Thyroid disorders are among the most common medical conditions. However, because their symptoms often appear gradually, the condition is often misdiagnosed, according to Dr. Nila Vora, a board-certified endocrinologist at the Loyola Primary Care Center in Darien.
The most common thyroid disorders are overactive thyroid or hyperthyroidism and underactive thyroid, also referred to as hypothyroidism. Overactive thyroid develops when the thyroid gland, a small, butterfly-shaped gland located in the neck, produces too much thyroid hormones, which regulates the metabolism – the way the body burns calories to produce and store energy from foods eaten.
Symptoms of overactive thyroid include diarrhea, anxiety, heart palpitations, hair loss, increased appetite and irregular menstrual periods.
The condition is diagnosed through a medical history, a physical exam and a blood test that check the levels of thyroid hormones. Patients may experience the condition again after successful treatment. Therefore, it is important that the thyroid hormone levels are checked regularly. “Left untreated, overactive thyroid can lead to an irregular heart rhythm, osteoporosis and other life-threatening conditions,” said Vora, who also serves as assistant professor in internal medicine at Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine.
Treatments that have proven effective include medication and radioactive iodine, which destroys the overactive thyroid tissue. If none of these treatment options succeed, surgery may be recommended.