Hyperthyroidism – when the thyroid gland is overactive, making too much hormone. Symptoms may include weight loss with an increase in appetite, nighttime insomnia, nervousness, and irritability, increased resting heart rate that causes heart palpitations, heat intolerance and increased sweating, tremors, frequent bowel movements, thyroid enlargement causing a lump in the neck.
Hypothyroidism – when the thyroid gland is underactive, making too little hormone. Symptoms may include fatigue, lack of energy, weight gain, fuzzy thinking, hair loss and sensitivity to cold.
Nodules – when the thyroid gland develops nodules, or solid or cystic growths within the gland. These are usually benign but can be malignant. Most nodules are not serious and don’t cause any symptoms. If they become large enough, you may have swelling in the neck or shortness of breath, neck pain, breathing or swallowing difficulties. In some cases, the thyroid produces extra thyroxine causing symptoms of hyperthyroidism.
Goiter – when the thyroid gland enlarges or develops multiple nodules. You may see a visible swelling at the base of your neck that is particularly obvious when you shave or put on makeup. If large enough, a goiter can affect other structures in the neck including the windpipe (trachea) and swallowing tube (esophagus). This can lead to breathing or swallowing difficulties (with very large goiters), cough and hoarseness.
Treatment options include:
- Hormone replacement medication for hypothyroidism
- Medication to block the effects of too much thyroid hormone and/or radioactive iodine treatment for hyperthyroidism
- Annual monitoring of the thyroid gland by a physical examination, ultrasound and blood tests for nodules
- Radioactive iodine or surgery to eliminate nodule(s) or goiter
- Small doses of Lugol’s iodine or potassium iodide solution if the nodules or goiter are due to a lack of iodine
If you suspect you may have a thyroid problem it is always best to check with your doctor so an individualized treatment plan can be prescribed.