What is a thyroid disorder?
The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of the neck that produces hormones to regulate many essential bodily functions. Thyroid disorders occur when the thyroid produces too much or too little of these hormones, causing problems like weight changes, fatigue, temperature sensitivity, and more.
Some key things to know about thyroid disorders:
- Hypothyroidism - When the thyroid doesn't produce enough hormones. Symptoms include fatigue, weight gain, feeling cold, and more. It can be caused by Hashimoto's disease, treatment for hyperthyroidism, radiation exposure, etc.
- Hyperthyroidism - When the thyroid produces excess hormones. This speeds up metabolism and can cause unintended weight loss, rapid heartbeat, trouble sleeping, and other issues. It can result from Graves' disease, nodules on the thyroid, and other causes.
- Both hypo and hyperthyroidism are more common in women, especially over age 60. But they can affect anyone.
- Thyroid nodules - These are lumps on the thyroid. Most are noncancerous, but some may need to be checked for cancer with an ultrasound-guided biopsy.
- Thyroid cancer - This is uncommon but can be serious. Types include papillary, follicular, medullary, and anaplastic thyroid cancer. Treatments vary but may include surgery, radioactive iodine therapy, hormone treatment, external radiation, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy.