The thyroid gland produces hormones that play a major role in metabolism and other areas. These hormones also help to regulate growth and other body functions.

The thyroid may be affected by a variety of disorders, which can generally be divided into two groups - hormonal malfunction and changes in the size and structure of organs. Examples of the latter include an enlarged thyroid or the appearance of lumps or tumours. These changes may affect the production of hormones by the thyroid, but may also leave it unaffected. Hormonal malfunctions, however, are directly related to changes in the level of thyroid hormones in the blood. This may lead to hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.

Hypothyroidism is the most common disorder of the thyroid gland. It may develop during a person’s lifetime or be a congenital condition.¹ Hypothyroidism may result in the body having too little of the important thyroid hormone, which can cause a variety of symptoms such as listlessness, depressive mood, difficulty concentrating, increased sensitivity to cold, muscle cramp or even hair loss.¹

Hormonal malfunction is diagnosed by testing for thyroid hormone levels in the blood. Hypothyroidism (thyroid hormone deficiency) can be treated by substitution therapy with hormone tablets.¹ Changes to the shape and size of the thyroid gland can be detected by ultrasound scans. 

Sources:

¹ Schübel J., et al., S2k-Leitlinie Erhöhter TSH-Wert in der Hausarztpraxis, 2023