Thyroid disorders
The thyroid is a small butterfly-shaped gland in the front of the neck that controls how fast the body uses energy. When it makes too little or too much hormone, you can feel tired, gain or lose weight, feel cold or hot, or notice changes in mood, periods or heartbeat. At Medcare in Bongaigaon, Dr. Tamoghna Das diagnoses and treats thyroid problems, adjusts treatment over time, and pays special attention to thyroid health in pregnancy.
At a glance
- Main test: TSH blood test, with T4 (and sometimes T3 and thyroid antibodies)
- Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism): common, especially in women; usually treated with a daily tablet
- Overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism): less common; needs careful treatment and follow-up
- Thyroid swelling (goitre) or lumps: examined, with ultrasound and other tests as needed
- In pregnancy: thyroid levels matter for the baby's development and are checked early
- At Medcare: consultation, examination, test planning, ECG for heartbeat effects, follow-up
Signs of an underactive thyroid
- Tiredness and low energy
- Weight gain, feeling cold
- Dry skin, hair fall, constipation
- Slowness, low mood, poor memory
- Heavy or irregular periods
- Puffiness of the face
Signs of an overactive thyroid
- Weight loss despite eating well
- Fast or irregular heartbeat, palpitations
- Feeling hot, sweating
- Tremor of the hands, anxiety, poor sleep
- Loose motions
- Bulging or gritty eyes in some people
What happens at Medcare
- History and examination. Symptoms, family history, medicines, pregnancy plans, and a careful examination of the neck.
- Tests. TSH and T4 at a lab of your choice, with antibodies or ultrasound of the neck when needed. ECG if you have palpitations.
- Treatment. For an underactive thyroid, usually one tablet a day, with the dose adjusted by blood tests. For an overactive thyroid, medicines to calm the gland and the heartbeat, and discussion of other treatment options when needed.
- Follow-up. TSH is rechecked about 6 to 8 weeks after any dose change, then every 6 to 12 months once stable.
- Linked conditions. Cholesterol, weight, anaemia and heart rhythm are checked, because thyroid problems affect all of them.
- History and examination. Symptoms, family history, medicines, pregnancy plans, and a careful examination of the neck.
- Tests. TSH and T4 at a lab of your choice, with antibodies or ultrasound of the neck when needed. ECG if you have palpitations.
- Treatment. For an underactive thyroid, usually one tablet a day, with the dose adjusted by blood tests. For an overactive thyroid, medicines to calm the gland and the heartbeat, and discussion of other treatment options when needed.
- Follow-up. TSH is rechecked about 6 to 8 weeks after any dose change, then every 6 to 12 months once stable.
- Linked conditions. Cholesterol, weight, anaemia and heart rhythm are checked, because thyroid problems affect all of them.
Thyroid and pregnancy
- Women planning pregnancy or newly pregnant should have TSH checked early
- Women already on thyroid tablets usually need a higher dose in pregnancy; contact the clinic as soon as the pregnancy test is positive
- Thyroid levels are rechecked every few weeks during pregnancy
- After delivery, some women develop a short-term thyroid problem; tell us if you feel very tired, anxious or low
Taking thyroid tablets the right way
- Take it every morning on an empty stomach with water
- Wait 30 to 60 minutes before tea, breakfast or other medicines
- Keep 4 hours between the thyroid tablet and calcium or iron tablets
- Do not change the brand or dose on your own, and do not stop if you feel well
When to see a doctor urgently
Go to a hospital emergency or call 108 or 112 if you have a very fast or irregular heartbeat with chest pain or breathlessness, high fever with confusion, severe drowsiness or confusion with very low body temperature, or sudden neck swelling with difficulty breathing or swallowing.
FAQs
Is thyroid medicine for life?
For most people with an underactive thyroid caused by long-term inflammation of the gland, yes, the tablet is usually lifelong. It replaces a hormone the body is not making enough of, and it is safe when the dose is right. Some temporary thyroid problems settle and the tablet can be stopped.
Can thyroid problems cause weight gain?
An underactive thyroid can add a few kilograms and make weight loss harder. Treating it helps, but it is rarely the only reason for significant weight gain. Dr. Das will look at other causes too, such as food, sleep, PCOS and medicines.
Can I take my thyroid tablet with tea?
It is better not to. Tea, coffee, milk and food reduce how much of the tablet is absorbed. Take it with plain water on an empty stomach and wait 30 to 60 minutes before tea or breakfast.
How often should my TSH be checked?
About 6 to 8 weeks after starting treatment or changing the dose, then every 6 to 12 months once stable. In pregnancy, it is checked more often. Dr. Das will tell you when your next test is due.
I have a lump in my neck. Is it cancer?
Most thyroid lumps are not cancer. Still, every new lump should be examined. An ultrasound of the neck, and sometimes a needle test, helps decide. Dr. Das will examine you and guide you on the next steps.
Sources
- American Thyroid Association, guidelines on hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism and thyroid disease in pregnancy
- Indian Thyroid Society, consensus statements
Related care
Medically reviewed by Dr. Tamoghna Das, MBBS, MD (Medicine) · Assam Council of Medical Registration No. 20276 · Last reviewed 3 October 2026
Book a visit with Dr. Tamoghna Das
Call 60031 21297 or send a WhatsApp message. We confirm your time within 30 to 60 minutes during clinic hours.