What are thyroid problems?

There are several conditions that can affect your thyroid gland.

The thyroid gland makes hormones that help control many of your body's metabolic processes, such as:

• heart rate
• blood pressure
• body temperature
• weight

The thyroid is found in your neck, near the base of your throat.

Your thyroid gland plays an important role in controlling many of your body's functions. You can develop serious health problems if your thyroid does not work as it should.

Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism is when your thyroid is overactive and makes too much thyroid hormone.

Symptoms of hyperthyroidism are:

• feeling anxious or nervous
• being unable to tolerate heat
• having heart palpitations
• losing weight, even if you're eating the same amount of food

The effect of too much thyroid hormone on your body is sometimes called 'thyrotoxicosis'.

Some thyroid problems cause a goitre (enlarged thyroid).

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is when your thyroid is underactive and doesn't make enough thyroid hormone.

Symptoms of hypothyroidism can be quite varied. They can include:

• fatigue (tiredness)
• being unable to tolerate the cold
• constipation (difficulty passing stool)
• dry skin
• weight gain
• poor memory or concentration problems
• depression

What causes thyroid problems?

Problems with the thyroid can be caused by:

• iodine deficiency
• autoimmune diseases — when your immune system attacks your thyroid — such as Graves' disease or Hashimoto's disease
• inflammation (thyroiditis), which may or may not cause pain
• nodules, or non-cancerous lumps
• thyroid cancer
• certain medical treatments — including radiation therapy, thyroid surgery and some medicines

Sometimes, pregnancy can cause your thyroid problems to start or get worse. If left untreated, this can cause problems for you and your baby, such as:

• miscarriage
• premature birth
• low birth weight
• problems with your baby's brain development

If you're pregnant or planning to become pregnant, talk to your doctor about your chance of having a thyroid disorder.

How is the cause of thyroid problems diagnosed?

Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and will examine you.

Your doctor may suggest you have blood tests. In some cases, they may recommend a nuclear medicine scan or an ultrasound scan of your thyroid.

They may refer you to a specialist such as an endocrinologist for further tests and treatments.

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When should I see my doctor?

If you think you may have a thyroid problem, it's important to see your doctor.

See your doctor if you have:

• symptoms of an overactive thyroid
• symptoms of an underactive thyroid
• a lump or swelling in your neck
• concerns about your risk of thyroid problems during pregnancy

When to seek urgent care

Symptoms of thyroid storm can include:

• fever
• rapid heart rate
• vomiting
• delirium

Thyroid storm is caused by a severe excess of thyroid hormone.

Myxoedema coma needs urgent medical attention.

Myxoedema coma is a life-threatening condition caused by untreated, severe hypothyroidism. It causes:

• drowsiness that can lead to unconsciousness
• slow breathing
• low body temperature

Myxoedema is rare.

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How are thyroid problems treated?

The treatment of your thyroid problems will depend on the cause.

Self-care at home

If you have hyperthyroidism with thyroid nodules, this may be caused by too much iodine. You may be advised to avoid iodine in your diet when possible.

Medicines for thyroid problems

Some thyroid conditions are treated with thyroid medicines.

Graves’ disease needs treatment with anti-thyroid medicine for 12 to 18 months.

If you have primary hypothyroidism, you will usually need to take levothyroxine (thyroxine) tablets. You may need to take these tablets for the rest of your life.

Other treatment options

You may need to consider surgery if anti-thyroid medicine or radioactive iodine treatment does not work for you.

What are the complications of thyroid problems?

If you have a thyroid problem that’s not treated properly, serious health complications can result.

An enlarged thyroid, or goitre, may cause problems with swallowing and breathing.

Graves' disease can cause eye, skin and bone problems.

An overactive thyroid can lead to problems including:

• heart problems, such as rapid heart rate, problems with your heart rhythm (such as atrial fibrillation) or heart failure
• loss of bone density (osteoporosis)

An underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) can cause complications such as:

• high cholesterol
• high blood pressure
• heart problems

Can thyroid problems be prevented?

Some thyroid problems can be prevented by making sure that you have enough iodine in your diet.

In Australia, bread is now made with iodised salt (except for organic bread).

Learn more about foods that are high in iodine.

Resources and support

The Australian Thyroid Foundation provides information and support for people with thyroid conditions.

Hormones Australia offers support and resources on the thyroid gland and conditions affecting the thyroid.

Find out more about thyroid dysfunction in pregnancy.

Read about thyroid conditions and bone health from Healthy Bones Australia.

Cancer Council has a booklet on Understanding Thyroid Cancer for people with cancer, their families and friends.

You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.