Thyroid Disorders

What is Thyroid Disorders?

The thyroid is a small gland at the front of the neck that produces hormones controlling how fast the body uses energy. Hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid) slows things down, causing tiredness, weight gain and feeling cold; hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid) speeds them up, causing weight loss, a racing heart, anxiety and heat intolerance. Both are common, especially in women, and both develop gradually, so symptoms are easy to put down to stress or age. A blood test measuring thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) is the usual first step, and most thyroid disorders are very treatable once identified.

Symptoms

• ●Unexplained weight changes
• ●Fatigue
• ●Sensitivity to cold or heat
• ●Hair loss
• ●Mood changes
• ●Irregular menstrual periods

What Causes Thyroid Disorders?

The most common cause of hypothyroidism is Hashimoto's thyroiditis, an autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks the thyroid. The most common cause of hyperthyroidism is Graves' disease, in which antibodies overstimulate the gland. Other causes include thyroid nodules, inflammation of the thyroid after pregnancy or a viral illness, too little or too much iodine, previous thyroid surgery or radiation treatment, and some medicines.

Risk Factors

• ⚠Being female
• ⚠Family history of thyroid disease
• ⚠Other autoimmune conditions, such as type 1 diabetes or celiac disease
• ⚠Pregnancy or recent childbirth
• ⚠Age over 60
• ⚠Previous thyroid surgery or radiation to the neck

How to Prevent Thyroid Disorders

Most thyroid disorders cannot be prevented, because the common causes are autoimmune. What you can do is make sure your diet provides enough iodine — iodised salt is the usual source — without taking high-dose iodine or kelp supplements unless advised, as too much iodine can also upset the thyroid. Early detection matters most: if thyroid disease runs in your family, regular TSH testing means problems are found before they cause complications.

When to Get Tested

Ask for a TSH test if you have unexplained tiredness, weight change, hair loss, feeling unusually cold or hot, palpitations or irregular periods. Testing is also worthwhile when planning a pregnancy or after giving birth, and if you have a family history of thyroid disease or another autoimmune condition. If TSH is abnormal, free T4 and free T3 clarify the picture, and thyroid antibodies (anti-TPO, anti-Tg, TRAb) help identify the cause.

References & Sources

• [1]
  Mayo Clinic — HypothyroidismAccessed: 2026-02-14
• [2]
  NHS — Overactive ThyroidAccessed: 2026-02-14