The most common thyroid problems are hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis or Graves’ disease, resulting in a malfunction of the thyroid and production of thyroid hormones in greater or lesser quantities.
The thyroid is a gland located in the front part of the neck, responsible for regulating metabolism, maintaining the proper functioning of the heart, brain, liver and kidneys, as well as influencing growth, menstrual cycle, fertility, weight and emotional state.
Check out some signs of thyroid problems in the video below:
9 most common thyroid problems
The most common thyroid problems are:
1. Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is a decrease in the production of T3 and T4 hormones by the thyroid, resulting in symptoms such as tiredness, weakness and malaise, dry and rough skin or weight gain.
The cause of hypothyroidism may be autoimmune, or occur due to iodine deficiency or changes in the pituitary gland in the brain that produces the hormone TSH, which stimulates the thyroid to produce T3 and T4.
What to do: The treatment of hypothyroidism must be carried out under the guidance of an endocrinologist, and usually involves medications, such as levothyroxine, to replace thyroid hormones. See how hypothyroidism is treated.
2. Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism is the excessive production of T3 and T4 hormones by the thyroid, leading to the development of symptoms such as anxiety, hand tremors, excessive sweating, swelling of the legs and feet and changes in the menstrual cycle, in the case of women.
Hyperthyroidism is usually associated with Graves’ disease, which is an autoimmune disease in which the body itself produces antibodies against the thyroid. Other causes are excessive consumption of iodine, overdose of thyroid hormones or due to the presence of a thyroid nodule.
What to do: An endocrinologist should be consulted in the case of symptoms of hyperthyroidism, so that tests can be carried out and the best treatment can be indicated, which can be done with the use of medicines such as propylthiouracil or methimazole, or radioactive iodine, for example. Check out all the treatment options for hyperthyroidism.
3. Thyroiditis
Thyroiditis is inflammation of the thyroid, which can occur for a variety of reasons, including viral infections, such as coxsackievirus, adenovirus and mumps and measles viruses, autoimmunity, or poisoning with certain medications, such as amiodarone, for example.
Thyroiditis can manifest itself acutely, subacutely or chronically, and symptoms range from asymptomatic to more intense symptoms that cause thyroid pain, difficulty swallowing, fever or chills, for example, depending on the cause. Understand how thyroiditis happens and its main causes.
What to do: The treatment of thyroiditis is carried out by an endocrinologist, and varies according to its cause and type, and medications such as levothyroxine, propylthiouracil or methimazole, anti-inflammatories, antibiotics or even surgery may be indicated.
4. Tireoidite de Hashimoto
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is a type of chronic autoimmune thyroiditis, which causes inflammation, cell damage and then damage to the thyroid function, which may not produce enough hormones for blood circulation.
The initial symptoms of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis are often similar to hyperthyroidism, as the initial destruction of the thyroid by the immune system can lead to an increase in thyroid hormones.
However, as thyroid destruction progresses, the symptoms are the same as hypothyroidism, as the thyroid is not capable of producing thyroid hormones.
What to do: The treatment recommended by the endocrinologist must be carried out, which is generally done with the use of levothyroxine, to treat hypothyroidism caused by Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Learn more about treating Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.
5. Postpartum thyroiditis
Postpartum thyroiditis is another type of autoimmune thyroiditis, which affects women up to 12 months after the birth of a baby, and is more common in women who have type 1 diabetes or other autoimmune diseases.
During pregnancy, the woman is exposed to the baby’s tissues, and to prevent rejection, the immune system goes through several changes, which can increase the chances of developing autoimmune diseases.
What to do: Postpartum thyroiditis usually presents with symptoms of hypothyroidism, but does not always require treatment because thyroid function can return to normal in 6 to 12 months. However, if thyroid hormones continue to be altered, the doctor may recommend the use of levothyroxine.
6. Goiter
Goiter is an increase in the size of the thyroid, which can have several causes, including a lack of iodine, inflammation of the thyroid due to autoimmune diseases or the formation of nodules in the thyroid.
Goiter can cause symptoms such as a feeling of tightness in the throat, difficulty swallowing, hoarseness, coughing and, in the most serious cases, even difficulty breathing.
What to do: Goiter treatment is carried out by an endocrinologist and varies according to the cause, and may involve the use of iodine, medicines for hyper or hypothyroidism or, in cases of nodules and cysts, even thyroid surgery. Find out more about what a goiter is, how to identify and treat it.
7. Graves’ disease
Graves’ disease is a form of hyperthyroidism due to autoimmune causes, and, in addition to the symptoms of hyperthyroidism, it can present an enlarged thyroid, bulging eyes (eyelid retraction), and the formation of hard, reddish plaques under the skin (myxedema).
What to do: The treatment is carried out by the endocrinologist to control the levels of thyroid hormones, and medications may be indicated, such as propylthiouracil or methimazole, for example, or with radioactive iodine. Check out all the treatments for Graves’ disease.
8. Thyroid nodule
The thyroid nodule is a rounded lesion, which is most often benign, and may present itself as a lump in the front of the neck, which does not cause pain, but which can be seen when the person swallows food, for example.
However, in some cases, the thyroid nodule may be malignant, and therefore, in the presence of a thyroid lump, an endocrinologist should be consulted to carry out tests, such as ultrasound or FNAC, to find out its type and whether it is benign or malignant. Find out how the PAAF exam is carried out.
What to do: Generally, the treatment of a benign nodule is carried out only with monitoring by an endocrinologist to assess the growth of the nodule. However, when a person has symptoms, when there is a risk of thyroid cancer or when the nodule changes appearance or grows, treatment can be done with surgery. Check out the treatment options for thyroid nodule.
9. Thyroid cancer
Thyroid cancer is a rare type of malignant tumor, and generally in the early stages it does not cause symptoms, but as the cancer progresses, difficulty swallowing, swelling in the neck or changes in the voice may appear. See other symptoms that may indicate thyroid cancer.
The diagnosis of thyroid cancer is made by the endocrinologist through the FNAC exam, and when it is discovered, tests must be carried out, such as full-body scintigraphy, to find out if other parts of the body have been affected.
What to do: The treatment involves removing the thyroid through surgery, and there may be a need for other complementary therapies such as the use of radioactive iodine, for example. In cases of more serious and aggressive tumors, radiotherapy can also be used.
Also watch the following video and find out what food to eat during thyroid cancer treatment:
What tests identify thyroid problems
The tests that can indicate the presence of changes in the thyroid are the measurement of T3, T4 and TSH in the blood.
Furthermore, other tests, such as antibody measurement, ultrasound, scintigraphy or biopsy, may be ordered by the endocrinologist to further investigate the reason for the changes. Find out more about tests that evaluate the thyroid.
Make an appointment with an endocrinologist in the nearest region:
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