The thyroid gland, a butterfly-shaped organ at the front of the neck, produces the hormones T3 and T4, which regulate metabolism, energy, temperature, mood, heart rate, and more. It also releases calcitonin, which supports healthy bones and calcium regulation. Issues arise when the thyroid under- or overproduces these hormones.
Thyroid health issues are widespread—over 42 million people in India are affected, with hypothyroidism being particularly common.
Key disorders include:
Hypothyroidism (Underactive Thyroid): Often caused by Hashimoto’s disease, surgery, radiation, or iodine imbalance. Symptoms include fatigue, weight gain, cold sensitivity, dry skin, and depression.
Hyperthyroidism (Overactive Thyroid): Often from Graves’ disease or nodules; signs include rapid heartbeat, weight loss, tremors, and anxiety. Graves’ often leads to swollen eyes and can be treated with medication, surgery, or radioactive iodine.
Goiter & Nodules: Enlargements or lumps in the thyroid that may or may not affect hormone levels. Multinodular goiters can sometimes be cancerous.
Other conditions include thyroiditis, postpartum thyroid dysfunction, and thyroid cancer.
Hypothyroidism: Fatigue, weight gain, low mood, constipation, slow heart rate, cold intolerance, dry hair/skin.
Hyperthyroidism: Weight loss, palpitations, anxiety, heat sensitivity, tremors, insomnia, eye bulging.
These symptoms often overlap with stress, mood issues, or menopause—early testing is vital.
Blood tests: Measure TSH, T3, T4, and specific antibodies. These help identify hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, or autoimmune disorders.
Imaging: Ultrasounds reveal nodules or enlargement; scans assess thyroid activity.
Biopsy: Performed via fine-needle aspiration to evaluate suspicious nodules for cancer.
Hypothyroidism: Daily hormone replacement (e.g., levothyroxine), monitored regularly.
Hyperthyroidism: Managed with antithyroid drugs (methimazole, PTU), beta-blockers for symptoms, radioactive iodine, or surgery.
Goiter/Nodules: May require surgery if large, symptomatic, or suspicious.
Ongoing follow-up is essential to adjust therapies and monitor for side effects like bone thinning.
Eat iodine-rich foods moderately (seafood, iodized salt, dairy)—too much iodine can also cause issues.
Reduce stress through practices like yoga, meditation, and adequate sleep.
Avoid environmental toxins and smoking.
For those with risk factors or family history, scheduled thyroid checks are recommended.
With over two decades in internal medicine, Dr. Suhail offers precise diagnosis, evidence-based treatments, and ongoing support for thyroid disorders. Therapy is personalized and accessible through his Rajendra Nagar and Tolichowki clinics.
Make an appointment if you notice:
Persistent fatigue, weight changes, or mood swings
Heart rate irregularities
Neck swelling or visible thyroid enlargement
Postpartum or menopause-related symptoms
Early intervention helps prevent complications.
| Condition | Key Symptoms | Typical Treatment Options |
|---|---|---|
| Hypothyroidism | Fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance | Hormone replacement (e.g., levothyroxine) |
| Hyperthyroidism | Palpitations, weight loss, anxiety | Antithyroid meds, radioactive iodine, surgery |
| Goiter / Nodules | Neck swelling, potential dysphagia | Imaging → biopsy/surgery if indicated |
| Hashimoto’s / Graves’ | Autoimmune thyroid disorders | Medications + monitoring; radioiodine/surgery as needed |