Thyroid disorders are conditions that affect how the thyroid gland works. The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located at the front of your neck. It produces hormones that help regulate your body’s metabolism, heart rate, body temperature, energy levels, digestion, and many other important functions.
The two most common thyroid disorders are:
Other thyroid conditions include thyroid nodules, goiter (an enlarged thyroid), thyroiditis (inflammation of the thyroid), and thyroid cancer. Most thyroid disorders can be successfully treated with medication, and many people live healthy, active lives with proper management.
Thyroid Diseases – NIH MedlinePlus
https://medlineplus.gov/thyroiddiseases.html
Provides easy-to-understand information about thyroid disorders, including symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.
Thyroid Disease – National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/endocrine-diseases
Provides information about thyroid conditions and other endocrine disorders.
Thyroid disorders are very common and affect millions of Americans. Women are more likely than men to develop thyroid disease, and the risk increases with age. Many people have thyroid disorders without realizing it because symptoms can develop gradually.
American Thyroid Association – Thyroid Information
https://www.thyroid.org/
Provides reliable patient education about thyroid disorders and current treatment recommendations.
Symptoms depend on whether the thyroid is underactive (hypothyroidism) or overactive (hyperthyroidism).
Common symptoms of hypothyroidism include:
Common symptoms of hyperthyroidism include:
Your healthcare provider will review your symptoms, perform a physical examination, and order blood tests to evaluate how your thyroid is functioning. Depending on your condition, imaging studies or additional testing may also be recommended.
Thyroid Diseases – NIH MedlinePlus
https://medlineplus.gov/thyroiddiseases.html
Explains how thyroid disorders are diagnosed and what testing may be recommended.
Several different conditions can affect the thyroid gland.
Common causes include:
Thyroid Diseases – NIH MedlinePlus
https://medlineplus.gov/thyroiddiseases.html
Learn about the causes and different types of thyroid disorders.
Several factors can worsen thyroid symptoms or make treatment less effective.
Common factors include:
American Thyroid Association
https://www.thyroid.org/
Provides patient education about managing thyroid disorders and medication use.
Not all thyroid disorders can be prevented, especially autoimmune thyroid diseases. However, healthy lifestyle habits and regular medical care can help identify thyroid problems early and reduce complications.
Helpful prevention tips include:
American Thyroid Association
https://www.thyroid.org/
Provides practical information about thyroid health, early detection, and long-term management.
The following video content is provided to help you better understand this condition. These resources are intended for educational purposes and should not replace personalized medical advice from your healthcare provider.
Laboratory testing is the primary way thyroid disorders are diagnosed and monitored.
Common laboratory tests may include:
TSH Test – NIH MedlinePlus
https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/tsh-thyroid-stimulating-hormone-test/
Explains how TSH testing is used to diagnose and monitor thyroid disorders.
Additional testing may help identify structural thyroid problems or determine the cause of abnormal thyroid hormone levels.
Common diagnostic tests include:
Thyroid Tests – American Thyroid Association
https://www.thyroid.org/thyroid-function-tests/
Provides information about thyroid laboratory tests and imaging studies.
Treatment depends on the specific thyroid disorder and how severe it is.
Treatment options may include:
American Thyroid Association
https://www.thyroid.org/
Provides information about treatment options for hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, thyroid nodules, and other thyroid conditions.
Healthy lifestyle habits can support thyroid health and improve your overall well-being.
Helpful lifestyle changes include:
American Thyroid Association
https://www.thyroid.org/
Provides practical guidance for living well with thyroid disease.
Treatment depends on the specific thyroid disorder.
Common medications include:
Levothyroxine – NIH MedlinePlus
https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682461.html
Provides information about levothyroxine, how it works, proper use, and possible side effects.
Methimazole – NIH MedlinePlus
https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682464.html
Explains how methimazole treats hyperthyroidism and important safety information.
