• Published on: May 26, 2022
  • 3 minute read
  • By: Second Medic Expert

Thyroid Disease: Causes, Symptoms, Risk Factors, Testing

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There are a number of causes for thyroid disease, including autoimmune diseases, radiation exposure, and iodine deficiency. Some risk factors include having a family history of thyroid disease, being female (thyroid disease is more common in women), and being over the age of 60. Symptoms can vary depending on the type of thyroid disease but may include weight gain or loss, fatigue, hair loss, constipation, and muscle weakness.

Thyroid function can be tested through a blood test that measures levels of TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone). If TSH levels are high it suggests that the thyroid is not working properly and further testing may be necessary to diagnose the specific type of thyroid disease.

Thyroid disease is a condition that affects the thyroid gland, which is located in the front of your neck. The thyroid gland produces hormones that help control your body's metabolism. There are several different types of thyroid diseases, including hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, goiter, and thyroid cancer.

Some common causes of thyroid disease include autoimmune diseases (such as Hashimoto's disease), radiation therapy to the head or neck, medications that contain iodine (such as amiodarone and lithium), and surgery to remove the thyroid gland.

There are many causes of thyroid disease, including autoimmune diseases, infection, radiation therapy, and thyroid nodules. The most common cause is autoimmune disease, which occurs when the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland. Symptoms of thyroid disease vary depending on the type and severity of the condition. Some common symptoms include fatigue, weight gain or loss, hair loss, constipation, and difficulty swallowing.

Risk factors for thyroid disease include family history of thyroid disease, previous neck surgery or radiation therapy to the head or neck area, and diabetes. Thyroid function can be tested with a blood test called a TSH level. This test measures the level of TSH in your bloodstream.  There are a few different things that can cause thyroid disease, including autoimmune diseases, radiation exposure, and iodine deficiency. Some of the symptoms of thyroid disease include weight gain or loss, fatigue, hair loss, and changes in mood.

Some of the risk factors for thyroid disease include being female, being overweight or obese, having a family history of thyroid disease, and being over the age of 60. Thyroid disease is often diagnosed with a blood test that measures levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) in the blood.

There are a number of different things that can cause thyroid problems. Here are some of the most common ones:

Autoimmune diseases (Hashimoto's thyroiditis is the most common type)

Radiation therapy to the head or neck

Iodine deficiency

Graves' disease (an autoimmune disease that causes an overactive thyroid)

Thyroid nodules or lumps (these can be caused by a number of different things, including iodine deficiency, radiation therapy, and autoimmune diseases)

 goiter (an enlarged thyroid gland)

The most common symptoms of thyroid problems are changes in weight, changes in appetite, fatigue, mood changes, muscle weakness, and hair loss. Thyroid disease is a disorder that affects the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is located in the front of your neck. It produces hormones that help regulate your body's metabolism.

There are several causes of thyroid disease, including autoimmune diseases, radiation therapy, and surgery. Symptoms include weight gain or loss, fatigue, hair loss, and changes in mood. Risk factors for thyroid disease include a family history of the disorder and having other autoimmune diseases. Testing for thyroid disease includes a blood test to measure levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and thyroxine (T4).

The most common cause is an autoimmune disorder called Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Other causes of thyroid disease include: radiation therapy to the head or neck, iodine deficiency, pregnancy, and surgery to remove part or all of the thyroid gland. Some other common symptoms of thyroid disease include fatigue, weight gain or loss, hair loss, mood swings, and constipation.

There are several risk factors for thyroid disease, including age (it's more common in women than men), family history, BMI (body mass index), and smoking. Thyroid function can be assessed with a blood test that measures levels of TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone).

Thyroid disease is a condition that occurs when the thyroid gland doesn't produce enough thyroid hormone. This can lead to a wide range of symptoms, including weight gain, fatigue, hair loss, and changes in heart rate.

There are several different things that can cause thyroid disease, including autoimmune diseases, radiation therapy, and iodine deficiency. And some risk factors for thyroid disease include being female and being over the age of 60. Thyroid disease is usually diagnosed with a blood test that measures the amount of thyroid hormone in your blood. Treatment for thyroid disease usually involves taking medication to replace the missing thyroid hormone.

Thyroid disease is a condition that affects the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is located in the front of your neck and produces hormones that help control your body's metabolism. There are several different types of thyroid disease, including hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, goiter, and thyroid cancer. Each type of thyroid disease has its own unique set of symptoms and causes.

Some common risk factors for thyroid disease include being female, being over 60 years old, having a family history of thyroid disease, and being exposed to radiation. There are a few different things that can cause thyroid problems, including autoimmune diseases, radiation therapy, and certain medications. Some of the symptoms of thyroid disease include weight gain or loss, fatigue, hair loss, and changes in mood.

The main risk factors for thyroid disease are a family history of the condition and autoimmune diseases. Anyone who experiences any of the symptoms listed above should visit their doctor for testing.

The most common symptom of a thyroid problem is an abnormal change in body weight. This can manifest as either a sudden weight gain or a sudden weight loss, and is often accompanied by one or more of the following symptoms: fatigue, anxiety, irritability, depressed mood, menstrual irregularities, dry skin and hair, thinning hair, constipation Moreover, many people with thyroid problems also report feeling cold all the time, even when others around them are not. Joint and muscle pain is also common in those with thyroid problems. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to consult with your doctor to determine if you may have a thyroid problem.

