Key Takeaways (TL;DR):
Over 20 million Americans have a thyroid disorder, but 60% don’t know it because symptoms start slowly and may resemble other health issues.
Left untreated, thyroid disease can lead to serious heart problems and other health complications.
Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) symptoms include: fatigue, weight gain, and feeling cold. Hyperthyroidism (overactive) signs include: anxiety, rapid heartbeat, weight loss, and feeling hot.
Diagnosing a thyroid condition requires specific T3, T4, and antibody tests that your doctor must order separately from a regular CBC panel.
Women—especially after childbirth or menopause—and people with diabetes or celiac disease face higher risk of developing a thyroid condition.

More than 12% of the U.S. population – 20 million Americans – have some form of thyroid disease. But up to 60% of cases go undiagnosed because thyroid symptoms can be vague, and some symptoms may be caused by other health conditions.

It can be easy to overlook thyroid symptoms because, like many chronic illnesses, thyroid disease is often mild at first and progresses slowly over time.

You might have a disorder such as hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism if you often find yourself saying, “I just don’t feel good.” Read on to learn more about these conditions and when to see a healthcare provider.

What does the thyroid do?

The thyroid, located in the neck, is an endocrine gland that makes the hormones thyroxine and triiodothyronine, known as T4 and T3. These two hormones influence cellular metabolism and affect a person’s energy levels.

Hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism are both significant diseases of the thyroid.

Hypothyroidism (underactive)

Hypothyroidism results from thyroxine (T4) production that is lower than normal due to an underactive thyroid.

It can be either congenital (present at birth) or caused by: the autoimmune disease Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, inflammation or damage to the thyroid gland (as from radiation exposure or surgical removal of thyroid tissue), or rarely, by pituitary disease or iodine deficiency.

Common symptoms of hypothyroidism include:

weight gain
swollen joints
poor concentration
depression
exhaustion and
feeling cold when temperatures are not low.

Hyperthyroidism (overactive)

Hyperthyroidism results from too much T4 production due to an overactive thyroid.

It can be caused by the autoimmune condition Graves’ Disease, noncancerous growths on the gland, excessive iodine levels, or inflammation of the thyroid gland. When the cause is Graves’ Disease, hyperthyroidism is also associated with inflammation behind the eyes.

Symptoms of hyperthyroidism include:

anxiety
rapid heartbeat
weight loss and
heat sensitivity.

Left untreated, hyperthyroidism can also cause infertility, joint pain, and heart disease.

How thyroid conditions are diagnosed

Thyroid disorders are diagnosed using a blood test. A full thyroid function panel will include T4 and T3 tests that measure the amount of these hormones in the bloodstream, and a thyroid antibody test that can indicate an autoimmune disorder such as Graves’ disease.

Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) blood tests are commonly used as the primary test of thyroid function but can miss deviations in hormone levels that indicate a disorder.

None of the above tests are included in a standard CBC blood panel. Thyroid function tests must be specifically prescribed when your healthcare provider suspects a thyroid disorder based on your symptoms.

Who is at risk of developing a thyroid condition?

Women are 5-8 times more likely than men to develop thyroid disease, especially hypothyroidism. The highest risk periods for women occur during postpartum phases, and after menopause.

Of these two conditions, hypothyroidism is more common than hyperthyroidism.

Additional risk factors for any individual to develop thyroid disease include:

Thyroid disorders share symptoms with other health conditions

Unfortunately, thyroid disorders can easily be overlooked because they share symptoms and risk factors with many other conditions.

For example, the symptoms of perimenopause overlap with both hypothyroidism (weight gain and fatigue) and hyperthyroidism (heat sensitivity and difficulty sleeping).

Anxiety and depression can not only resemble thyroid disorders; they often are co-occurring conditions.

Treatment for thyroid problems

Treatments for hypo and hyperthyroidism vary according to the disorder and the individual patient’s overall health needs.

Hypothyroidism is usually treated with hormone medication. There are also medications for hyperthyroidism, but radioiodine therapy or even surgery may be required treatments.

Thyroid diseases are chronic health conditions, so patients will need to manage their condition for the long-term.

So if you suspect a thyroid condition, it is extremely important to seek a diagnosis as soon as possible, so you can receive appropriate treatment and keep your health on track. Thyroid conditions that remain undiagnosed can put patients at risk of serious health complications such as osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, and even infertility.

What to do if you’re having symptoms of a thyroid problem

If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms of a thyroid disorder, such as hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, make an appointment with your primary care provider. Explain your symptoms to help your provider determine if a thyroid function blood test would be appropriate for you.

Even if you already have a diagnosis that explains your symptoms – and especially if treatments for that diagnosis have not been effective – it is possible that your symptoms are a result of both thyroid dysfunction and another condition.

To be evaluated for a thyroid condition, request an appointment at one of our Family Medicine clinics. If needed, your provider can write a referral to Western Washington Medical Group Endocrinology for further assessment, diagnosis and comprehensive ongoing treatment.

Could Your Symptoms Be A Thyroid Problem?