Understanding Thyroid Disorders
Did you know about 20 million Americans have some form of thyroid disease?
Your thyroid is an endocrine gland that produces and releases hormones. It controls your metabolism, which is how your body transforms the food you consume into energy. Unfortunately, people can develop different thyroid disorders that can affect how their thyroid functions.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is the most common thyroid disorder. It occurs when the thyroid gland does not make enough thyroid hormone, and it is often referred to as underactive thyroid. “The most common cause of hypothyroidism is an autoimmune disease, whereby the body attacks the thyroid,” explains Wayne Evron, MD, an endocrinologist who practices with St. Clair Medical Group Endocrinology. It is also common for someone to experience hypothyroidism after undergoing a thyroidectomy or experiencing radiation in the area of the thyroid.
Hypothyroidism can come with an array of different symptoms. Patients with this disorder can experience symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, and dry skin. This disorder can even result in a slow heart rate, low body temperature, cold intolerance, depression, and eye disease.
Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism is the opposite of hypothyroidism, and it is often referred to as overactive thyroid. This disorder occurs when the thyroid gland produces an excessive amount of thyroid hormones. It is not as common as hypothyroidism, but it is still quite prevalent.
The two most common causes of hyperthyroidism are Graves disease and toxic multinodular goiter. “Graves disease is an autoimmune disease where, instead of destroying the thyroid, it is stimulated continuously to produce thyroid hormone,” says Dr. Evron. Toxic multinodular goiter, on the other hand, is not an autoimmune disease. Instead, it is a condition where excess hormones are produced by multiple thyroid nodules.
Symptoms of hyperthyroidism often include weight loss, increased heart rate, heat intolerance, anxiety, and tremors, especially in the hands. Hyperthyroidism can also be associated with atrial fibrillation, which is an irregular and often very rapid heart rhythm.
Thyroid Screenings and Risk Factors
“In terms of diagnosis, most thyroid disorders can be found with a combination of physical exams, blood tests, and radiologic tests- such as thyroid ultrasound or thyroid scans,” says Dr. Evron. Though there are ways to diagnose someone with a thyroid disorder, screening is usually only done based on the individual’s symptoms and risk factors. Dr. Evron explains, “The symptoms of thyroid disorders often overlap with multiple other diseases, so a high index of suspicion by your physician is required.”
Women are at a higher risk of developing thyroid disorders. Not only are autoimmune diseases more common in women, but life events unique to women such as pregnancy and menopause- can be risk factors. If a woman is symptomatic and in a postpartum or postmenopausal period, then their doctor may decide to screen them for thyroid disorders.
Similarly, patients with atrial fibrillation or cardiac abnormalities are usually screened for thyroid disorders. The same goes for patients who have been diagnosed with depression and those who were exposed to radiation during their childhood.
Lifestyle Choices
Thyroid disorders are often caused by genetics, but environmental and lifestyle choices are also large factors. “Diet and behavioral factors often play a role in the development of thyroid disorders,” explains Dr. Evron. The consumption of processed foods or foods with low nutritional value can have a large impact on your thyroid health. Obesity and a sedentary lifestyle with low physical movement can also have a negative impact.
Environmental factors can also affect a person’s thyroid health. Radiation exposure, especially during childhood, has been found to increase your risk of developing a thyroid disorder, as well as thyroid cancer. Certain chemicals found in and around your house can also increase your risk. For example, exposure to pesticides; bisphenol A, often found in plastics, food cans, and water bottles; and polychlorinated biphenyl, which is found in old electrical equipment.
“Thyroid diseases are very common and can be quite debilitating if not caught,” says Dr. Evron. If you are experiencing symptoms or are concerned about your risk of developing thyroid disorders, make an appointment with an endocrinologist to discuss the steps you can take to maintain your health. If you are in need of a new endocrinologist, please contact St. Clair Medical Group Endocrinology at 412.942.7295.
About Wayne Evron, MD
Dr. Evron specializes in endocrinology diabetes and metabolism and is board-certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine – Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism. He earned his medical degree at the University of Pennsylvania and completed a residency in internal medicine at UPMC Presbyterian. Dr. Evron then completed an endocrinology and metabolism fellowship at the University of Pittsburgh. He practices with St. Clair Medical Group Endocrinology and was named a Top Doctor by Pittsburgh Magazine in 2024.