Some thyroid disorders require procedures to diagnose, monitor, or treat the condition. The type of procedure depends on the specific thyroid disorder, the presence of thyroid nodules, or whether the thyroid gland is overactive or enlarged.
Common procedures may include:
American Thyroid Association
https://www.thyroid.org/
Learn about thyroid procedures, surgery, radioactive iodine therapy, and thyroid nodule evaluation.
Most thyroid disorders can be successfully managed with medication, regular laboratory monitoring, and follow-up care. Many people with hypothyroidism take thyroid hormone replacement for life, while some people with hyperthyroidism achieve long-term remission after treatment.
Routine blood tests help ensure your thyroid hormone levels remain within a healthy range, allowing your healthcare provider to adjust treatment if needed.
Daily self-care can help keep your thyroid condition well controlled and improve your overall health.
Helpful tips include:
American Thyroid Association
https://www.thyroid.org/
Provides practical guidance for living well with thyroid disease and taking thyroid medications correctly.
What is the difference between hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism?
Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid does not produce enough thyroid hormone, causing the body’s metabolism to slow down. Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid produces too much thyroid hormone, causing metabolism to speed up.
Will I need to take medication forever?
Many people with hypothyroidism require lifelong thyroid hormone replacement. People with hyperthyroidism may need medication for a limited time or may receive other treatments such as radioactive iodine therapy or surgery.
Can thyroid disease cause weight changes?
Yes. Hypothyroidism commonly causes weight gain, while hyperthyroidism often causes unintended weight loss.
Can thyroid disease cause fatigue?
Yes. Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms of hypothyroidism and may also occur with hyperthyroidism.
How often should my thyroid levels be checked?
Your healthcare provider will determine how often your thyroid function should be monitored. Blood tests are commonly repeated after starting or adjusting medication and then periodically once levels are stable.
Consider asking your healthcare provider:
When should I schedule my next follow-up appointment?
Many thyroid disorders are managed by a primary care provider. Depending on your diagnosis or treatment needs, your provider may recommend seeing a specialist.
You may be referred to:
American Thyroid Association
https://www.thyroid.org/
Provides patient education about thyroid disease, specialists, and treatment options.
Whether a thyroid disorder is curable depends on the specific diagnosis.
Call 911 or seek emergency medical care immediately if you experience:
Seek prompt medical evaluation if you notice:
Thyroid Diseases – NIH MedlinePlus
https://medlineplus.gov/thyroiddiseases.html
Learn about thyroid disorders, potential complications, and when emergency medical care is needed.
CALL 911
APNS does not provide emergency medical services. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, including (but not limited to) chest pain, difficulty breathing, stroke symptoms, severe allergic reactions, anaphylaxis, uncontrolled bleeding, seizures, loss of consciousness, or any other potentially life-threatening condition, you are instructed to call 911 immediately or go immediately to the nearest emergency department.
Thyroid Diseases – NIH MedlinePlus
https://medlineplus.gov/thyroiddiseases.html
Easy-to-understand information about thyroid disorders, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.
American Thyroid Association
https://www.thyroid.org/
Comprehensive patient education about hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, thyroid nodules, thyroid cancer, medications, and thyroid surgery.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/endocrine-diseases
Reliable information about thyroid disease and other endocrine disorders.
Hormone Health Network
https://www.hormone.org/
Evidence-based patient education about thyroid disorders, hormone health, and endocrine conditions.
This guide is intended for educational purposes only and should not replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from your healthcare provider. Always follow the recommendations of your healthcare team regarding your individual health needs. Contact your healthcare provider if your symptoms worsen, you develop new symptoms, or your medications are no longer controlling your thyroid condition. Call 911 immediately if you experience chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe confusion, loss of consciousness, or symptoms of a thyroid emergency such as thyroid storm or myxedema coma.
At APNS, our providers take the time to understand your condition and your goals. We offer comprehensive telehealth visits at a fixed rate — no membership fees, no insurance required, and no unexpected charges. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or looking for a provider who actually listens, we’re here to help.
