Thyroid Disease

You may not hear much about thyroid problems, but they’re common and affect many people. Having a thyroid problem may mean that your thyroid gland is underactive or doesn’t work hard enough. Or it may mean that your gland is overactive and works too hard. Your thyroid gland may also grow larger or develop lumps.

Common Thyroid Problems

Because thyroid hormone affects the workings of so many areas of the body, problems with the thyroid can be very noticeable. Too little hormone (hypothyroidism) or too much hormone (hyperthyroidism) can cause may symptoms, including changes in your energy level. A nodule in the thyroid gland may not cause any symptoms, but can sometimes be cancerous. Sometimes, the whole gland may enlarge. An enlarged thyroid gland is called a goiter.

Hypothyroidism - Underactive Thyroid: When the thyroid doesn’t work hard enough, it’s called hypothyroidism. If you have hypothyroidism, your body runs more slowly and you have less energy. Your thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough hormone.

Hyperthyroidism - Overactive Thyroid: When the thyroid works too hard, it’s called hyperthyroidism. If you have hyperthyroidism, your body runs faster. The thyroid gland produces too much hormone.

Thyroid Nodules: Your thyroid gland may develop one or more small lumps. These lumps are called nodules. Nodules are usually harmless, but occasionally they may be a sign of thyroid cancer.

Goiter: A goiter is the enlargement of the thyroid gland.

Thyroid Treatment

Developing a plan for thyroid treatment includes evaluation, exams and tests.

Read about thyroid treatment.