Working less (Under active thyroid, Hypothyroid)
The normal function of the thyroid gland is to give thyroid hormone; if it gives less it is called Hypothyroidism. See details later.
Working more (Overactive thyroid, Hyperthyroid)
In the same way if thyroid gland gives more thyroid hormone is called Hyperthyroidism or thyrotoxicosis. See details later.
Goitre
An enlarged thyroid gland for whatever reason is called goiter. We have a separate section on problems with goiter.
Thyroid cancer
Like other organs in the body cancer can affect thyroid gland. They usually present as goiter which is rapidly increasing in size. Again we have one section of this booklet is dedicated for this entity.
Poor growth in children
Lack of thyroid hormone causes poor height gain in children. Any child not growing to his/her potential should be investigated for Thyroid problem. Treatment is easy, cheap and effective.
Puberty problem
Again lack of thyroid hormone can make the puberty early or late. This makes thyroid test is mandatory for evaluation of puberty related problem.
Thyroid and infertility
In women low or high thyroid can make the cycles irregular and anovular. Also for maintenance of normal pregnancy a normal thyroid level of thyroid hormone in the blood is required. Also we need a fine tuning of thyroid function in pregnancy for a successful outcome.
In men also low thyroid can affect sperm count and can be a cause for infertility. This is most of the cases is reversible.