Thyroid Disorders

Alina Aguilar

What is the Thyroid?

The Thyroid gland is an endocrine gland located at the front of the neck. It has a butterfly shape and produces hormones that play a key role in maintaining many of your body's functions such as regulating metabolism, heart rate, and blood pressure. These hormones released from the thyroid gland are called thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) which make up the thyroid hormone that can also be called TH. (WebMD, 2023) In addition to this, the thyroid can also affect other important body functions such as your sleep, growth, and mood. (Mayo Clinic, 2023)

This image gives a diagram of where the Thyroid is located on the body, as well as what it is surrounded by.

(MSDmanuals, 2023)

https://www.msdmanuals.com/en-au/home/hormonal-and-metabolic-disorders/thyroid-gland-disorders/overview-of-the-thyroid-gland

How do Thyroid Disorders oCCur?

Thyroid disorders can occur for a few different reasons, but the main reason is that the thyroid is overproducing or underproducing the hormones it puts out. This can lead to Hyperthyroidism or Hypothyroidism, which we will be covering next. Another way a thyroid disorder can occur is from nodules, which are abnormal growths, that develop on the thyroid. In some cases, nodules developing on the thyroid can lead to Thyroid Cancer. (MedlinePlus, 2023)

Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid is overactive. However, there are a multitude of reasons as to why the thyroid gland may be overactive in the first place. One of the most common reasons hyperthyroidism can occur is because of an autoimmune disorder called Graves Disease. (Hopkinsmedicine, 2024)

Graves disease occurs when the thyroid gland is overstimulated by antibodies and it is known to run in families. (Hopkinsmedicine, 2024)

Another reason hyperthyroidism can occur is from a Toxic nodular goiter. This is when nodules on the Thyroid gland are overactive. (Hopkinsmedicine, 2024)

Additionally, an excess amount of iodine in your diet, or treating an underactive thyroid by taking an excess amount of thyroid hormone medicine can also cause Hyperthyroidism to occur. This is because the thyroid uses iodine to produce hormones such as thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). (WebMD, 2023)

This image provides a visual of some common symptoms of Hyperthyroidism

(TheAccessHealthcare, 2023)

https://theaccesshealthcare.com/blogs/hyperthyroidism-vs-hypothyroidism

Common Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism

Difficulty sleeping: While difficulty sleeping is a common symptom, it is not very well understood because it is usually not the most prevalent symptom (National Library of Medicine, 2021).
Sensitivity to heat: The thyroid produces thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), which play a role in maintaining body temperature and can make someone more sensitive to heat. (National Library of Medicine, 2021)
Weight loss: When the thyroid is overactive, it speeds up the body's metabolism which can result in weight loss (Mayoclinic, 2022)
Anxiety: Thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) are important for the brain and overproduction may cause disruptions in emotions and cognition. (National Library of Medicine, 2016)
Fine and fragile hair: Hair follicles are directly affected by Thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) and can be disrupted due to an overproduction of the hormones. (National Library of Medicine, 2023)
Enlarged Thyroid: Also known as a goiter, the thyroid may swell when overactive and become more visible on the neck. (Mayoclinic, 2022
Increased sweating: Producing high levels of thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) speed up bodily functions and can lead to increased sweating. (National Library of Medicine, 2021)
Increasing appetite: Because the thyroid is working overtime and the body's metabolism speeds up, it can increase appetite to supplement what it is losing. (Mayoclinic, 2022)

This image provides a visual of some common symptoms of Hypothyroidism

(TheAccessHealthcare, 2023)

https://theaccesshealthcare.com/blogs/hyperthyroidism-vs-hypothyroidism

Common Symptoms of Hypothyroidism

Hair loss: Thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) are required for hair growth, so hair loss may be a sign of hypothyroidism. (National Library of Medicine, 2023)
Sensitivity to cold: TH is an important hormone in regulating body temperature, so when it is underproducing one can become more sensitive to the cold. (National Library of Medicine, 2019)
Bradycardia: When TH production is low, many of the body's functions begin to slow down and this includes the heart. (The National Library of Medicine, 2017)
Menstrual Changes: The thyroid affects many of the body's functions and over or under-production of TH can make a menstrual cycle light, heavy, or irregular. (Office on Women's Health, 2021)
Fatigue: Since the thyroid is underproducing TH, this can lead to a drop in energy and feeling fatigued. (WebMD, 2022)
Dry skin: Hypothyroidism can cause cause eccrine glands to underproduce, (these are essentially sweat glands that are all over your skin) and lead to dry skin. (National Library of Medicine, 2011)
Weight Gain: When the thyroid is underactive, it can slow down the body's functions, such as slowing down metabolism, which can result in weight gain. (Mayoclinic, 2022)

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid is underactive. However, just like Hyperthyroidism, there are a multitude of reasons as to why the thyroid gland may be underactive.

