Everything you need to know about thyroid disorder

Located in your neck, the butterfly-shaped thyroid gland is small but mighty, releasing and controlling hormones that maintain your metabolism, among other bodily functions. 

Research shows that around 14 per cent of Australians suffer from a thyroid disorder, while it’s thought 4 per cent of the population have an undiagnosed disorder. Research also shows that the risk for women suffering from a thyroid disorder is around 10 times higher than for men.   

What does your thyroid do?

The thyroid gland is part of your endocrine system, and the two hormones it produces help regulate your metabolism – the chemical processes in your body that break down what you eat to make energy. These two hormones also impact your heart rate, digestive function, body temperature and cholesterol levels, among other essential bodily functions. 

The hormones produced, known as T-3 and T-4, are released into your bloodstream and are carried through your body, with the amount produced regulated by another gland, known as the pituitary gland. 

When your thyroid works properly, it produces enough T-3 and T-4 hormones to keep your metabolism in balance.  

What thyroid problems can you have?

Thyroid disorders can range from small and harmless – like an enlarged gland, known as a goitre, which needs no treatment – right up to life-threatening cancers. The most common thyroid problems involve the thyroid producing too little or too much T-3 and T-4. 

Thankfully, if diagnosed and treated correctly, most thyroid issues can be managed well.  

What is hyperthyroidism?

Hyperthyroidism is when your body produces too much thyroid hormone. It’s sometimes known as an overactive thyroid, and is most commonly diagnosed in women and people over 60 years of age – there are also genetic and lifestyle triggers. 

If untreated, hyperthyroidism can cause serious health problems, including:

• Blood clots, stroke, heart failure and other heart problems 
• Eye disease and vision loss
• Thinning bones and osteoporosis
• Fertility issues
• Pregnancy complications. 

What are early warning signs of hyperthyroidism?

Symptoms of hyperthyroidism vary between people, but some early warning signs can include:

• Weight loss, despite an increase in appetite
• Mood changes, including anxiety, irritability and nervousness
• Rapid or irregular heartbeat
• Difficulty sleeping and fatigue
• An enlarged thyroid gland (goitre) 
• Sensitivity to heat
• Irregular menstrual cycle 
• Muscle weakness and tremors  
• Eye irritation
• Frequent bowel movements. 

Because of these symptoms, hyperthyroidism is sometimes mistaken for depression – and even dementia – in older adults.  

What is hypothyroidism?

Hypothyroidism is when your body doesn’t make sufficient thyroid hormones to meet your body’s needs. It’s essentially the opposite of hyperthyroidism – which is to say it’s an underactive gland. 

What are early warning signs of hypothyroidism?

Many of the symptoms of hypothyroidism are also the opposite of hyperthyroidism, which means those suffering might experience:

• Weight gain;
• A slowed heart rate; 
• Sensitivity to cold. 

That said, some symptoms of hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism are the same, including fatigue and muscle pain, as well as irregular menstrual cycles, fertility problems and mood swings. 

Hypothyroidism is often overlooked due to the fact that it has the tendency to develop slowly, which means that you may not notice symptoms of the disease for months or even years.

Thyroid cancer

There are four main types of thyroid cancer, and each varies in terms of how aggressive it is. The most common type is papillary thyroid cancer, which usually grows in one lobe of the thyroid gland. It’s often asymptomatic, but is also highly treatable. 

Less common types of thyroid cancer are follicular, medullary and anaplastic thyroid cancer. 

As with thyroid disease in general, thyroid cancer is more commonly diagnosed in women than men, and nature and nurture can both play a role in the onset.

Unfortunately, thyroid cancer is often difficult to diagnose, as signs are not always obvious and it often develops over a long period of time. That said, be vigilant when it comes to symptoms such as:

• A lump in the neck or throat that, particularly one that changes shape and size
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Swollen lymph glands in the neck
• A hoarse voice.

How does diet affect your thyroid

While there is no generalised diet for either hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, there are certain recommendations that dieticians may make if you are suffering from either disorder. 

Adequate dietary iodine (aka salt) is essential for normal thyroid function. Normally, we get sufficient iodine additives from eating a balanced diet. But if you’re suffering from hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, avoiding too much or too little salt can become an issue.

Diet and hyperthyroidism

If you’re suffering from hyperthyroidism, a diet that is low in iodine is generally recommended. This means avoiding foods like fish and seafood, seaweed, milk and dairy, egg yolks and some food colouring. Your doctor may also recommend steering clear of gluten, soy and caffeine. 

Avoid restaurant or processed meals, and prepare sauces and marinades at home with low amounts of salt. 

It’s often recommended that people suffering from hypothyroidism avoid tofu; vegan cheese and meat products; soy milk; soybeans; soy sauce. 

Fibre is vital to your diet, so it’s important you don’t skip it completely. Talk to a health professional to manage a balanced diet or if you have any concerns about your thyroid function.