Condition Lookup
Category:
Thyroid Disorders
Number of Conditions: 14
Primary Hypothyroidism (e.g., Hashimoto's Thyroiditis)
Specialty: Diabetes and Endocrinology
Category: Thyroid Disorders
Sub-category: Hypothyroidism
Symptoms:
fatigue; weight gain; cold intolerance; dry skin; hair thinning; constipation; depression; hoarseness; puffy face; bradycardia; muscle weakness; joint pain or stiffness
Root Cause:
Autoimmune destruction of the thyroid gland leads to decreased production of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4), resulting in high TSH levels.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Blood tests measuring TSH (elevated), free T4 (low), anti-thyroid peroxidase (anti-TPO) antibodies, and anti-thyroglobulin antibodies.
Treatment:
Hormone replacement therapy with levothyroxine; monitoring of TSH and T4 levels to ensure appropriate dosage.
Medications:
Levothyroxine (synthetic thyroid hormone replacement, T4); Liothyronine (T3, less commonly used for supplementation in specific cases).
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects approximately 4-10% of the global population, with a higher prevalence in women and older adults.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Family history of thyroid disorders, female sex, age >50 years, iodine deficiency or excess, other autoimmune disorders (e.g., type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis).
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Excellent with proper treatment; symptoms improve significantly with levothyroxine therapy, though lifelong medication may be required.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Myxedema (severe hypothyroidism, life-threatening if untreated), infertility, cardiovascular issues (e.g., hyperlipidemia), goiter, and cognitive impairment.
Secondary (Central) Hypothyroidism
Specialty: Diabetes and Endocrinology
Category: Thyroid Disorders
Sub-category: Hypothyroidism
Symptoms:
fatigue; weight gain; cold intolerance; dry skin; hair thinning; constipation; depression; hoarseness; puffy face; muscle weakness
Root Cause:
Insufficient stimulation of the thyroid gland due to pituitary or hypothalamic dysfunction leading to inadequate TSH secretion.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Blood tests showing low TSH and low free T4; MRI to evaluate the pituitary or hypothalamus for tumors or structural abnormalities.
Treatment:
Hormone replacement therapy with levothyroxine; address the underlying cause, such as pituitary adenomas or structural damage.
Medications:
Levothyroxine (synthetic T4 replacement).
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare, accounting for less than 5% of all hypothyroidism cases.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Pituitary tumors, traumatic brain injury, hypothalamic diseases, radiation therapy to the head, or previous pituitary surgery.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good with appropriate treatment; prognosis depends on addressing the underlying cause of pituitary dysfunction.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Delayed diagnosis may lead to severe hypothyroidism or myxedema, visual impairment (if caused by pituitary adenomas), and hormonal imbalances.
Congenital Hypothyroidism
Specialty: Diabetes and Endocrinology
Category: Thyroid Disorders
Sub-category: Hypothyroidism
Symptoms:
prolonged jaundice; poor feeding; constipation; hypotonia; large tongue; puffy face; hoarse cry; delayed growth; intellectual disability if untreated
Root Cause:
Absent, underdeveloped, or dysfunctional thyroid gland at birth resulting in insufficient thyroid hormone production.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Newborn screening programs measure TSH and T4 levels; confirmatory testing includes thyroid ultrasound or scintigraphy.
Treatment:
Immediate initiation of levothyroxine therapy to normalize thyroid hormone levels and prevent developmental delays.
Medications:
Levothyroxine (synthetic T4 replacement).
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Approximately 1 in 2,000–4,000 live births worldwide.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Family history of thyroid disorders, iodine deficiency during pregnancy, maternal autoimmune thyroid disease.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Excellent with early detection and treatment; normal growth and development are achievable if treated within the first few weeks of life.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
If untreated, intellectual disability, delayed physical growth, and severe hypothyroidism may occur.
Graves' Disease
Specialty: Diabetes and Endocrinology
Category: Thyroid Disorders
Sub-category: Hyperthyroidism
Symptoms:
unintentional weight loss; rapid heartbeat (tachycardia); nervousness or irritability; sweating; tremors; heat intolerance; enlarged thyroid gland (goiter); protruding eyes (exophthalmos); fatigue; muscle weakness
Root Cause:
Autoimmune disorder where the immune system produces antibodies (TSI) that stimulate the thyroid gland to overproduce thyroid hormones.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Based on clinical symptoms, blood tests measuring thyroid hormones (T3, T4), TSH levels, and thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulin (TSI); thyroid uptake scan.
