10 thyroid disease facts
In this article we will describe 10 thyroid disease facts.
1. The thyroid gland – is a butterfly-shaped gland located in the neck, just below the Adam’s apple, and it produces hormones that regulate the body’s metabolism.
2. Function of thyroid gland – its main function is to produce hormones (e.g. thyroxine) that help regulate the body’s metabolism (the process that turns food into energy). All of the body’s functions slow down when the thyroid does not produce enough of these hormones.
If the thyroid produces too much thyroid hormone, the body’s function will speed up. Thyroid problems often run in families.
3. Thyroid disease is very common – about 5% of the population take medication for a thyroid disorder, mainly a tablet called levothyroxine, for an underactive thyroid. Up to 90% of these are women.
4. Types of thyroid disease
There are a variety of types of thyroid disease, including the following:
- Underactive thyroid – also known as ‘hypothyroidism’
- Overactive thyroid – also known as ‘hyperthyroidism’
- Thyroid eye disease
- Thyroid nodules or enlarged thyroid gland (goitre)
- Thyroid cancer.
Goitre
The two most common thyroid disorders – are hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) and hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) – hypothyroidism is more common than hyperthyroidism.
5. Causes of hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism
Hypothyroidism is typically caused by an autoimmune disorder called Hashimoto’s thyroiditis; whilst hyperthyroidism is usually caused by Graves’ disease, another autoimmune disorder.
6. Symptoms of thyroid disease
Symptoms of hypothyroidism include fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, dry skin, and depression; whilst symptoms of hyperthyroidism include weight loss, heat intolerance, sweating, palpitations, and anxiety.
7. Thyroid nodules and cancer
Thyroid nodules are lumps or growths on the thyroid gland, and are common and usually benign, but in rare cases, they can be cancerous. Thyroid cancer is the most common type of endocrine cancer, and it can usually be treated successfully if detected early.
8. Who should look after you with thyroid disease?
If you have an underactive thyroid you will usually be managed by your GP. There may be a practice nurse at the GP surgery. If so, a practice nurse may run a clinic for long-term conditions, including thyroid disease. If there is one, it is a good place for monitoring of your thyroid disease and treatment.
But if you have one of the following, your GP should refer you to a specialist (e.g, endocrinologist (thyroid specialist), ophthalmologist or surgeon) at your local hospital:
- Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
- Thyroid disease in a newborn or child
- Thyroid nodules or an enlarged thyroid gland (goitre)
- Any type of overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), including Graves’ disease
- Hypothyroidism caused by a problem with the pituitary gland
- Thyroid eye disease
- Thyroid cancer suspected
- You are not feeling better despite treatment.
9. Treatment for thyroid disease – varies depending on the type and severity of the disorder, but options may include medication, surgery, or radioactive iodine therapy.
10. Regular monitoring of thyroid function – with a blood test called TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) is important for maintaining thyroid health.
Summary
We have described 10 thyroid disease facts. There is a lot that you and the NHS can do to get better care.
Other resource
The British Thyroid Foundation is a patient support organisation with useful information on its website, that can help you.
