Thyroid

The thyroid gland is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located in the front of the neck. It produces hormones (T3 and T4) that regulate the body’s metabolism, energy levels, heart rate, body temperature, weight, and menstrual cycle.
When the thyroid produces too little or too much hormone, it leads to thyroid disorders, most commonly Hypothyroidism and Hyperthyroidism.

Thyroid

What is the Thyroid Gland?

The thyroid controls how fast or slow your body functions. Proper thyroid function is essential for:

Growth and development
Energy production
Brain and heart function
Digestion
Menstrual regularity and fertility

Common Types of Thyroid Disorders

Hypothyroidism (Underactive Thyroid)
The thyroid does not produce enough hormones.

Common Causes:
- Autoimmune disease (Hashimoto’s thyroiditis)
- Iodine deficiency
- Post-pregnancy thyroiditis
- Certain medications
- After thyroid surgery or radiation
Symptoms:
- Weight gain
- Fatigue and sluggishness
- Cold intolerance
- Dry skin and hair fall
- Constipation
- Depression
- Menstrual irregularities
- Swelling of face or legs

Hyperthyroidism (Overactive Thyroid)
The thyroid produces excess hormones.

Common Causes:
- Graves’ disease
- Thyroid nodules
- Thyroiditis
- Excess iodine intake
Symptoms:
- Weight loss despite good appetite
- Palpitations, fast heart rate
- Heat intolerance
- Sweating
- Anxiety and irritability
- Tremors
- Loose stools
- Irregular periods

Goiter
- Enlargement of the thyroid gland
- May occur with normal, low, or high thyroid hormone levels
- Often related to iodine deficiency

Thyroid Nodules
- Lumps in the thyroid
- Usually benign, but some require evaluation

Risk Factors

Family history of thyroid disease
Female gender
Pregnancy and postpartum period
Iodine deficiency
Autoimmune disorders
Stress
Certain medications