This month in our Live Well series, we are shining a light on thyroid health with i sights from Dr. Alan Kauppi, an endocrinologist at the Centra Heart & Vascular Institute. The thyroid, a small gland located in the neck, plays a crucial role in regulating metabolism and overall well-being. According to Dr. Kauppi, "The thyroid makes hormones that influence nearly every organ in the body. When it is not working properly, you will feel the effects in multiple ways."
When the thyroid is under-active, a condition known as hypothyroidism, the body's processes slow down, leading to symptoms such as weight gain, fatigue, feeling cold, constipation and depression. "Everything is essentially ‘slowing down,’" explained Dr. Kauppi. An overactive thyroid, or hyperthyroidism, speeds up metabolism, causing weight loss, palpitations, tremors, heat intolerance, frequent bowel movements and anxiety. Thyroid nodules or goiter may also develop, resulting in visible swelling in the lower anterior neck.
Thyroid disorders are more common in women and individuals over the age of 60. "Women are five to eight times more likely to experience thyroid problems than men," noted Dr. Kauppi. Hypothyroidism is most often caused by an autoimmune condition called Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis. It can also develop after surgical removal of the thyroid or because of treatment for hyperthyroidism. This diagnosis is co firmed through blood tests measuring thyroid hormone levels. The standard treatment is thyroid hormone replacement, usually with levothyroxine.
"Most patients start to feel better in a few weeks, but it takes about five weeks for thyroid levels to stabilize," Dr. Kauppi stated.
Unlike some conditions, hypothyroidism cannot be managed through diet alone—hormone replacement is necessary if the body is not making enough thyroid hormone.
Hyperthyroidism, on the other hand, is often caused by Graves’ Disease, an autoimmune disorder where antibodies stimulate the thyroid. Other causes include overactive thyroid nodules and thyroiditis which can be triggered by viral infections or certain medications.
"With hyperthyroidism, everything is ‘speeding up,’ which can have serious effects on the heart and bones if left untreated," Dr. Kauppi remarked. Treatment options include medications like methimazole and propylthiouracil which help regulate thyroid hormone levels. Graves’ Disease has about a 20% chance of remission after prolonged treatment.
Other options include radioactive iodine therapy which often results in hypoth yroidism requiring lifelong hormone replacement, and surgery which is sometimes necessary for removing problematic nodules. However, thyroid surgery carries risks such as calcium deficiency and vocal cord damage if not performed carefully.
Thyroid disorders can have a significant impact on heart health and bone density. "Hyperthyroidism, if untreated, increases the risk of atrial fibrillation and osteoporosis," Dr. Kauppi emphasized. Hormonal changes, such as pregnancy and menopause, can also trigger thyroid dysfunction. "Some women experience postpartum thyroiditis, which can cause temporary hyperthyroidism followed by hypothyroidism," he added.
Thyroid disorders are more common than many people realize, affecting approximately 11.7% of the U.S. population with hypothyroidism and 1.3% with hyperthyroidism. If you experience unexplained weight changes, fatigue or other symptoms, Dr. Kauppi advised speaking with your healthcare provider.
"If something feels off, it’s always worth checking your thyroid levels. Early diagnosis and treatment can make a significant difference in quality of life."
Understanding and managing thyroid health is key to overall wellness. If you have concerns about your thyroid, schedule a screening with your doctor and take steps to maintain a balanced, healthy life.