Thyroid problems: What you need to know

Thyroid disease is a general term for a medical condition that keeps your thyroid from making the right number of hormones. Your thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland in the front of your neck. It makes hormones that control the way your body uses energy. These hormones affect nearly every organ in your body and control many of your body's most important functions. For example, they affect your breathing, heart rate, weight, digestion, and mood.

Types of Thyroid Disease

There are two main types of thyroid disease: hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.

• Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) is the most common type of thyroid disease. It occurs when your thyroid does not produce enough thyroid hormone.
• Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) occurs when your thyroid produces too much thyroid hormone.

Causes of thyroid disease

The exact cause of thyroid disease is often unknown. However, some common causes include:

• Autoimmune disorders: Autoimmune disorders attack healthy tissues in the body. Hashimoto's thyroiditis is the most common autoimmune thyroid disease. It causes the immune system to attack the thyroid gland, damaging it and preventing it from producing enough thyroid hormone.
• Iodine deficiency: Iodine is an essential mineral that the thyroid needs to produce hormones. Iodine deficiency is the leading cause of preventable thyroid disease worldwide.
• Graves' disease: Graves' disease is an autoimmune disorder that causes the thyroid to produce too much thyroid hormone.
• Thyroid nodules: Thyroid nodules are growths in the thyroid gland. Most thyroid nodules are noncancerous, but some can be cancerous.
• Thyroiditis: Thyroiditis is inflammation of the thyroid gland. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including infections, autoimmune disorders, and certain medications.

Diagnosis of thyroid disease

If you have any symptoms of thyroid disease, your doctor will likely order a blood test to check your thyroid hormone levels. If your thyroid hormone levels are abnormal, your doctor may order additional tests to determine the cause of your thyroid disease.

Treatment of thyroid disease

The treatment for thyroid disease depends on the type of thyroid disease and the severity of the condition.

Hypothyroidism treatment

Hypothyroidism is treated with thyroid hormone replacement medication. This medication is taken orally once a day.

Hyperthyroidism treatment

Hyperthyroidism can be treated with medications that block the production of thyroid hormone, radioactive iodine therapy, or surgery to remove the thyroid gland.

If you have thyroid disease, it is important to follow your doctor's treatment plan and to get regular blood tests to monitor your thyroid hormone levels. With proper treatment, most people with thyroid disease can live long and healthy lives.