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What is the thyroid?

The thyroid is a gland located in the neck, near the base of the throat. It produces hormones that help regulate various metabolic processes in the body, including heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, and weight.

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Frequently
asked questions

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What are the main types of thyroid problems?
Thyroid problems can be caused by various factors, including:
  1. Hyperthyroidism: This occurs when the thyroid gland is overactive and produces an excessive amount of thyroid hormone. Symptoms of hyperthyroidism include anxiety, heat intolerance, heart palpitations, fatigue, and unexplained weight loss.
  2. Hypothyroidism: This condition occurs when the thyroid gland is underactive and does not produce enough thyroid hormone. Symptoms of hypothyroidism may include fatigue, cold intolerance, constipation, dry skin, weight gain, poor memory, and depression.
  3. Thyroid cancer: In this case, some cells in the thyroid become cancerous. Thyroid cancer is more common in women and is usually diagnosed in their fifties. It is typically treatable.
Other thyroid problems include nodules (non-cancerous lumps), thyroid inflammation, and an enlarged thyroid (goitre). These conditions can lead to either hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism.
What causes thyroid problems?
Thyroid problems can be caused by various factors, including:
  • Iodine deficiency
  • Autoimmune diseases, such as Graves' disease (causing hyperthyroidism) or Hashimoto's disease (causing hypothyroidism)
  • Inflammation due to viral or bacterial infections
  • Nodules (non-cancerous lumps)
  • Cancerous tumors
  • Certain medical treatments like radiation therapy, thyroid surgery, or certain medications
  • Some genetic disorders
Pregnancy can also occasionally trigger or worsen thyroid problems, which, if left untreated, can lead to complications for both the mother and baby.
What are the complications of thyroid problems?
If thyroid problems are not properly treated, they can lead to serious health complications. For example:
  1. Hyperthyroidism can cause eye problems (bulging eyes, vision issues), heart problems, brittle bones (osteoporosis), swollen skin, and thyrotoxic crisis (a severe worsening of symptoms requiring urgent medical attention).
  2. Hypothyroidism can lead to an enlarged thyroid (goitre), high cholesterol and heart disease, nerve damage (tingling, numbness, and pain), infertility, birth defects, mental health issues (like depression), and myxedema (a rare, life-threatening condition characterised by extreme cold intolerance and lethargy, requiring urgent medical attention).
If you suspect you have a thyroid problem, speak to a doctor for evaluation and treatment.

Sources:

https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/thyroid-problems, Cancer Council NSW (Thyroid cancer), RACGP (Evaluating and managing patients with thyrotoxicosis), RACGP (Hypothyroidism - Investigation and management), Lab Tests Online (Thyroid diseases), The Australian Thyroid Foundation (The thyroid gland), Australian Thyroid Foundation (Causes of thyroid disorders), Australian Thyroid Foundation (Hyperthyroidism, Graves' disease & thyroid eye disease), Australian Thyroid Foundation (Hypothyroidism & Hashimoto's disease), Department of Health Pregnancy Care Guidelines (Thyroid dysfunction), Elsevier Patient Education (Hyperthyroidism), Elsevier Patient Education (Hypothyroidism), Australian Family Physician (Paraesthesia and peripheral neuropathy)

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