The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located near the throat. Two major hormones are produced by your thyroid gland–T3 and T4. The T3 and T4 hormones work together to regulate how your body uses energy, which can impact a person’s metabolism, menstrual cycles, heart rate, body temperature, and more.
How do I know that I have a thyroid problem?
Generally, the most common symptoms of thyroid disease are fatigue, temperature intolerance, hair thinning, weight changes and menstrual cycle changes. Thyroid disease generally falls into two categories: hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. The symptoms differ depending on whether there is an excess or deficiency thyroid hormone in the body.
The most common of the two is hypothyroidism. In hypothyroidism, the thyroid is considered underactive and does not create enough thyroid hormone in the body. Supplementation with thyroid hormone medication is necessary. With hyperthyroidism, there is too much thyroid hormone being produced (an overactive thyroid gland).
Certain medications can also cause changes in thyroid hormone levels, such as lithium, amiodarone, or iodine. In addition, changes in hormonal states, such as pregnancy, can change the thyroid levels in the body.
What are the signs and symptoms of thyroid problems in women?
Symptoms of hypothyroidism are generally nonspecific, but can include fatigue, cold intolerance, weight gain, constipation, hair loss, "brain fog," skin dryness, nail changes, and menstrual cycle changes (typically irregular cycling).
Symptoms of hyperthyroidism include unintentional weight loss and a rapid or irregular heartbeat. Hyperthyroidism can also increase feelings of anxiety.
What problems can thyroid conditions cause?
If left untreated, hypothyroidism can lead to a number of serious health problems, including heart disease, depression, cognitive decline, and infertility and reproductive issues. Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) helps to guide the diagnosis and management of hypothyroidism.
Untreated hyperthyroidism, or an overactive thyroid, can lead to a range of serious health problems because too much thyroid hormone speeds up metabolism, affecting different organ systems throughout the body. If left untreated over time, the consequences can be severe and even life-threatening. Untreated overacting thyroid can lead to an elevated heart rate, dangerous arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation, or even congestive heart failure. Over time, an overactive thyroid can increase the risk of bone loss (osteoporosis) and the risk of a fracture, especially in postmenopausal women.
How are thyroid conditions treated?
Most thyroid conditions can be easily treated with medication, along with monitoring the hormone levels in the blood. In more serious conditions, such as an enlarged thyroid gland or thyroid cancer, the thyroid can be surgically removed. A person who has a thyroidectomy can take medications to replace the thyroid hormones in the body.
Many thyroid conditions can be effectively treated by a primary care physician. However, in some cases, your provider may recommend a referral to endocrinology for specialized hormonal testing and management..
Can I check my thyroid at home?
No. Thyroid levels are measured in a laboratory that follows established protocols for testing and interpreted by clinicians who have a clear understanding of normal and abnormal result ranges.
Should my provider do additional lab tests even if my TSH level is normal?
Patients frequently request a "full thyroid panel," meaning additional thyroid testing for T3 and T4 levels even when their thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) level is normal. Our Brown University Health Laboratories, like many standardized labs, will automatically draw T3 and T4 level if the TSH result is abnormal. Endocrinology societies do not support any additional lab testing beyond this when screening for thyroid conditions.
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