Thyroid Disorders: When the Butterfly Gland Goes Awry

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.