Thyroid Disorders
Hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, TSH levels, and thyroid medication management.
Overview
The thyroid is a small butterfly-shaped gland in your neck that produces hormones regulating metabolism, energy, heart rate, body temperature, and more. When it produces too little hormone (hypothyroidism) or too much (hyperthyroidism), the effects ripple throughout the entire body. Thyroid disorders are among the most common endocrine conditions in adults — and they are highly treatable once properly diagnosed.
Key Points
- TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) is the primary screening test — a high TSH suggests hypothyroidism, low TSH suggests hyperthyroidism.
- Hypothyroidism is far more common than hyperthyroidism and is treated with daily levothyroxine.
- Hashimoto's thyroiditis (autoimmune hypothyroidism) is the most common cause of low thyroid in the US.
- Graves' disease is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism.
- Thyroid nodules are common and usually benign, but some require ultrasound evaluation and biopsy.
Signs & Symptoms
- Hypothyroidism: fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, constipation, dry skin, depression, brain fog
- Hyperthyroidism: weight loss, rapid heartbeat, heat intolerance, anxiety, tremor, frequent bowel movements
- Hair thinning or loss in both conditions
- Irregular menstrual cycles in women
- Visible swelling in the neck (goiter) in some thyroid conditions
Causes & Risk Factors
- Hashimoto's thyroiditis — autoimmune destruction of the thyroid gland (hypothyroidism)
- Graves' disease — autoimmune overstimulation of the thyroid (hyperthyroidism)
- Thyroid nodules or multinodular goiter
- Prior thyroid surgery or radioactive iodine treatment
- Iodine deficiency (rare in the US) or excess iodine intake
Treatment Options
When to See a Doctor
Schedule an appointment if you have symptoms of thyroid dysfunction — fatigue, unexplained weight changes, heart palpitations, or a lump in your neck. TSH testing is included in our annual wellness lab panel. Thyroid conditions are very manageable once diagnosed.
This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult a Lemon-AID Medical Management provider for diagnosis and personalized treatment.