Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism)
- Tiredness and slowness
- Weight gain
- Feeling cold
- Dry skin, hair loss and constipation
- Heavy or irregular periods
- Low mood
Overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism)
- Weight loss despite good appetite
- Palpitations and fast heartbeat
- Feeling hot and sweaty
- Anxiety, tremor and poor sleep
- Frequent bowel movements
- Bulging eyes in some types
Thyroid swelling and nodules
A goitre is an enlargement of the thyroid. Nodules are lumps within it. Most are benign, but they need evaluation with blood tests and ultrasound, and sometimes a needle sample (FNAC). Smita Memorial Hospital offers ultrasound and USG-guided FNAC in Radiology.
Tests
Thyroid function blood tests (such as TSH and thyroid hormones) confirm the diagnosis. Smita Memorial Hospital's laboratory operates 24×7.
Treatment
- Hypothyroidism — daily thyroid hormone tablets, with dose checked by blood tests
- Hyperthyroidism — medicines, and other treatments depending on the cause
- Nodules and goitre — monitoring, or surgery when needed
The Endocrinology department diagnoses and treats hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism and other thyroid disorders. Thyroidectomy is performed by the General and Laparoscopic Surgery and ENT, Head & Neck Surgery departments.
Thyroid problems in pregnancy
Thyroid hormones are important for a baby's development, and both underactive and overactive thyroid can affect pregnancy. Women with known thyroid disease should have their levels checked when planning pregnancy and early in pregnancy, as dose adjustments are often needed. Smita Memorial Hospital's Endocrinology and Obstetrics departments work together on these cases.
Thyroid and fertility, periods and mood
- Irregular or heavy periods
- Difficulty conceiving
- Low mood, anxiety or poor concentration
- Changes in weight and energy
Because these symptoms have many causes, thyroid tests are often part of the evaluation. Thyroid conditions are among the hormonal imbalances — together with PCOS and menopause — managed by the Endocrinology department.
Recovery after thyroid surgery
- A small neck scar that usually fades with time
- Temporary hoarseness or voice changes in some patients
- Blood calcium checks, as the parathyroid glands nearby control calcium
- Thyroid hormone tablets if the whole gland is removed
- Report tingling around the mouth or fingers, muscle cramps, breathing difficulty or neck swelling promptly
Follow-up matters
Thyroid treatment usually needs periodic blood tests to keep hormone levels in range. Symptoms can be slow to change, so do not adjust doses on your own. Bring previous thyroid reports to each visit so trends can be compared.
Frequently asked questions
Is thyroid disease common in women?
Yes, thyroid disorders are more common in women and can affect periods, fertility and pregnancy.
Is thyroid medicine lifelong?
Often for hypothyroidism, but your doctor will guide you based on the cause.
Can a thyroid swelling be cancer?
Most are not, but lumps should be evaluated with ultrasound and sometimes FNAC.
Who performs thyroid surgery at Smita Hospital?
General Surgery and ENT, Head & Neck Surgery perform thyroid and parathyroid surgery.
Sources
- Endocrinology, smitahospital.com
- General and Laparoscopic Surgery, ENT & Radiology, smitahospital.com