Treatment:
Antithyroid medications, radioactive iodine therapy, or thyroidectomy (surgical removal of the thyroid gland).
Medications:
Antithyroid drugs such as methimazole (thionamide class) or propylthiouracil (PTU). Beta-blockers like propranolol are prescribed to control symptoms like tachycardia and tremors.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects approximately 1.2% of the U.S. population, with a higher prevalence in women and individuals aged 20–40 years.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Female gender, family history of autoimmune conditions, stress, smoking, and recent pregnancy.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
With proper treatment, symptoms can be well-controlled. Relapses can occur, and permanent solutions like radioactive iodine or surgery may be needed.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Thyroid storm (life-threatening hyperthyroidism crisis), heart problems (atrial fibrillation, heart failure), brittle bones (osteoporosis), and eye problems (Graves’ ophthalmopathy).
Toxic Multinodular Goiter
Specialty: Diabetes and Endocrinology
Category: Thyroid Disorders
Sub-category: Hyperthyroidism
Symptoms:
enlarged thyroid gland (goiter); palpitations; weight loss; heat intolerance; nervousness; muscle weakness; difficulty breathing or swallowing (due to goiter compression)
Root Cause:
Overactive nodules within the thyroid produce excess thyroid hormones independent of TSH regulation, often due to mutations in TSH receptors.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical symptoms, thyroid function tests (T3, T4, TSH), ultrasound imaging, and radioactive iodine uptake scan.
Treatment:
Antithyroid medications, radioactive iodine therapy, or surgical thyroidectomy (especially in cases with large goiters causing compressive symptoms).
Medications:
Methimazole or propylthiouracil to reduce hormone production; beta-blockers such as atenolol to manage symptoms.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Common in iodine-deficient regions and typically seen in older adults.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Iodine deficiency, aging, and history of thyroid nodules or goiter.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Symptoms can be managed with treatment. Long-term control often requires definitive therapy such as radioactive iodine or surgery.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Heart arrhythmias, bone loss (osteoporosis), and compressive symptoms (tracheal or esophageal compression).
Toxic Adenoma
Specialty: Diabetes and Endocrinology
Category: Thyroid Disorders
Sub-category: Hyperthyroidism
Symptoms:
palpitations; weight loss; tremors; heat intolerance; nervousness; enlarged nodule in the neck; mild difficulty swallowing or breathing in large adenomas
Root Cause:
A single, benign thyroid nodule autonomously secretes excessive thyroid hormones due to somatic mutations in TSH receptors.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical evaluation, blood tests showing elevated T3 and T4 with suppressed TSH, thyroid ultrasound, and radioactive iodine uptake scan showing focal uptake.
Treatment:
Radioactive iodine therapy to ablate the adenoma or surgical removal of the affected thyroid lobe (lobectomy). Antithyroid drugs may be used temporarily.
Medications:
Methimazole (antithyroid drug) may be used to manage hyperthyroidism symptoms pre-surgery or pre-radioactive iodine therapy. Beta-blockers such as propranolol to control symptoms like tachycardia.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Less common than Graves' Disease; typically occurs in middle-aged adults.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Family history of thyroid nodules, iodine deficiency, and exposure to radiation.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good with appropriate treatment. Definitive therapy like surgery or radioactive iodine typically resolves the condition.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Persistent hyperthyroidism, arrhythmias, or compressive symptoms if the adenoma enlarges significantly.
Subacute (De Quervain’s) Thyroiditis
Specialty: Diabetes and Endocrinology
Category: Thyroid Disorders
Sub-category: Thyroiditis
Symptoms:
painful, tender thyroid gland; fever; fatigue; neck pain radiating to the jaw or ears; temporary hyperthyroid symptoms like palpitations, weight loss, and heat intolerance; later hypothyroid symptoms such as fatigue and cold intolerance
Root Cause:
Inflammation of the thyroid gland, often following a viral upper respiratory infection, leading to the release of stored thyroid hormones.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical presentation, elevated inflammatory markers (ESR and CRP), abnormal thyroid function tests (initial hyperthyroidism with elevated T3/T4 and suppressed TSH), and reduced radioactive iodine uptake.
Treatment:
Supportive care with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or corticosteroids for pain and inflammation. Beta-blockers may be used temporarily for hyperthyroid symptoms.
Medications:
NSAIDs like ibuprofen or naproxen to reduce inflammation; corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone ) for severe cases; beta-blockers (e.g., propranolol ) to manage hyperthyroid symptoms.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare, more common in women aged 30–50 years.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Recent viral infection, female gender, family history of thyroid disorders.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Typically self-limiting, with complete recovery in most cases within 2–3 months. Temporary hypothyroidism may develop but usually resolves.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Persistent hypothyroidism, recurrence of symptoms, or, rarely, permanent thyroid dysfunction.
