Thyroid Disorders: When the Butterfly Gland Goes Awry
200 million people affected by thyroid disorders
Dr. Nathalie Berger
Endocrinologist
In simple terms
Fatigue, weight gain, nervousness, palpitations: thyroid disorders are common but often unrecognized. A simple blood test can reveal everything.
The role of the thyroid
The thyroid is a small butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of the neck. It produces T3 and T4 hormones that regulate metabolism, body temperature, heart rate, and energy. Even slight dysfunction impacts the entire body.
Hypothyroidism: When the thyroid slows down
Hypothyroidism (insufficient hormone production) affects 5% of the population, especially women over 50. Symptoms: fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, constipation, dry skin, brittle hair, depression. The most common cause is Hashimoto's thyroiditis (autoimmune). Treatment with levothyroxine is simple and effective.
Hyperthyroidism: When the thyroid races
Hyperthyroidism (excessive hormones) causes nervousness, palpitations, weight loss, tremors, excessive sweating, and heat intolerance. Graves' disease (autoimmune) is the main cause. Treatments include antithyroid medications, radioactive iodine, or surgery.
Nodules and cancer
Thyroid nodules are very common (50% of the population over 60) but rarely cancerous (< 5%). Ultrasound and fine-needle aspiration can characterize them. Thyroid cancer, although increasing, has an excellent prognosis in the majority of cases.
The words explained
Medical terms used above, in everyday language.
- Symptom
- A sign you can feel or see that something is wrong, like pain, tiredness or a rash.
- Hormone
- A chemical messenger made by your body that tells organs what to do.
- Metabolism
- How your body turns food into energy and builds or repairs itself.
When should you see a doctor?
- Your symptoms last more than a few weeks or keep coming back.
- They get worse quickly, or stop you doing everyday things.
- You notice sudden pain, breathing trouble, fainting or bleeding — seek urgent care.
- You already take medication and want to change anything about it.
This article explains general health information. It does not replace advice from your own doctor.
Frequently asked questions
- What is Thyroid Disorders: When the Butterfly Gland Goes Awry?
- Fatigue, weight gain, nervousness, palpitations: thyroid disorders are common but often unrecognized. A simple blood test can reveal everything.
- What are the main symptoms or signs of Thyroid Disorders: When the Butterfly Gland Goes Awry?
- Common signs vary from person to person. The article above lists the symptoms to watch for, how they progress, and when they need medical attention.
- When should you see a doctor for Thyroid Disorders: When the Butterfly Gland Goes Awry?
- See a doctor if symptoms last more than a few weeks, get worse quickly, stop you doing everyday things, or if you notice sudden pain, breathing trouble, fainting or bleeding.
Related health topics
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Hashimoto's Thyroiditis: The Most Common Autoimmune Disease
Fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance: recognizing the signs and finding the right levothyroxine dosage.
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Graves' disease: autoimmune hyperthyroidism
Antithyroid drugs, radioactive iodine, surgery: three options against Graves' disease.
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An underactive thyroid: symptoms that are easy to miss
Why hypothyroidism is often mistaken for stress or ageing, and how it is confirmed.