know when it’s time to see a doctor.

Common thyroid conditions

It often stems from an overactive or underactive thyroid gland, but other health conditions can also impact thyroid function. It’s important to know what signs to watch for.

If you’re concerned about your thyroid health, your first step is to visit a primary care doctor who can measure the TSH level in your blood. Interestingly, high TSH levels usually signals an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), while low TSH levels indicate an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism).

In addition to bloodwork, your doctor will likely perform:

• A physical exam to feel your thyroid gland.
• Imaging tests, such as an ultrasound.

If your TSH levels fall outside the normal range, your doctor may refer you to an endocrinologist or a thyroid specialist for additional care.

Most people with thyroid disease are able to manage it with medication, though some may need endocrine surgery. A specialist can help you determine what treatment is best for you.

What is hyperthyroidism?

Hyperthyroidism occurs when your thyroid gland releases too many hormones into your bloodstream and speeds up your metabolism. A common cause of hyperthyroidism is a condition called Graves’ disease, which can lead to serious vision problems if it isn’t managed.

Some early signs of hyperthyroidism include:

• Clammy skin
• Fast or irregular heartbeat
• Nervousness or hand tremors
• Weight loss without trying

Other symptoms that may develop later or as your condition worsens can include:

• Bulging eyes
• Changes in energy level
• Diarrhea
• Muscle weakness
• Sensitivity to heat
• Sweating
• Thin skin and brittle hair

The good news is that an overactive thyroid is usually treatable. Hyperthyroidism treatment depends on what caused your thyroid gland issues. Most patients take medication but most will need a definitive treatment; either radioactive iodine treatments  or surgery. The key to treating it is slowing down your body’s production of thyroid hormones.

If your doctor prescribes medication to treat an overactive thyroid, it may take a month or two before you see any improvement in your symptoms. Most patients are able to achieve euthyroidism; a state of normal thyroid function with medications however the medications used cannot be taken long-term due to their numerous side effects. As such, patients will need a permanent curative solution which is usually surgery or radioactive iodine.

Be sure your provider knows about all your other medications, including over-the-counter ones, since some drugs affect the way thyroid medicine works.

Also, talk with your doctor about how long your treatment may last and how often you need follow-up visits early on. Once you’re able to manage the condition by slowing hormone production, you can visit your doctor less often, but still on a regular basis. These visits allow them to monitor your TSH levels and be aware of any changes over time.

What is hypothyroidism?

Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough hormones. Since thyroid hormones play a key role in converting food into energy, feeling tired is often one of the first signs of the disease. The most common cause of hypothyroidism is Hashimoto’s thyroiditis; an autoimmune disorder causing inflammation and destruction of the thyroid gland.

Hypothyroidism symptoms can vary from person to person, depending on how long the condition has gone untreated and how severe it becomes. In many cases, hypothyroidism develops gradually over several years, making it easy to overlook.

Some symptoms of an underactive thyroid, such as a slowed heart rate and weight gain, are opposite to symptoms of an overactive thyroid, which speeds up metabolism.

As hypothyroidism progresses, your metabolism will continue slowing down. The more noticeable signs and symptoms of underactive thyroid may include:

• Coarse hair or hair loss
• Constipation
• Depression
• Dry or rough skin
• Heavier or irregular menstrual cycles
• Hoarse voice
• Memory problems
• Muscle aches and stiffness
• Puffy face
• Sensitivity to cold

A simple blood test can confirm whether your thyroid hormone levels are low and help guide treatment.

Treatment for hypothyroidism depends on the underlying issue since the causes can vary from autoimmune disorders and iodine deficiency to pregnancy.

Most patients with hypothyroidism are treated adequately with medications. They are highly effective when taken exactly as prescribed, though it may take time to find the right dosage for your body. Most people will need to continue these medications for life. A small minority of patients with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis will need surgery when there symptoms are not well controlled with medications alone or if they have nodules or a goiter.

You’ll likely need more frequent doctor visits at first to monitor your hormone levels and adjust your dosage. Once your symptoms are under control, follow-up appointments can be spaced out — but regular monitoring remains essential to ensure your treatment stays on track.

When to see a doctor for thyroid symptoms

Thyroid diseases are relatively common and manageable. Especially if the condition is diagnosed early.

If you have any symptom of thyroid disease — or if you can feel a lump in the front of your neck — schedule a visit with a primary care provider in the HCA Florida Healthcare network.

If you’re unsure what to do next, you don’t have to figure it out alone. Our Consult-A-Nurse® line offers free, 24/7 support from licensed nurses — no judgment, just support. Call 844-70-NURSE ((844) 706-8773) anytime for free expert advice and peace of mind.