Postpartum Thyroiditis
Specialty: Diabetes and Endocrinology
Category: Thyroid Disorders
Sub-category: Thyroiditis
Symptoms:
initial hyperthyroidism symptoms such as palpitations, anxiety, heat intolerance, and weight loss; later hypothyroidism symptoms like fatigue, depression, weight gain, and cold intolerance
Root Cause:
Autoimmune-mediated inflammation of the thyroid gland occurring within one year after childbirth, likely triggered by immune system changes during pregnancy.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Thyroid function tests showing an initial hyperthyroid phase (elevated T3/T4, suppressed TSH) followed by hypothyroidism (low T3/T4, elevated TSH); positive thyroid peroxidase (TPO) antibodies.
Treatment:
Typically no treatment for mild cases; beta-blockers for hyperthyroid symptoms and levothyroxine for hypothyroid symptoms if they are significant or persistent.
Medications:
Beta-blockers like propranolol for temporary symptom control; levothyroxine (thyroid hormone replacement) for hypothyroidism.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects 5–10% of postpartum women.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Family history of autoimmune thyroid disease, type 1 diabetes, and previous history of postpartum thyroiditis.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Most women recover fully within 12–18 months, but some may develop permanent hypothyroidism.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Permanent hypothyroidism, recurrence in subsequent pregnancies.
Silent Thyroiditis
Specialty: Diabetes and Endocrinology
Category: Thyroid Disorders
Sub-category: Thyroiditis
Symptoms:
mild hyperthyroid symptoms such as palpitations, nervousness, and weight loss; later hypothyroid symptoms like fatigue and cold intolerance
Root Cause:
Autoimmune inflammation of the thyroid gland without pain, leading to a temporary release of thyroid hormones, followed by a hypothyroid phase.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Thyroid function tests showing hyperthyroidism followed by hypothyroidism; positive thyroid peroxidase (TPO) antibodies.
Treatment:
Typically self-limiting; beta-blockers may be used for hyperthyroid symptoms, and levothyroxine for hypothyroidism if necessary.
Medications:
Beta-blockers like propranolol for hyperthyroidism; levothyroxine for hypothyroidism if prolonged.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare, more common in women and individuals with autoimmune conditions.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Family history of autoimmune thyroid disease, recent pregnancy, or pre-existing autoimmune disorders.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Generally self-limiting with full recovery in most cases; some may develop permanent hypothyroidism.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Permanent hypothyroidism or recurrence.
Infectious Thyroiditis
Specialty: Diabetes and Endocrinology
Category: Thyroid Disorders
Sub-category: Thyroiditis
Symptoms:
fever; painful, swollen thyroid gland; neck tenderness; difficulty swallowing (dysphagia); symptoms of infection like chills and malaise
Root Cause:
Bacterial or fungal infection of the thyroid gland, typically resulting from hematogenous spread, direct extension from nearby structures, or abscess formation.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical examination, blood tests showing elevated white blood cells and inflammatory markers (ESR, CRP), thyroid ultrasound, and fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy to confirm infection.
Treatment:
Antibiotics or antifungal medications to treat the underlying infection; drainage of abscess if present.
Medications:
Broad-spectrum antibiotics (e.g., amoxicillin-clavulanate, clindamycin ) or antifungal agents for fungal infections.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Very rare; more common in immunocompromised individuals or those with predisposing factors like trauma or pre-existing thyroid nodules.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Immunosuppression, recent neck trauma or surgery, pre-existing thyroid disease.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good with timely treatment; most recover fully.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Abscess formation, sepsis, or thyroid dysfunction.
Benign Thyroid Nodules
Specialty: Diabetes and Endocrinology
Category: Thyroid Disorders
Sub-category: Thyroid Nodules and Cancers
Symptoms:
lump in the neck; difficulty swallowing; hoarseness; pressure in the neck; asymptomatic in many cases
Root Cause:
Overgrowth of normal thyroid tissue, fluid-filled cysts, or inflammation in the thyroid gland.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Physical examination, thyroid function tests (TSH, T4, T3), ultrasound imaging, fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB).
Treatment:
Observation, thyroid hormone suppression therapy, minimally invasive procedures (e.g., ethanol ablation), or surgery in symptomatic cases.
