Thyroid Disease

Thyroid disease occurs when your thyroid is unable to make the right amount of hormones for your metabolism to function effectively. 

In the case of hyperthyroidism (too much thyroid hormone), your body uses energy too quickly. We call this an overactive thyroid, in which your metabolism is accelerated. You may experience the following symptoms: 

• Unintentional weight loss even if your food intake and physical activity remains the same 
• Rapid and irregular heartbeat 
• Palpitations 
• Increased appetite 
• Nervousness and anxiety 
• Tremors 
• Sweating 
• Fatigue 
• An enlarged thyroid gland (goiter); swelling at the base of your neck 

In the case of hypothyroidism (too little thyroid hormone), your body does not produce enough thyroid hormone. Initially, you may barely notice symptoms such as fatigue and weight gain and even attribute them to stress or getting older, but as your metabolism continues to slow, you may experience other symptoms including: 

• Increased sensitivity to cold
• Constipation  
• Stiffness or swelling in your joints
• Slower heart rate 
• Thinning hair 
• Irregular menstrual periods 

Thyroid disease is often caused by other existing diseases that impact the way the thyroid gland works. These conditions include: 

Thyroiditis 

Thyroiditis is a swelling of the thyroid gland; it can lower the amount of hormones your thyroid produces. 

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis 

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is an inherited autoimmune condition that attacks and damages the thyroid. 

Postpartum thyroiditis 

This occurs in 5-9% of women after childbirth and is usually temporary. 

Iodine deficiency

Iodine is an essential mineral used by the thyroid gland to make hormones. It can be found commonly in seafood. About a third of the world’s population suffers from iodine deficiency. 

Graves’ disease 

Patients with Graves’ disease have an enlarged thyroid gland, whereby the thyroid gland is overactive and produces too much thyroid hormone. 

Thyroid nodules 

Overactive nodules in the thyroid can cause hyperthyroidism. Thyroid nodules are more common in women than in men. 

Excessive iodine 

An iodine deficiency can cause hypothyroidism, but in reverse, excessive iodine can also cause hyperthyroidism, where the body makes excessive thyroid hormones. 

Considering that thyroid disease is also linked with swelling of the thyroid gland or goiter, it can cause some discomfort, apart from the accompanying symptoms you may experience. You may also experience mild to severe pain in your thyroid gland, or pain and discomfort when you turn your head or swallow food. Finally, your thyroid may also feel tender to the touch.

If you have experienced symptoms that are suggestive of a potential thyroid problem, though, it is imperative that you see an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialist for complete assessment and treatment recommendations.

Thyroid disease can affect anyone irrespective of age and sex. You can be at risk of thyroid disease if you have a family medical history of thyroid disease. You may also be at risk of thyroid disease if you’re living with an autoimmune condition like celiac disease or type-1 diabetes. Here’s a list of the other thyroid disease risk factors you may need to be aware of:

• If you’ve had radiation to the upper chest or neck
• If you’re a woman, especially 60 years old or more
• If you’ve undergone thyroid surgery
• If you’ve received anti-thyroid medications or radioactive iodine
• If you’ve been expectant or given birth within the past six months

The good news is that all thyroid diseases can be cured, and your thyroid function will return to normal. The treatments will be customized depending on the condition you’re struggling with.

If you’re diagnosed with hyperthyroidism or overactive thyroid, you can benefit from radioactive iodine treatments, anti-thyroid medications, or the use of beta-blockers. If you’re diagnosed with a hypothyroid or underactive thyroid, you can benefit from using hormone replacement tablets to replace the thyroid hormone, which your thyroid isn’t making in the required amounts. Note that there are instances when surgical treatments may be recommended for you.

Dr Dennis Chua is an ENT surgeon who is skilled in performing thyroid surgery, including the minimally invasive video assisted thyroid surgery.