One of the main reasons that it occurs is also due to autoimmune disorders, the most common one being Hashimoto's Thyroiditis. This is when the thyroid tissue dies out and no longer produces thyroid hormones due to the body attacking the tissue. (WebMD, 2023)

Another type of thyroiditis that is more uncommon is Postpartum Thyroiditis. This type may occur after you give birth or even an abortion and or miscarriage. However, it is usually temporary and happens to about 5% - 9% of those who experience birth, abortion, or miscarriage. (WebMD, 2023)

Iodine deficiency may also cause Hypothyroidism as the thyroid gland uses iodine to produce its hormones. Additionally, exposure to an excess amount of iodine can also be the cause. Medicines used to treat colds or sinus issues can contain lots of iodine and some dyes that are used before an X-ray. (WebMD, 2023)

thyroid Cancer

Thyroid cancer can affect both men and women, however, it appears to be most common in women between the ages of 30-60. Thyroid cancer begins from a nodule that has developed on the thyroid gland. Most nodules are benign, meaning that they are not cancerous but if one is discovered it should be examined. (Hopkins Medicine, 2024)

Most of the time thyroid cancer is asymptomatic and does not get noticed right away. However, it can present itself, as difficulty swallowing, enlarged lymph nodes, pain, and or a change in voice. (Hopkins Medicine, 2024)

If you notice any of these changes or pain in the thyroid it is best to see a medical professional so it does not worsen.

Treatment

Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism can be treated in many ways, but they may work differently for everyone

Antithyroid drugs: Such as methimazole or propylthiouracil: These drugs stop the thyroid from producing hormones, thus the name antithyroid. (Cleveland clinic, 2021)
Radioactive Iodine: Since the thyroid uses iodine to produce TH, it absorbs the radioactive iodine. In turn, the radioactive iodine damages the thyroid cells and causes them to shrink. This will lower the level of hormones the thyroid produces but usually leads to permanent destruction of the thyroid. This treatment may result in taking thyroid hormone drugs for the rest of someone's life to keep these hormone levels normal. (Cleveland clinic, 2021)
Surgery: Removing the thyroid gland through a surgery called thyroidectomy will fix hyperthyroidism, but may result in hypothyroidism. If this happens, thyroid hormone supplements will be needed to maintain normal TH levels. (Clevelanclinic, 2021)
Beta-blockers: This drug blocks the action of TH rather than blocking TH itself. This may help calm hyperthyroid systems such as nervousness or a fast heartbeat, but the drug is usually paired. with another treatment. (Cleveleand clinic, 2021)

Hypothyroidism

Levothyroxine: This medication is taken orally and it replaces the hormones that the thyroid is not producing. (Cleveland clinic, 2020)
While Hypothyroidism is manageable, however, you will most likely have to take medication for the rest of your life to keep TH levels normal. (Cleveland clinic, 2020)

Thyroid Cancer

Surgery: Removal of a tumor on the thyroid, and sometimes part of or all of the gland depending on the size of the tumor.(Cleveland clinic, 2022)
Radioiodine Therapy: A liquid or solid pill that contains radioactive iodine. The radioiodine will kill off and shrink the damaged thyroid gland and its cancer cells. This is one of the safer treatments as the thyroid gland absorbs almost all radioiodine. (Cleveland clinic, 2022)
Radiation Therapy: Radiation will kill the thyroid cancer cells and prevent them from growing. (Cleveland clinic, 2022)
Chemotherapy: Can be internal or oral drugs that will kill the thyroid cancer cells and spots it from growing. (Cleveland clinic 2022)
Hormone Therapy: This will block hormones that can possible cause cancer to spread or return. (Cleveland clinic, 2022)

Prevalence of Thyroid Disorders and Why it's Important

According to the American Thyroid Association there are around 20 million Americans that have thyroid disorders and up t0 %60 of those with a thyroid disorder are unaware that they have one. As thyroid disorders can affect both men and women, it seems to affect women more as women are 5-8 times more likely than men to develop thyroid disorders. (American Thyroid Association, n. d.)

Because thyroid disorders tend to affect women more, this can create potential risks during pregnancy. If a woman has a thyroid disorder that is left untreated or treated improperly this can increase the risk of a miscarriage, premature birth, and potentially sever developmental problems in the child. (American Thyroid Association, n.d.)

Being aware and educated on the functions of the thyroid gland and the disorders it could potentially have is important, especially if some of the symptoms or the disorders themselves run in your family. Catching these thyroid disorders early could prevent them from potentially getting worse and save yourself a lot of discomfort. The good news is that most of these disorders are treatable and or manageable with some medical assistance, however, it is important to always pay attention to changes in your body.

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