Thyroid Conditions

Common thyroid conditions

The thyroid is a small gland in front of your neck. It makes hormones that help control your energy, heart rate, body temperature, weight and mood.

Hypothyroidism 

  • What it means: Your thyroid does not make enough thyroid hormone. It can make many body functions slow down.
  • Common symptoms may include:
    • Feeling tired
    • Weight gain
    • Feeling cold
    • Brain fog
    • Dry skin
    • Constipation
    • Slow heart rate
    • Feeling sad or down
  • Common treatment:
    • Daily thyroid hormone medicine, usually taken by mouth
    • Regular blood tests to make sure the dose is right

Hyperthyroidism

  • What it means: Your thyroid makes too much thyroid hormone. This can make many body functions speed up.
  • Common symptoms may include:
    • Fast heartbeat
    • Feeling nervous or shaky
    • Weight loss without trying
    • Sweating more than usual
    • Trouble sleeping
    • More frequent bowel movements
    • Feeling hot
  • Common treatment options may include:
    • Medicine to slow thyroid hormone production
    • Radioactive iodine treatment
    • Surgery in some cases
    • Regular follow-up with a healthcare provider

Thyroid nodules

  • What they are: These are lumps or growths in the thyroid gland.
  • Most thyroid nodules are not cancer.
  • Possible signs may include:
    • A lump in the front of the neck
    • Trouble swallowing
    • Hoarse voice
    • Neck pressure
  • How they are checked:
    • Physical exam
    • Blood tests
    • Ultrasound
    • Biopsy, if needed

Thyroiditis

  • What it means: This is swelling or inflammation of the thyroid gland; it can cause thyroid hormone levels to be too high, too low, or change over time.
  • Possible causes include:
    • Autoimmune disease
    • Infection
    • Pregnancy-related changes
    • Certain medicines
  • Symptoms can look like hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.
  • Treatment depends on the cause and symptoms.

Diagnosing thyroid conditions

  • Your healthcare provider may use:
    • A physical exam
    • Blood tests, such as thyroid hormone levels and thyroid-stimulating hormone, also commonly called TSH 
    • Thyroid ultrasound
    • Thyroid scan
    • Biopsy of a thyroid nodule, if needed

Tips for managing thyroid health

  • Take thyroid medicine exactly as prescribed.
  • Do not stop or change your medicine unless your provider tells you to do so.
  • Keep follow-up appointments and lab tests.
  • Tell your provider about all medicines, vitamins, and supplements you take.
  • Ask your provider how and when to take thyroid medicine, since some foods, supplements, and medicines can affect how it works.
  • Talk with your provider if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding.

Quit smoking 

Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do to improve your overall health. The effects begin soon after you stop smoking, though they are impacted by how long you have been a smoker before quitting.

The effects of quitting smoking include:

  • Reduced heart rate
  • Improved blood flow to your heart
  • Lower risk of heart attack
  • Lower risk of coronary heart disease

TRICARE East offers a free program called Commit to Quit that provides free support and resources to quit tobacco and vaping. You can reach a nicotine cessation specialist at 877-414-9949. 

Visit the Commit to Quit program page for more details.

Live and on-demand webinars

We hold webinars to help you understand common health conditions, which can lead to better treatment and positive changes.

View a schedule of live webinars and on-demand videos you can watch anytime.

Resources

See the Beneficiary care management resource guide, for more information.

 

Last Updated 10/20/2026