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An overactive or underactive thyroid
Attached to your windpipe is a butterfly-shaped gland called the ‘thyroid’, which is responsible for producing many of your hormones. It affects the metabolic processes in your body and regulates your temperature. Some people may produce too many of these hormones, in which case this is known as having an overactive thyroid. Others may have an underactive thyroid, in which case not enough hormones are produced.
What are the causes of an overactive thyroid?
Graves’ disease - an autoimmune disorder that produces too much of the hormone ‘thyroxine’.
Plummer’s disease - an enlarged thyroid gland.
Thyroiditis - swelling or inflammation of the gland.
Lumps on the thyroid.
Some medicines.
Possible symptoms of an overactive thyroid:
Swelling in your neck.
Mood swings.
Trouble sleeping and tiredness.
Weight loss.
Feeling anxious or irritable.
Trembling.
Heat intolerance.
If you are experiencing these symptoms you should visit your GP who will conduct a blood test to get a diagnosis. An overactive thyroid can be treated with medicine, radioiodine treatment, or your thyroid can be fully or partly removed through surgery to prevent it from producing too many hormones. An untreated overactive thyroid could lead to bigger problems, including eye problems and life-threatening complications.
What are the causes of an underactive thyroid?
Hashimoto’s disease - an autoimmune disease that attacks your thyroid.
A reaction to previous treatment.
Certain medicines.
A problem with the pituitary gland.
Viral infections.
Not having enough iodine in your diet.
Symptoms of an underactive thyroid:
Weight gain.
Depression.
Sensitivity to the cold.
Aching muscles.
Dry skin.
Dry hair.
Constipation.
See a GP if you are experiencing these symptoms. If an underactive thyroid is diagnosed, treatment may include taking daily medicine to raise your hormone levels until it is no longer necessary. For this, regular blood tests will need to be carried out.
If left untreated, it could spell worse problems such as goitre, heart disease, pregnancy complications, and in rare circumstances, a life-threatening condition called ‘myxoedema coma’.