Family medicine
Thyroid disorders
Hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, thyroiditis, and nodules—labs, imaging, and treatment pathways.
What it is
The thyroid regulates metabolism, heart rate, mood, and more. Hypothyroidism (often autoimmune Hashimoto) causes slowing symptoms; hyperthyroidism (Graves, toxic nodules, thyroiditis) causes acceleration. American Thyroid Association patient guides (educational) complement care.
Nodules are common—most are benign, but ultrasound features guide follow-up and biopsy when indicated.
Symptoms
- Hypo : fatigue, constipation, intolérance au froid, peau sèche, prise de poids
- Hyper : palpitations, tremblements, perte de poids, sueurs, irritabilité
- Goitre ou sensation de masse au cou
- Douleur thyroïdienne (thyroïdite subaiguë possible)
- Œdème périorbitaire, diplopie (Graves)
Common causes
Auto-immunité, iodine excess or deficiency (context-dependent), médicaments (amiodarone, lithium), grossesse/post-partum thyroiditis, irradiation cervicale.
When to see a doctor
Urgence thyrotoxique : fièvre, tachycardie, altération de l’état de conscience—911.
Nodule rapidement croissant avec dysphagie ou paralysie récurrentielle—évaluation rapide.
How we can help
Nous interprétons TSH, T4 libre, anticorps, et référons échographie/biopsie (FNA) selon les critères. Traitements : lévothyroxine pour hypo ; thionamides, iode radioactif, ou chirurgie pour hyper selon étiologie et préférences. Suivi os et cœur pour hypo prolongée non traitée ou hyper.
Related topics
Frequently asked questions
Most Canadians get iodine from diet; excess iodine can worsen some thyroid conditions. Do not self-supplement without medical advice—especially with nodules or hyperthyroidism.
Thyroid-stimulating hormone from the pituitary is the usual first-line screen; results are interpreted with free T4 and clinical context.
Most nodules are benign; ultrasound risk stratification (e.g., TI-RADS categories) guides biopsy and follow-up intervals.
Yes—reference ranges shift and thyroid needs may increase. Hypothyroidism in pregnancy is monitored closely for fetal neurodevelopment.