The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland in the front of the neck. It makes hormones that set the speed of your body — how fast you use energy, how warm you feel, even how often your heart beats. When it makes too little or too much, many parts of the body slow down or speed up.

Thyroid problems are common in India, especially in women, and many people live with them for years without knowing. The good news: a simple blood test can check it, and treatment works well.

Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism)

This is the most common thyroid problem. Signs build up slowly and are easy to blame on stress or age:

  • Feeling tired and sleepy all the time.

  • Weight gain without eating more.

  • Feeling cold when others don't.

  • Constipation, dry skin and hair fall.

  • Heavy or irregular periods, or difficulty getting pregnant.

  • Low mood, slow thinking or poor memory.

Overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism)

Here the body runs too fast:

  • Weight loss even though you eat well.

  • A fast or pounding heartbeat.

  • Sweating, feeling hot, shaky hands.

  • Anxiety, irritability or poor sleep.

  • Loose motions, or lighter periods.

A swelling in the front of the neck (goitre) can happen with either type.

Which tests check the thyroid?

The usual first test is a blood test called TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone). Depending on the result, your doctor may add free T4, sometimes T3, and an antibody test such as anti-TPO. If there is a lump or swelling in the neck, an ultrasound may be suggested.

Thyroid testing is often advised in pregnancy and when planning a pregnancy, because the right hormone levels matter for the baby.

When should you see a doctor?

See a doctor if you have several of the signs above for more than a few weeks, if you notice a swelling or lump in your neck, or if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy and have never had your thyroid checked.

Get urgent help if a fast heartbeat comes with chest pain, breathlessness or fainting.

Living with a thyroid condition

Most thyroid conditions are controlled with medicine and regular blood tests. Take your medicine exactly the way your doctor explains, and go for follow-up tests — the dose often needs small changes. Never stop or change thyroid medicine on your own, even if you feel better.

Which doctor to see

Start with a general physician. For complex cases, a lump in the neck or thyroid problems in pregnancy, an endocrinologist is the specialist.

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