Thyroid Disorders

The symptoms of thyroid disorders vary depending on the condition. 

Hypothyroidism

Symptoms of hypothyroidism include: 

• tiredness

• weight gain

• feeling low

• brain fog

• intolerance of the cold

• constipation

• muscle aches and weakness

• brittle hair and nails

• facial puffiness

Hyperthyroidism

Symptoms of hyperthyroidism include: 

• hyperactivity

• palpitations

• fatigue

• insomnia

• excess sweating

• mood changes

• sensitivity to heat

• low libido

• weight loss

Thyroiditis

Thyroiditis is a painful swelling of the thyroid gland accompanied by symptoms of either hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism that may interchange.

Thyroid nodules

The main symptoms of thyroid nodules are feeling or seeing a lump in the neck, difficulty swallowing and symptoms of hyperthyroidism. 

Goitre

Along with a noticeable lump in the throat, the symptoms of goitre include: 

• a tight throat

• coughing

• hoarseness

• trouble swallowing

• difficulty breathing

• snoring 

• symptoms of hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism

Thyroid cancer 

The symptoms of thyroid cancer include: 

• a lump at the front of the neck

• pain in the neck, ear or jaw

• difficulty swallowing or breathing

• a tickly throat

• hoarseness or voice changes

• swollen glands in the neck

• facial redness 

• diarrhoea

Thyroid disorders can be caused by several different things, but the most common cause is autoimmune thyroid disease. This is where the body’s immune system attacks the thyroid cells as though they were a threat, causing the thyroid gland to become underactive (hypothyroidism) or overactive (hyperthyroidism).

Other causes of thyroid problems include:

• thyroid treatment or surgery – in some cases, thyroid gland or neck treatment can cause thyroiditis or hypothyroidism

• pregnancy – hyperthyroidism can be brought on by pregnancy, and postpartum thyroiditis may occur after giving birth

• medication – some medicines can cause hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, thyroiditis, or a goitre

• infections – viral and bacterial infections can cause thyroiditis

• thyroid nodules – a thyroid disorder in itself, thyroid nodules can lead to hyperthyroidism

• pituitary gland problems – it’s rare, but problems with the pituitary gland can cause hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism

• iodine – too much iodine intake from diet or medications can increase the risk of hyperthyroidism, while iodine deficiency can cause hypothyroidism, nodules or a goitre

• changes in DNA - mutations in thyroid cells can cause them to grow uncontrollably, resulting in thyroid cancer

Our endocrinologists are experts at distinguishing between different disorders of the thyroid, and for many patients, we’re able to provide a one-stop diagnostic service where you’ll be able to have all the necessary tests and receive the results on the same day. 

During your initial consultation, your consultant will talk to you about your specific symptoms and medical history and will examine any lump. 

Diagnostic tests for thyroid disorders include: 

• blood tests to measure hormone levels, thyroid function, calcium, vitamin D, and specific thyroid autoantibodies 

• ultrasound imaging to take a closer look at the thyroid and any growths or swelling, and to distinguish between nodules, goitre and cancer

• needle biopsy of a lump to test if it's cancerous 

• CT or MRI scan, particularly if there's suspicion that a thyroid cancer might be invading the windpipe or voice box or if there's a very large thyroid lump that has grown behind the breastbone (a retrosternal goitre)

• a radioactive iodine-based scan to find out if any nodules are producing excess or little thyroid hormone

Occasionally, where the ultrasound and needle biopsy can’t distinguish between a benign or malignant lump, a diagnostic thyroid lobe excision (where part of the thyroid is removed) may be recommended.

Thyroid disorders aren't directly preventable, but a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, managing stress, and avoiding smoking, can support thyroid health and potentially reduce your risk.

The thyroid gland is very important for your overall health, so unmanaged disorders can lead to a range of complications, depending on the type of disorder.  

Complications of thyroid disorders can include: 

• atrial fibrillation

• stroke

• heart disease 

• heart failure

• osteoporosis

• depression

• infertlity

In very rare cases, untreated severe hypothyroidism can lead to a life-threatening coma (myxedema coma).

The treatment and management of thyroid disorders will vary depending on your diagnosis. 

If you have an underactive or overactive thyroid, then treatment will usually involve medications to modify this, such as thyroid hormone replacement or antithyroid medication. Your symptoms will then be carefully monitored by your endocrinologist.

If you have a benign lump, nodule, or goitre, treatment options will depend on whether it's causing compression of the breathing or swallowing apparatus or if there's a large part of the gland that’s behind the breastbone. 

Treatment of benign lumps may include: 

Radioactive iodine treatment

This technique involves using a radioactive iodine-131 capsule to deliver a targeted, localised radiation dose to thyroid cells. Often, this will need to be followed by long-term medication to regulate thyroid hormone levels. 

Surgical removal

Surgery to remove either half or all of the thyroid gland may be recommended. Our specialist head and neck surgeons are skilled in thyroid lump removal with preservation of surrounding structures, such as the nerves to the voice box, and the glands that regulate calcium levels in the body. A camera endoscopic examination of the voice box will be performed before and after thyroid surgery to ensure the vocal cords and the nerves that supply them are working.

Radiofrequency ablation 

Radiofrequency ablation is a new, less-invasive technique that uses heat generated from high-frequency electrical currents to destroy specific cells or tissues. Welbeck is one of the only UK centres offering private radiofrequency ablation, which is carried out by our specialist Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) radiologists.

If a lump is found to be thyroid cancer, your consultant will be able to guide you through the treatment options. All thyroid cancers will be discussed in a thyroid cancer multidisciplinary meeting to ensure the best individualised and evidence-based treatment is offered.

At Welbeck, our endocrinologists are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.

With access to colleagues across other specialties, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if required to ensure you receive the treatment you need as quickly as possible, all under one roof.  

All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.

Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.

Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance, your treatment at Welbeck can begin once you have obtained authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients. Learn more about the different payment options at Welbeck.

Get in touch today to book an appointment.