Thyroid Treatment: All You Need to Know
Explore comprehensive insights into thyroid treatment, covering its causes, symptoms, and diagnostic approaches, along with the latest management strategies for optimal care. Empower yourself with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions about your thyroid health and well-being.
Written by Dr Sonia Bhatt
Last updated on 3rd Jul, 2025
Located at the base of the neck, the thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped organ that produces hormones like thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). These hormones play a critical role in managing bodily functions like metabolism, heart rate, body temperature, and digestion. The thyroid gland’s activities are regulated by the pituitary gland, which produces thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) to maintain balance.
Now, thyroid disorders appear when this gland produces excessive or insufficient hormones needed for the human body. Therefore, thyroid disorders are classified into two parts: hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.
In the case of hypothyroidism, the gland produces less than required hormones and leads to conditions like goitre, thyroid nodules, and thyroid cancer. On the other hand, for hyperthyroidism, the gland produces more than needed and leads to pregnancy complications, heart problems, osteoporosis, etc.
Causes of Thyroid Disorders
Some of the common causes of thyroid disorders are:
- Autoimmune Disorder: One of the major causes of thyroid disorder is autoimmune disease. Here, the immune system of the human body mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland, considering it to be a foreign element. As a result, the gland starts over or underproducing the hormones, leading to hypo or hyperthyroidism. Additionally, the autoimmune version of hypothyroidism is called Hashimoto's thyroiditis, and the hyperthyroidism is called Graves’ disease.
- Iodine Deficiency: Your thyroid gland needs iodine to produce the required hormones. Therefore, any deficiency of iodine in the body will lead to hypothyroidism and goitre. This particular problem is widely visible in countries where there is a shortage of iodised salt.
- Genetic Factors: A family history of thyroid disorders also increases the risk of developing this condition.
Symptoms of Thyroid Disorders
Thyroid disorders can lead to a wide range of symptoms that vary depending on whether the thyroid gland is underactive (hypothyroidism) or overactive (hyperthyroidism), impacting physical, emotional, and metabolic health.
Hyperthyroidism Symptoms
In this case, the excessive hormone production accelerates bodily functions, leading to an array of problems. This includes the following:
- Increased Heartbeat: With hyperthyroidism, you will experience palpitations or an irregular heartbeat, which may feel like fluttering or pounding in the chest, especially during rest.
- Unexplained Weight Loss: Here you lose more weight than usual even after consuming more food than usual, as the heightened metabolic rates burn calories faster.
- Feeling Nervous: Excessive thyroid hormones overstimulate your nervous system, leading to increased anxiety and frequent mood swings.
- Sleeping Difficulties: Hyperthyroidism also leads to increased difficulty in sleeping. Hence, you feel less productive throughout the day.
- Sensitive to Heat: Hyperthyroidism overheats the body easily, leading to excessive sweating and discomfort in warm environments.
Hypothyroidism Symptoms
Contrary to hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism slows down bodily functions, leading to a range of symptoms that may develop gradually and get worse over time. Here is all you need to know:
- Fatigue and Weakness: Lack of energy and strength are common, even after adequate rest. The reason is that the body struggles to maintain optimal metabolic activity.
- Gaining Weight: Since the body struggles with metabolism, it leads to unexplained weight gain despite maintaining a regular diet.
- Increased Sensitivity to Cold: You can feel excessively cold even at moderate temperatures as the lowered hormonal levels impair the body’s ability to maintain heat.
- Dry Skin and Hair: Since lower hormonal levels hamper the oil production in the skin, it dries it up and leads to problems like flaking and brittle and fizzy hair. As a result, it also leads to hair loss.
- Depression: Low thyroid hormone levels affect brain functions, leading to depression. You feel sad, lack of motivation and sometimes ‘brain fog’, which is cognitive sluggishness.
Consult Top Doctors For Thyroid Symptoms
Diagnosis of Thyroid Disorders
There are two prevalent ways of diagnosing thyroid disorders: blood tests and imaging techniques. So, let’s explore them one by one:
1.Blood Tests
Blood tests remain the most accurate way to determine thyroid disorders. Now, there are two major tests involved here, they are:
- TSH: It measures the level of Thyroid Stimulating Hormones (TSH). It is often the first test that the physician prescribes to determine the hormone levels.
- T3 and T4: These two tests measure the functional level and different hormones in your blood.
- Thyroid Antibodies Test: It primarily measures the thyroid antibodies in the blood. This test is used mostly to diagnose autoimmune thyroid disorders.
Check Your Thyroid Levels
2.Imaging Techniques
Imaging techniques like ultrasound, CT scans, radioactive iodine uptake, etc., are used to get detailed insights into the thyroid gland's structure and function, helping identify nodules or abnormalities.
Treatment Options for Hyperthyroidism
Here are some popular treatment options for hyperthyroidism:
- Anti-thyroid Medicines: These medicines can help curb the effects of thyroid disorders by reducing hormone production and offering relief from hyperthyroid symptoms. Usually, these medicines are prescribed for 1 to 2 years, but in some cases, it will continue for a few more years.
- Radioactive Iodine Therapy: In this treatment option, you swallow a radioactive iodine capsule or liquid, destroying overactive thyroid cells. Even though it is an effective form of treatment, it can develop hypothyroidism.