Medications:
Thyroid hormone replacement therapy (e.g., levothyroxine ) may be prescribed to suppress TSH levels in some cases, though its efficacy is debated.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Common; approximately 50-60% of adults develop thyroid nodules, but most are benign.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Female sex, increasing age, iodine deficiency, family history of thyroid disease, radiation exposure.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Excellent, as benign nodules rarely progress to malignancy.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Large nodules may cause compression symptoms (e.g., difficulty swallowing or breathing); rare transformation into malignancy.
Goiter (Enlarged Thyroid)
Specialty: Diabetes and Endocrinology
Category: Thyroid Disorders
Sub-category: Other Thyroid Disorders
Symptoms:
swelling in the neck; difficulty swallowing or breathing (in severe cases); tightness in the throat; hoarseness; visible lump in the neck; cough
Root Cause:
Enlargement of the thyroid gland due to iodine deficiency, autoimmune conditions (e.g., Hashimoto's thyroiditis, Graves' disease), or nodules.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Physical examination, thyroid function tests (TSH, T3, T4 levels), ultrasound of the thyroid, and fine-needle aspiration biopsy if nodules are present.
Treatment:
Treatment depends on the cause. Options include iodine supplementation, hormone replacement therapy, antithyroid medications, or surgery (thyroidectomy) if the goiter is large or compressive.
Medications:
Levothyroxine (thyroid hormone replacement therapy, a synthetic form of T4); antithyroid drugs like methimazole or propylthiouracil (if caused by hyperthyroidism).
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects approximately 200 million people globally, with higher prevalence in areas of iodine deficiency.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Iodine deficiency, female sex, age (older adults), family history of thyroid disorders, autoimmune diseases, radiation exposure.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Most cases are manageable with treatment; prognosis depends on the underlying cause. Goiters due to iodine deficiency or simple enlargement often resolve with treatment.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Obstructive symptoms (tracheal or esophageal compression), cosmetic concerns, thyrotoxicosis, or hypothyroidism.
Thyroid Storm (Thyrotoxic Crisis)
Specialty: Diabetes and Endocrinology
Category: Thyroid Disorders
Sub-category: Other Thyroid Disorders
Symptoms:
high fever; rapid heart rate (tachycardia); nervousness or anxiety; tremors; confusion; diarrhea; vomiting; extreme fatigue; shortness of breath
Root Cause:
Severe, life-threatening exacerbation of hyperthyroidism, often triggered by infection, surgery, trauma, or untreated Graves' disease.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical presentation (severe hyperthyroid symptoms), lab tests showing suppressed TSH and elevated T3/T4 levels, alongside exclusion of other conditions (e.g., sepsis).
Treatment:
Immediate hospitalization, beta-blockers (e.g., propranolol) for symptom control, antithyroid medications (e.g., methimazole or propylthiouracil), iodine to inhibit thyroid hormone release, and corticosteroids to reduce inflammation.
Medications:
Methimazole or propylthiouracil (antithyroid drugs); propranolol (beta-blocker); potassium iodide (iodine preparation ); hydrocortisone (corticosteroid).
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare, occurring in approximately 1–2% of patients with untreated or poorly managed hyperthyroidism.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Untreated hyperthyroidism, Graves' disease, recent surgery, infection, pregnancy, or iodine exposure.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
High mortality if untreated (up to 30%); prognosis improves significantly with prompt treatment.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Heart failure, arrhythmias, multiple organ failure, death.
Euthyroid Sick Syndrome
Specialty: Diabetes and Endocrinology
Category: Thyroid Disorders
Sub-category: Other Thyroid Disorders
Symptoms:
no specific thyroid symptoms; may have fatigue or symptoms related to the underlying illness causing the syndrome
Root Cause:
Abnormal thyroid function tests in the setting of a non-thyroidal illness (e.g., infection, trauma, or surgery) without intrinsic thyroid gland dysfunction.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Lab tests showing low T3 (triiodothyronine), normal or low T4 (thyroxine), and normal or low TSH, in the context of an acute or chronic non-thyroidal illness.
Treatment:
Treatment is aimed at addressing the underlying illness. Thyroid hormone replacement is not recommended unless true hypothyroidism is present.
Medications:
No specific thyroid medications; treatment focuses on managing the primary illness causing the syndrome.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Common in critically ill patients, with prevalence varying depending on the severity of the underlying illness.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Severe illness, sepsis, trauma, surgery, malnutrition, or chronic diseases (e.g., heart failure, liver disease).
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Resolves with recovery from the underlying illness; thyroid function usually normalizes without specific thyroid treatment.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Rare; complications are typically related to the underlying illness rather than the syndrome itself.