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Sleep disorders

Sleep Disorder Treatment: Effective Ways to Restore Healthy Sleep

Sleep is a fundamental biological process essential for physical restoration, mental clarity and emotional balance. Despite its importance, sleep disorders are increasingly common across all age groups. Millions of people struggle with poor sleep quality, difficulty falling asleep or frequent nighttime awakenings, often without seeking help.

Effective sleep disorder treatment plays a critical role in restoring healthy sleep patterns and preventing long-term health complications.

 

Understanding Sleep Disorders

Sleep disorders are conditions that disrupt normal sleep patterns, affecting the ability to fall asleep, stay asleep or achieve restorative sleep. They can be short-term or chronic and may occur due to lifestyle factors, medical conditions or psychological stress.

According to global and Indian health data, sleep disorders are underdiagnosed despite their strong association with chronic diseases.

 

Common Types of Sleep Disorders

Insomnia

Insomnia is the most common sleep disorder.

It involves:

  • difficulty falling asleep
     

  • frequent awakenings
     

  • early morning waking
     

  • non-restorative sleep
     

Chronic insomnia significantly affects daily functioning.

 

Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a serious condition where breathing repeatedly stops during sleep.

Symptoms include:

  • loud snoring
     

  • daytime sleepiness
     

  • morning headaches
     

Untreated sleep apnea increases cardiovascular risk.

 

Restless Leg Syndrome

This condition causes uncomfortable leg sensations and an urge to move the legs, especially at night.

It disrupts sleep continuity and quality.

 

Circadian Rhythm Disorders

These occur when the body’s internal clock is misaligned with daily schedules, common in shift workers and frequent travellers.

 

Why Sleep Disorders Should Not Be Ignored

Chronic sleep problems increase the risk of:

  • heart disease
     

  • hypertension
     

  • diabetes
     

  • obesity
     

  • depression and anxiety
     

  • reduced immunity
     

Poor sleep affects both physical and mental health.

 

Causes of Sleep Disorders

Sleep disorders often result from multiple factors, including:

  • chronic stress
     

  • irregular sleep schedules
     

  • excessive screen exposure
     

  • caffeine or alcohol use
     

  • medical conditions
     

  • mental health disorders
     

Identifying root causes is essential for effective treatment.

 

Diagnosis of Sleep Disorders

Diagnosis involves:

  • detailed sleep history
     

  • lifestyle assessment
     

  • medical evaluation
     

  • sleep studies in selected cases
     

Accurate diagnosis guides appropriate treatment.

 

Sleep Disorder Treatment Approaches

Behavioural and Cognitive Therapy

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) is a highly effective non-drug treatment.

It focuses on:

  • correcting sleep-related thoughts
     

  • improving sleep routines
     

  • reducing anxiety around sleep
     

CBT-I is recommended as first-line treatment for chronic insomnia.

 

Lifestyle and Sleep Hygiene Measures

Good sleep hygiene includes:

  • maintaining regular sleep timings
     

  • limiting screen exposure before bedtime
     

  • creating a comfortable sleep environment
     

  • avoiding heavy meals late at night
     

These measures support natural sleep regulation.

 

Medical Management

Medications may be used:

  • short-term for severe symptoms
     

  • under medical supervision
     

Medication is often combined with behavioural therapy rather than used alone.

 

Treatment for Sleep Apnea

Management may include:

  • weight management
     

  • positional therapy
     

  • continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) devices
     

  • treating underlying conditions
     

Early treatment reduces cardiovascular risk.

 

Role of Mental Health in Sleep Disorders

Sleep and mental health are closely connected.

Conditions such as anxiety and depression:

  • disrupt sleep architecture
     

  • worsen insomnia
     

  • require integrated treatment
     

Addressing mental health improves sleep outcomes.

 

Importance of Consistency in Treatment

Sleep disorder treatment requires:

  • patience
     

  • consistency
     

  • follow-up
     

Improvement may take weeks, but sustained effort yields lasting results.

 

Preventing Sleep Disorders

Preventive strategies include:

  • stress management
     

  • physical activity
     

  • balanced nutrition
     

  • limiting stimulants
     

  • maintaining work-life balance
     

Prevention is more effective than treatment alone.

 

Impact of Technology on Sleep

Excessive screen use affects melatonin production and delays sleep onset.

Reducing nighttime screen exposure significantly improves sleep quality.

 

When to Seek Professional Help

Consult a healthcare provider if:

  • sleep problems persist beyond two weeks
     

  • daytime functioning is affected
     

  • snoring and breathing pauses are noticed
     

  • sleepiness interferes with safety
     

Early treatment prevents complications.

 

Long-Term Benefits of Treating Sleep Disorders

Effective sleep disorder treatment leads to:

  • improved energy and concentration
     

  • better mood and emotional stability
     

  • reduced chronic disease risk
     

  • enhanced quality of life
     

Healthy sleep supports overall wellbeing.

 

Conclusion

Sleep disorder treatment is essential for restoring physical health, mental clarity and emotional balance. While sleep problems are common, they are not normal or harmless. Insomnia, sleep apnea and other sleep disorders can be effectively managed through behavioural therapy, lifestyle changes and medical care when needed. Early recognition and consistent treatment not only improve sleep quality but also protect long-term health. Prioritising sleep is a powerful step toward a healthier and more productive life.

 

References

  • Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) – Sleep Health and Lifestyle Studies
  • World Health Organization (WHO) – Sleep and Mental Health Guidelines
  • National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) – Sleep Disorders Research
  • Lancet Psychiatry – Sleep Disorders and Chronic Disease Risk
  • NITI Aayog – Mental Health and Preventive Healthcare Reports
  • Statista – Global Sleep Disorder Prevalence and Trends

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