- Surgery: Typically, surgery is the last form of treatment for hyperthyroidism. Here, the thyroid gland is partially or completely removed from your body. In this case, post-surgery, you need to take medicines for life to supplement hormone production.
Treatment Options for Hypothyroidism
The treatment avenues for hypothyroidism include:
- Synthetic Thyroid Hormones: Levothyroxine, a synthetic thyroid hormone, is the common treatment for hypothyroidism. It helps restore the normal hormone levels and lower the symptoms and the complications.
- Lifestyle Changes: Lifestyle changes can be an effective treatment option for hypothyroidism. A balanced diet, better stress management, and regular exercise are good starting points.
Natural Remedies and Alternative Treatments
Here are some natural remedies and alternative treatments to fight thyroid disorder:
- Dietary Changes: Shifting to a diet rich in selenium, iodine, and zinc is essential to curb thyroid disorders. So, make sure to include food items like eggs, cabbage, nuts, fish, and dairy products that will bring the required nutrients. You can also take supplements offering the needed nutrients to manage your dietary deficiencies.
- Herbal Supplements: Besides making changes to your diet, you can also focus on the consumption of Ashwagandha supplements to curb the effects of thyroid disorders. However, make sure to consult a physician before going ahead.
Managing Thyroid Disorders
Managing thyroid disorder is no longer an issue with a couple of effective strategies –
- Regular Monitoring: Regular check-ups and blood tests ensure that your thyroid hormone levels are optimal. Also, based on the result, the doctor may suggest adjustments in medication, which is important to manage this condition.
- Addressing Lifestyle Factors: Inculcating healthy lifestyle habits, such as quitting smoking and reducing exposure to environmental toxins, can positively influence your thyroid health. Also, make sure you are getting adequate sleep and focusing on stress management to further support your treatment.
Potential Complications if Left Untreated
Here are a couple of complications that may arise if thyroid disorder is left untreated for a long time:
- Cardiovascular Issues: Hyperthyroidism can lead to arrhythmia, hypertension, and heart failure, while hypothyroidism is associated with high cholesterol and an increased risk of atherosclerosis.
- Metabolic Complications: Hypothyroidism can lead to myxedema, peripheral neuropathy, etc., and hyperthyroidism can lead to infertility, atrial fibrillation, etc.
Conclusion
Thyroid treatment has significantly evolved with advancements in medical science, offering hope for more effective and personalised care. Emerging therapies, such as superenhancer transcriptional inhibitors, Selpercatinib (Retevmo), Pralsetinib (Gavreto), human thyroid organoids, and Linsitinib, are revolutionising treatment approaches by targeting underlying mechanisms of thyroid disorders. Additionally, breakthroughs in genetic research are paving the way for tailored treatments, providing a deeper understanding of hereditary factors and enabling precision medicine. These innovations, combined with existing therapies, promise improved outcomes and a brighter future for individuals managing thyroid conditions. Stay informed about the latest advancements in thyroid treatment and consult with your healthcare provider to explore the best options for your care.
Consult An Endocrinologist
Consult Top Doctors For Thyroid Symptoms
Dr. Nithin Reddy Modhugu
Endocrinologist
6 Years • MBBS, MD (General Medicine), DNB (Endocrinology)
Hyderabad
Dr. Nithin's Endocrine Clinic, Hyderabad
(100+ Patients)
Dr. Gayatri S
Endocrinologist
4 Years • Suggested Qualifictaion- MBBS, MD (Internal Medicine), DM (ENDOCRINOLOGY)
Nellore
Narayana hospital, Nellore
Dr. Venkata Rakesh Chintala
Endocrinologist
8 Years • MBBS,MD( GEN MEDICINE), DM ( ENDOCRINOLOGY)
Krishna district
Sanjeevani Hospital, Krishna district
Dr. Arunava Ghosh
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
9 Years • MBBS,MD(GENL.MED.),DM(ENDOCRINOLOGY)
Kolkata
VDC Clinic, Kolkata
Dr. Shiva Madan
Endocrinologist
10 Years • MBBS , MD (General medicine) , DM (Endocrinology)
Bikaner
Sushma diabetes and Endocrine center, Bikaner
Consult An Endocrinologist
Dr. Nithin Reddy Modhugu
Endocrinologist
6 Years • MBBS, MD (General Medicine), DNB (Endocrinology)
Hyderabad
Dr. Nithin's Endocrine Clinic, Hyderabad
(100+ Patients)
Dr. Gayatri S
Endocrinologist
4 Years • Suggested Qualifictaion- MBBS, MD (Internal Medicine), DM (ENDOCRINOLOGY)
Nellore
Narayana hospital, Nellore
Dr. Venkata Rakesh Chintala
Endocrinologist
8 Years • MBBS,MD( GEN MEDICINE), DM ( ENDOCRINOLOGY)
Krishna district
Sanjeevani Hospital, Krishna district
Dr. Arunava Ghosh
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
9 Years • MBBS,MD(GENL.MED.),DM(ENDOCRINOLOGY)
Kolkata
VDC Clinic, Kolkata
Dr. Shiva Madan
Endocrinologist
10 Years • MBBS , MD (General medicine) , DM (Endocrinology)
Bikaner
Sushma diabetes and Endocrine center, Bikaner
