Common Thyroid Problems
Hypothyroidism
When you have hypothyroidism, your thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough hormone. The most common cause of hypothyroidism is Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. In this condition, the body’s immune system mistakes the thyroid gland for something it needs to attack. Hypothyroidism may also occur if there’s not enough iodine available for the thyroid to make hormone, if there are problems with the pituitary gland, or if the thyroid gland is removed.
Common Symptoms
| Constipation Longer, heavier menstrual periods Weight gain Dry and brittle skin, hair, nails
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Hyperthyroidism
With hyperthyroidism, the thyroid gland produces too much hormone. The most common cause of hyperthyroidism is Graves’ disease, a problem where the body’s immune system overstimulates the thyroid. Graves’ disease sometimes causes the eyes to look like they’re bulging (exophthalmos). A nodule in your thyroid gland can cause hyperthyroidism if the cells in the nodule produce more hormone than the rest of the gland.
Common Symptoms
Shaking, nervousness, irritability Feeling hot A rapid, irregular heartbeat Muscle weakness, fatigue
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Nodules
Nodules are lumps of tissue in the thyroid gland. Usually, the cause of nodules isn’t known, but they may be more common in people who’ve had therapeutic radiation to the head or neck. Most of the time, nodules don’t affect the production of thyroid hormone and cause no symptoms. Sometimes they can be felt on the outside. Most nodules are benign (noncancerous), but occasionally a nodule may be cancerous.
What Is a Goiter?
A goiter is the enlargement of the thyroid gland. When the gland enlarges, you may see or feel a swelling on your neck. A goiter may develop in a person with hypothyroidism.
