Identifying Different Thyroid Issues and Disorders
Dr. Gina Lynem-Walker
| 3 min read
Dr. Gina Lynem-Walker, MD, is a quality medical dire...
By: Dr. Gina Lynem-Walker, M.D., an associate medical director at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan.
The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland in the front of the neck that converts iodine into various hormones which control the body’s metabolism, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Metabolism is the process by which the body transforms food into energy, making the thyroid one of the most important glands in the human body.
Thyroid hormones also affect:
- Body temperature
- Breathing
- Digestion
- Heart rate
- Mental activity
Health conditions arise when the gland produces too much or too little of the hormones. About 20 million people in the United States have a thyroid issue that can impact their daily life.
While there are different kinds of thyroid conditions, hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism are the two most common types of thyroid disease. Here is a look at the different thyroid diseases and their symptoms.
Hypothyroidism and Hyperthyroidism
When the thyroid produces too little of its hormones, it’s called hypothyroidism. This is 10 times more common in women than in men. Common symptoms include:
- Increased fatigue
- Depression
- Weight gain
- Constipation
- Achiness
- Brittle hair
- Itchy skin
Causes of hypothyroidism include:
- Thyroiditis
- Hashimoto's thyroiditis
- Postpartum thyroiditis
- Iodine deficiency
- A non-functioning thyroid gland
A common treatment for hypothyroidism is taking synthetic thyroid hormone to replace what the body cannot produce.
An overactive thyroid, on the other hand, is known as hyperthyroidism. Like in an underactive thyroid, women are five to 10 times more likely to have hyperthyroidism than men.
Symptoms of this disease include:
- Weight loss
- Nervousness
- Irritability
- Faster heart rate
- Difficulty sleeping
- Trembling
- Weakness
Hyperthyroidism can be caused by:
- Grave's disease
- Nodules on the thyroid
- Thyroiditis
- Too much iodine
Treatments for hyperthyroidism include antithyroid medication, radioactive iodine therapy to reduce thyroid function and surgery to remove all or part of the thyroid. A thyroidectomy requires a person to take synthetic hormones for the rest of their life.
Thyroid cancer is another disease that affects the gland. About 53,000 Americans are diagnosed annually, but the disease is treatable. A lump in the neck, difficulty swallowing and swollen lymph nodes are common symptoms of thyroid cancer.
Anyone who has any of the above symptoms should talk to their primary care physician. Thyroid conditions are treatable, but undiagnosed and untreated thyroid diseases can lead to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, infertility and osteoporosis.
Risk factors for thyroid problems and lifestyle tips for a healthy thyroid
People who have a family history of thyroid disease, are age 60 or older, have had radiation therapy to their head or neck or have an autoimmune disease such as type 1 diabetes, Celiac disease and lupus are risk factors for thyroid conditions.
Because most thyroid conditions are genetic, they aren’t preventable diseases. There are still steps people can take to keep the thyroid healthy, including eating a nutritious diet, getting regular exercise and getting enough sleep. Foods to keep the thyroid healthy include:
- Iodine, which is found in iodized salt, fresh eggs, dairy products and seaweed
- Fresh fruits and vegetables
- Whole grains
- Lean proteins such as beans
- Fish such as salmon that is rich in omega-3 fatty acids to support thyroid function
- Nuts including hazelnuts, macadamia nuts and Brazil nuts that have selenium to support thyroid health
Limit ultra-processed foods such as salami and hotdogs and saturated fats from meat and cheese.
The thyroid is important for overall health. Living a normal life with thyroid disease is possible with treatment and lifestyle changes. Those with risk factors or symptoms should discuss options with their doctor.
Gina Lynem-Walker, M.D., is an associate medical director at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. For more health tips and information, visit MIBlueDaily.com.
Image: Getty Images
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