The thyroid is a small gland in the front of the neck. Its hormones set the pace of the body's energy use, heart rate, weight, periods and mood. Thyroid problems are especially common in women, and most are easy to treat once diagnosed.
Thyroid conditions treated
- Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid): tiredness, weight gain, feeling cold, constipation, dry skin, heavy periods, low mood.
- Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), including Graves' disease: weight loss, a racing heart, tremor, heat intolerance, loose stools, anxiety.
- Goitre and thyroid nodules: assessment with ultrasound and, when needed, a needle test (FNAC).
- Thyroid problems in pregnancy and when planning a pregnancy.
- Thyroid problems in children, including congenital hypothyroidism.
Tests
TSH is the main screening test. Free T4 and sometimes free T3 show how much hormone is circulating, and anti-TPO antibodies show whether the cause is autoimmune. Ultrasound is used for swellings and nodules. Read how to understand your thyroid report.
Treatment
- Hypothyroidism is treated with a daily thyroxine tablet, with the dose adjusted using TSH results.
- Hyperthyroidism is treated with anti-thyroid tablets, radioactive iodine or surgery, depending on the cause.
- Nodules are monitored or referred for surgery depending on ultrasound and needle test results.
If you are pregnant or planning pregnancy and take thyroid tablets, contact your doctor early. The dose often needs to be increased in the first weeks of pregnancy.
Consulting Dr. Prasadh Rao L
Dr. Prasadh Rao L (MBBS, MD (General Medicine), DM (Endocrinology)) is an Assistant Professor of Endocrinology at Madras Medical College, where these conditions are seen and managed regularly. Treatment is planned individually, because the right choice depends on the cause, your age, other health conditions and your plans, such as pregnancy. Consultations are available at Dr. PD's Diabetes and Endocrine Speciality Clinic, Maduravoyal (Mon – Sat, 7:30 – 9:30 PM), at Dr. RK Podiatric Institute, Kolathur (4:00 – 6:30 PM), and by appointment at partner hospitals and clinics. See all locations or read the doctor’s profile.
Book a consultation
Send a WhatsApp message with the patient's name, age and preferred location. You'll get a reply with an appointment time.
Written by Dr. Prasadh Rao L, MBBS, MD (General Medicine), DM (Endocrinology). Assistant Professor of Endocrinology, Madras Medical College. Tamil Nadu Medical Council Reg. No. 96520.
This article is for general information. It is not a diagnosis or a treatment plan. Please don't start, stop or change any medicine without speaking to your doctor.