The thyroid is a small gland in the front of the neck that makes hormones controlling energy use, heart rate, body temperature and other functions. The illness may involve too little hormone, too much hormone, inflammation, a lump or an enlarged gland.
When to seek emergency care: Seek urgent care for chest pain, fainting, severe shortness of breath, marked confusion, an extremely fast or irregular heartbeat, or a neck swelling that makes swallowing or breathing difficult. Thyroid symptoms during pregnancy or soon after delivery deserve prompt review. Call 1122.
Hypothyroidism: jab thyroid kam kaam kare
An underactive thyroid may cause tiredness, feeling cold, dry skin, constipation, low mood, slower thinking, muscle aches, weight gain or heavier and irregular periods. Symptoms usually develop gradually. Hashimoto's disease — an autoimmune condition — is a common cause. Thyroid surgery, radioactive iodine, certain medicines and too much or too little iodine can also affect hormone production.
Hyperthyroidism: jab thyroid zyada kaam kare
An overactive thyroid may cause weight loss despite appetite, heat intolerance, sweating, trembling hands, anxiety, poor sleep, muscle weakness, frequent bowel movements, or a fast and sometimes irregular heartbeat. Graves' disease is a common autoimmune cause. Thyroid nodules and thyroid inflammation can also release excess hormone.
These symptoms overlap with anaemia, anxiety, menopause, sleep problems and many other conditions. Weight change or fatigue alone cannot diagnose a thyroid disorder.
Tests and examination
Doctors commonly begin with TSH and free T4 blood tests and may add T3 or thyroid antibodies. The pattern — not one number in isolation — guides interpretation. Pregnancy, serious illness, supplements such as high-dose biotin and some medicines can alter results. An ultrasound is useful for a lump or enlargement, but it does not show hormone function by itself.
Treatment and everyday safety
Hypothyroidism is usually treated with prescribed thyroid hormone, with repeat blood tests to find the right dose. Hyperthyroidism may be treated with medicines, radioactive iodine or surgery depending on its cause and the person's circumstances. Do not start iodine drops, "thyroid boosters," desiccated thyroid or someone else's thyroxine. Too much hormone can harm the heart and bones.
If you already take levothyroxine, take it consistently as instructed and tell the clinician about iron, calcium, antacids and supplements because timing can affect absorption. Never change the dose from symptoms alone.
Which doctor should you see?
A family physician can arrange initial blood tests and treat straightforward hypothyroidism. An endocrinologist is appropriate for hyperthyroidism, pregnancy, unusual results, treatment difficulty or a suspected hormone-producing nodule. A surgeon or ENT specialist may be involved for a large or concerning neck lump.
Which specialist to see
SehatGPT starts with a physician for TSH/T4 testing and routes confirmed or complex disease to endocrinology.
Frequently asked questions
Does every thyroid patient gain weight?
No. Low thyroid may contribute to modest gain, while high thyroid often causes loss. Many other factors affect weight.
Can a thyroid problem cause anxiety?
Overactive thyroid can resemble or worsen anxiety, but anxiety has many causes. Testing may be appropriate when physical signs are present.
Should everyone avoid cabbage or cauliflower?
No. Normal portions are generally compatible with a balanced diet; extreme restrictions are rarely necessary.