Thyroid Disease : What It Is, Causes, Types & Symptoms

Keywords: thyroid problem, thyroid disease, what is thyroid, types of thyroid disorders, thyroid causes, thyroid symptoms, thyroid gland, how thyroid happens, thyroid in women.

What is the Thyroid?

The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located in the front of the neck, just below the Adam’s apple. It is a part of your endocrine system, which controls the hormones in your body.

The main job of the thyroid gland is to produce two important hormones — T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine) — which help control how your body uses energy. These hormones affect almost every organ, including your heart, brain, muscles, and even skin.

What is Thyroid Disease?

Thyroid disease is a general term for any condition that stops your thyroid gland from working properly. When your thyroid doesn’t work the way it should, it can create too much or too little thyroid hormone. This imbalance causes various health problems.

There are two major types of thyroid disorders:

1️⃣ Hypothyroidism (Underactive Thyroid):
Your thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones. This slows down your body’s metabolism.

2️⃣ Hyperthyroidism (Overactive Thyroid):
Your thyroid gland makes too much hormone, speeding up your body’s processes.

Common Causes of Thyroid Problems

Thyroid disease can happen due to different reasons, including:

• Autoimmune diseases: Most common cause. For example, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis causes hypothyroidism, while Graves’ disease causes hyperthyroidism.
• Iodine deficiency: Iodine is needed to make thyroid hormones.
• Genetics: Family history can increase your risk.
• Hormonal changes: Pregnancy, menopause, or puberty can sometimes trigger thyroid problems, especially in women.
• Thyroid nodules or tumors: Lumps in the gland can affect its function.
• Certain medications: Some medicines can impact hormone production.

Common Symptoms of Thyroid Disorders

Symptoms depend on whether the thyroid is underactive or overactive:

✅ Hypothyroidism (Low Thyroid) Symptoms:

• Unexplained weight gain
• Feeling tired or weak all the time
• Sensitivity to cold
• Dry skin and hair loss
• Constipation
• Heavy or irregular menstrual periods
• Depression

✅ Hyperthyroidism (High Thyroid) Symptoms:

• Sudden weight loss despite normal eating
• Fast heartbeat or palpitations
• Nervousness, anxiety, or irritability
• Tremors (shaking hands)
• Excessive sweating
• Trouble sleeping
• Frequent bowel movements or diarrhea
• Lighter menstrual periods

Why Thyroid Disorders Are More Common in Women

Women are more likely to develop thyroid problems than men. Hormonal changes during pregnancy, childbirth, and menopause can affect the thyroid gland. Autoimmune thyroid diseases also affect more women than men.

When to Get Tested for Thyroid

If you notice these symptoms or have a family history, consult a doctor. A simple blood test for TSH, T3, and T4 levels can confirm if your thyroid is functioning normally.

Get Professional Consultation for Thyroid Problems

If you have any symptoms of thyroid imbalance or want personalized guidance, always consult a qualified expert. You can book an online or in-person consultation with our experienced Ayurvedic doctors for any health concerns here: 👉 Book Your Consultation

Final Thoughts

Thyroid disease is common but manageable when diagnosed early. Understanding the thyroid gland, its role, and the warning signs can help you take control of your health at the right time.