The thyroid is a small butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of the neck. It produces hormones that regulate metabolism, body temperature, heart rate and many other vital functions. When the thyroid is not working properly, the whole body is affected.
At Clínica Eupnea in Palamós, the endocrinology service offers comprehensive diagnosis and personalised follow-up for thyroid diseases.
In this article
Key takeaways
- Thyroid diseases affect 10% of the population, particularly women
- Hypothyroidism causes fatigue, weight gain and sensitivity to cold; treated with levothyroxine
- Hyperthyroidism causes nervousness, weight loss and tachycardia
- Thyroid monitoring during pregnancy is essential
- The vast majority of thyroid nodules are benign (95%)
- A simple blood test (TSH) can detect thyroid problems
Hypothyroidism: an underactive thyroid
Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid does not produce enough hormones. It is the most common thyroid disorder and disproportionately affects women over 40. The most frequent cause is Hashimoto's thyroiditis, an autoimmune disease.
Main symptoms:
- Persistent fatigue, even after adequate sleep
- Unexplained weight gain or difficulty losing weight
- Excessive sensitivity to cold
- Dry skin and brittle hair that falls out more than usual
- Persistent constipation
- Low mood, difficulty concentrating, memory problems
- Heavy or irregular periods
Treatment is simple and highly effective: levothyroxine (synthetic thyroid hormone) taken as a single tablet on an empty stomach each morning. With the correct dose, patients fully regain their quality of life.
Hyperthyroidism: an overactive thyroid
Hyperthyroidism is the excessive production of thyroid hormones. The most common cause is Graves' disease, also autoimmune. Symptoms are the opposite of hypothyroidism:
- Nervousness and anxiety without apparent cause
- Weight loss despite eating normally or even more
- Tachycardia (rapid heartbeat) and palpitations
- Trembling hands
- Excessive sweating and heat intolerance
- Diarrhoea or increased bowel frequency
- Protruding eyes (exophthalmos) in Graves' disease
Thyroid and pregnancy
Pregnancy is a critical time for thyroid function. Uncontrolled hypothyroidism can affect the neurological development of the foetus. TSH testing is recommended for all pregnant women during the first trimester. If you already take levothyroxine, the dose usually needs to be increased by 30–50% during pregnancy. Consult your endocrinologist as soon as possible if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy.
Thyroid nodules
Thyroid nodules are lumps within the thyroid gland. They are very common — detected in up to 50% of the population on ultrasound. The vast majority (over 95%) are benign.
When should a nodule be investigated?
- Nodules larger than 1 cm or with suspicious ultrasound features
- Rapid nodule growth
- Family history of thyroid cancer
- History of neck radiotherapy during childhood
The key diagnostic tool is fine-needle aspiration (FNA), which allows analysis of the nodule cells with minimal discomfort.
Thyroid diagnosis
Diagnosing thyroid problems is straightforward and accessible:
- Blood test: TSH (the most important test), free T4, T3, anti-thyroid antibodies
- Thyroid ultrasound: detailed imaging of the gland and any nodules
- FNA: for investigating suspicious nodules
- Scintigraphy: in selected cases of hyperthyroidism
Frequently asked questions
The earliest symptoms of hypothyroidism tend to be unexplained tiredness, feeling cold, dry skin and slight weight gain. For hyperthyroidism: nervousness, weight loss and a rapid heartbeat. A simple TSH blood test can confirm the diagnosis. If you experience these symptoms persistently, consult your doctor.
Hypothyroidism can cause moderate weight gain (2–5 kg), mainly due to fluid retention and a slower metabolism. However, it is not usually the cause of significant obesity. With levothyroxine treatment and normalised hormone levels, it is possible to return to your usual weight with diet and exercise.
The vast majority of thyroid nodules (over 95%) are benign. Nevertheless, it is important for an endocrinologist to assess each nodule by ultrasound and, if necessary, fine-needle aspiration (FNA) to confirm its nature. Regular follow-up is essential to detect any changes early.
Yes, it is entirely possible to live without a thyroid. When the gland is removed (thyroidectomy), thyroid function is fully replaced by oral levothyroxine — the same hormone the thyroid produces. With the correct dose, quality of life is completely normal. Periodic blood tests are needed to adjust the dosage.
Need an endocrinologist in Palamós?
The endocrinology service at Clínica Eupnea can help you with any thyroid problem.
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