Thyroid disorders
What are thyroid disorders?
The thyroid is an essential gland in the body which produces thyroid hormones. These hormones control and influence many bodily functions, such as body temperature, energy levels, and metabolism. Thyroid disorders occur for different reasons, but they have an effect on the body’s metabolic functions and produce adverse reactions. Thyroid disorders are relatively common and worldwide, they affect more women than men.
What are the symptoms?
There are many types of thyroid disorder, meaning there are also many different symptoms. Symptoms depend on the kind of thyroid disorder the patient has. Some more common thyroid problems include goitre, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, thyroid nodules, and thyroiditis. Thyroid cancer is another condition affecting the thyroid.
These conditions affect bodily functions and the metabolic system, so symptoms can include:
- Weight gain
- Menstrual changes
- Poor concentration
- Nervousness
- Feeling depressed
- Fatigue
- Feeling cold
- Hair loss
- Mood swings
- Low sex drive
Symptoms vary depending on the type of thyroid disorder, and doctors will take a medical history and assess the symptoms displayed in order to correctly diagnose the type of thyroid condition affecting the patient.
What causes thyroid disorders?
Thyroid disorders can be caused in different ways, including related conditions such as autoimmune disease or inflammatory disorders, certain medication, radiation therapy (e.g for cancer), pregnancy, iodine deficiency, and congenital disease. There are various different causes and anyone can develop a thyroid condition. Some risk factors include:
- Being a woman over the age of sixty
- Having received radiation therapy in the neck or chest
- Being pregnant or having had a baby in the last 6 months
- Having an autoimmune disease
- Having a family history of thyroid disorder
- Having had thyroid surgery
How can they be prevented?
Thyroid disorders cannot really be prevented, but keeping the thyroid healthy is important and there are certain things you can do to reduce the risk. Cigarette smokers are more likely to develop thyroid eye complications related to Graves’ disease, and certain toxins in cigarettes can affect the thyroid, triggering thyroid disease.
During X-rays, a special collar can be worn which covers the thyroid and reduces the chances of it being exposed to radiation.
What is the treatment?
There are various treatments of thyroid disorders, as there are multiple types of condition and each case must be considered individually. In order to correctly diagnose the thyroid condition, a doctor must first investigate and take a medical history, and measure thyroid hormone levels. A medical evaluation is essential in order to assess what kind of care is needed.
Treatments include medication to lower, supplement or eliminate hormone production, and surgery to remove the thyroid gland, sometimes indicated in those with cancer, or particularly large goitres.


Worried that your teenager has a thyroid problem? - a guide to thyroid disorders in adolescents
By Dr Mark Vanderpump
2022-08-13
Teenagers can have mood swings and concentration problems, but what if these were also symptoms of a thyroid disorder? Dr Vanderpump talks hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism and Grave's disease in children. See more


Thyroid cancer: ask an expert
By Mr Jonathan Bernstein
2022-08-13
Thyroid cancer can be a serious, even life-threatening illness. Find out all the facts from expert ENT surgeon Mr Jonathan Bernstein in this guide to thyroid cancer causes, symptoms and treatment. See more


Desiccated thyroid extract (DTE): a natural alternative to levothyroxine?
By Professor Parag Singhal
2022-08-13
Levothyroxine is a medicine that treats thyroid problems and is one of the world's most commonly prescribed medications. However, there’s been growing interest in natural alternatives such as DTE among patients whose symptoms aren't improving from taking levothyroxine. Professor Parag Singhal is a leading endocrinologist who explains why these natural extracts are becoming more popular and who will benefit the most from them. See more


Can children get thyroid cancer?
By Dr Mark Vanderpump
2022-08-13
Dr Mark Vanderpump explains the rare occurrence of thyroid cancer in children, as part of his series of articles on thyroid problems in children and adolescents. See more
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Dr Mark Vanderpump
Endocrinology, diabetes & metabolismExpert in:
- Adrenal gland disorders
- Thyroid disorders
- Hypothyroidism
- Hyperthyroidism
- Hyperparathyroidism
- Diabetes
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Professor Neil Tolley
Otolaryngology / ENTExpert in:
- Thyroid gland surgery
- Parathyroid gland surgery
- Robotic surgery
- Salivary gland surgery
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- Thyroid disorders
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Dr Helen Spoudeas
Endocrinology, diabetes & metabolismExpert in:
- Growth disorders
- Hypopituitarism
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- Adrenal gland disorders
- Childhood obesity
- Neuroendocrine tumours
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Professor Gordana Prelevic
Endocrinology, diabetes & metabolismExpert in:
- Osteoporosis
- Hyperparathyroidism
- Hypothyroidism
- Menopause
- Polycystic ovaries (PCOS)
- Thyroid disorders
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Dr Jeannie Todd
Endocrinology, diabetes & metabolismExpert in:
- Thyroid disorders
- Adrenal gland disorders
- Polycystic ovaries (PCOS)
- Diabetes
- Diseases of the pituitary and hypothalamus
- Parathyroid gland
- See all

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