Understanding Thyroid Disorders: A Deeper Look at Symptoms and Treatment Options

Do you feel exhausted no matter how much you sleep? Or perhaps you’ve noticed sudden weight changes, mood swings, or a fast heartbeat? Many people chalk these symptoms up to stress, age, or lifestyle, but they could point to something deeper: a thyroid disorder.

At Cedar Endocrine Clinic, located at Mount Alvernia Hospital and Mount Elizabeth Hospital, we regularly meet patients who’ve lived with thyroid symptoms for months or years without realizing the cause. Here’s what you need to know about thyroid conditions and why getting the right care can make a difference.

What Is the Thyroid and Why Does It Matter?

Your thyroid gland sits quietly at the front of your neck, shaped like a small butterfly. Despite its size, it has a big job: it controls your metabolism, the speed at which your body uses energy, by releasing two hormones: thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3).

When your thyroid produces too little or too much of these hormones, it can throw your entire body off balance. These changes can affect your mood, weight, digestion, sleep, heart rate, and even your menstrual cycle.

While thyroid disorders can affect anyone, they’re especially common in women aged 20 to 50. In fact, women are five times more likely than men to develop a thyroid condition. Yet, many live with symptoms for years without a diagnosis.

Common Thyroid Disorders – The Silent Disruptors

Hypothyroidism (Underactive Thyroid)

In hypothyroidism, your thyroid doesn’t produce enough hormones, and as a result, everything slows down.

You may notice:

• Persistent fatigue or brain fog

• Feeling unusually cold

• Constipation

• Weight gain (even with a normal diet)

• Dry skin, brittle hair, or a hoarse voice

• Depression or forgetfulness

• Heavy or irregular periods

  
  

The most common cause is Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, an autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks the thyroid gland. Other causes include thyroid surgery, radiation therapy, and certain medications.

Hyperthyroidism (Overactive Thyroid)

This happens when your thyroid becomes overactive and produces too much hormone. Consequently, your body’s processes speed up excessively.

Symptoms include:

• Unexplained weight loss

• Nervousness, anxiety, or restlessness

• Rapid heartbeat or palpitations

• Feeling too hot or sweating excessively

• Trouble sleeping (despite exhaustion)

• Trembling hands

• Frequent bowel movements or diarrhoea

• Irregular periods

• Bulging eyes or neck swelling

  
  

The most common cause is Graves’ disease, another autoimmune condition.

Is It Just Stress or Something More?

At Cedar Endocrine Clinic, we often see individuals who are unsure about the cause of their persistent fatigue, weight changes, or mood shifts. These symptoms are common and can overlap with many health conditions, including stress or aging. It’s understandable that they may be overlooked or misattributed at first.

Sometimes, the signs are subtle. A person might mention feeling colder than usual, experiencing hair thinning, or noticing increased forgetfulness. Others share concerns about anxiety, trouble sleeping, or unexplained weight loss. In some cases, people are surprised to learn that these symptoms may be related to an underlying thyroid imbalance.

We approach each case with care, listening to our patients, conducting thorough assessments, and using diagnostic tools like thyroid function tests to better understand what’s happening in the body. If a thyroid disorder is identified, our team provides individualised treatment plans tailored to each patient’s needs and goals.

What Happens If You Ignore It?

While thyroid disorders aren’t usually life-threatening, they can lead to serious complications if left untreated:

• Hypothyroidism can cause high cholesterol, heart disease, infertility, and a rare condition called myxoedema, which can be life-threatening.

• Hyperthyroidism may lead to osteoporosis, irregular heart rhythms, or a dangerous condition known as thyroid storm.

  
  

Both conditions can affect your mental health, contributing to depression, anxiety, or cognitive fog. They may also disrupt fertility or complicate pregnancy if not properly managed.

What You Can Do? Your Next Steps

If you're experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned, don't wait for them to worsen. Here’s what you can do:

1. Know the Signs

Listen to your body. Don't ignore persistent tiredness, mood swings, or weight changes, especially if they don’t seem to have a clear cause.

2. Get a Thyroid Function Test

A simple blood test can measure your TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) and thyroid hormone levels. It's fast, affordable, and highly accurate.

3. Consult a Thyroid Specialist in Singapore

At Cedar Endocrine Clinic, our endocrinologists will interpret your test results, explore potential autoimmune causes, and recommend the best treatment based on your condition and lifestyle.

Treatment Options – Simple, Effective, Personalised

Hypothyroidism Treatment

Treatment often involves a daily dose of synthetic thyroid hormone (levothyroxine) to restore hormone levels. The dosage is tailored and reviewed regularly through follow-up blood tests. While most individuals require long-term treatment, ongoing monitoring helps ensure it remains appropriate for their needs.

Hyperthyroidism Treatment

Options include:

• Anti-thyroid medications – to slow hormone production

• Radioactive iodine therapy – to shrink the overactive gland

• Surgery (thyroidectomy) – in certain cases, such as nodules or thyroid cancer

  
  

Each approach has pros and cons, and our team will walk you through your options with care and clarity.

You're Not Alone, and There’s Help

Thyroid disorders are incredibly common, but that doesn’t mean they should be ignored. If you’ve been feeling “off” for a while and can’t quite explain why, it’s worth checking on your thyroid health.

At Cedar Endocrine Clinic, conveniently located at Mount Alvernia Hospital and Mount Elizabeth Hospital, we offer compassionate, expert care for individuals seeking answers and long-term relief from thyroid issues.

Concerned about persistent fatigue or mood changes? It may be time to check your thyroid.

Whether you suspect a thyroid condition or just want peace of mind, our team is here to help. You deserve to feel like yourself again. Let’s get there together.

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