Thyroid disorders affect the hormones that influence metabolism, heart rate, temperature, energy and many body systems. Symptoms are often non-specific, so diagnosis relies on appropriately interpreted blood tests rather than symptoms or neck ultrasound alone.
WHICH DOCTOR SHOULD I SEE?
See a physician for thyroid disorders
At Lotus Hospital in HSR Layout, thyroid disorders is assessed by the Internal Medicine & Diabetology team. For severe or sudden symptoms, go to the nearest emergency department or call 112.
Internal Medicine & Diabetology
Dr. Ravi Kumar V
Also listed as Dr. Ravi Kumar
- Qualifications
- MBBS, MD
- Fee
- ₹700
- Registration
- KMC 67469
Fever and infections · Diabetes · Blood pressure · Thyroid
General Medicine
Dr. Karthik S. M.
- Fee
- ₹700
Fever and acute illness · Diabetes and blood pressure · Digestive and respiratory symptoms · Fatigue and weakness
General Medicine
Dr. Saad Huzair
- Fee
- ₹350
Fever with body ache · Persistent fever · Cough and sore throat · Cold and sneezing
Possible symptoms
An underactive thyroid can be associated with fatigue, cold sensitivity, constipation, dry skin, weight change, low mood or menstrual change. An overactive thyroid may cause heat intolerance, tremor, palpitations, anxiety, weight loss or frequent bowel movements.
Many other conditions cause the same symptoms. A clinician considers the whole picture before attributing them to thyroid disease.
- Energy and weight change
- Temperature sensitivity
- Heart-rate change
- Bowel and skin symptoms
- Mood or concentration
- Periods and fertility context
Testing and interpretation
TSH is commonly the first test, with free thyroid hormones and antibodies used in selected contexts. Pregnancy, acute illness, biotin supplements and medicines can alter results.
A thyroid nodule is a structural finding assessed differently from hormone function. Ultrasound or needle sampling is used according to examination and imaging features, not simply because blood tests are abnormal.
- TSH-led assessment
- Free hormone tests when indicated
- Medicine and supplement effects
- Pregnancy-specific ranges
- Nodule risk assessment
- Repeat timing based on the question
Treatment and monitoring
Underactive thyroid is often treated with replacement hormone, taken consistently and monitored after an appropriate interval. Overactive thyroid treatment can include medicine, radioactive iodine or surgery depending on cause and patient factors.
Do not change doses based on symptoms alone or stop treatment without advice. Ask how to take medicine around food, iron, calcium and other drugs.
- Confirm the cause
- Consistent medicine timing
- Monitor after dose changes
- Review interactions
- Plan pregnancy early
- Watch for over- or under-treatment
When care is urgent
Severe palpitations with chest pain, fainting, marked breathlessness, confusion or very high fever needs urgent assessment. Rapidly enlarging neck swelling or difficulty breathing or swallowing also should not wait.
- Chest pain or collapse
- Severe rapid heartbeat
- Confusion with fever
- Breathing or swallowing difficulty
- Rapid neck swelling
- Severe symptoms during pregnancy
- World Health Organization — Iodine deficiency ↗
- NHS — Overactive thyroid ↗
- NHS — Underactive thyroid ↗
Medical information is general and does not replace an individual consultation.
PATIENT QUESTIONS
Thyroid Disorders: questions patients ask
What are the symptoms of a thyroid disorder?
An underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) can cause tiredness, weight gain, feeling cold, constipation, dry skin and low mood. An overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) can cause weight loss, a fast heartbeat, anxiety, tremor, heat intolerance and loose stools. Some people notice a swelling in the neck. Symptoms often develop gradually.
How are thyroid disorders diagnosed?
Diagnosis usually starts with blood tests for TSH and thyroid hormones such as free T4, sometimes with thyroid antibodies. An ultrasound may be done if there is a lump or swelling in the neck. Your physician interprets the results alongside your symptoms and any medicines.
How is hypothyroidism treated?
Hypothyroidism is usually treated with a daily thyroid hormone tablet, levothyroxine, taken on an empty stomach. The dose is adjusted based on blood tests every few weeks at first, then less often once stable. Most people need lifelong treatment and regular monitoring.
Does thyroid disease affect pregnancy?
Yes. Untreated thyroid problems can affect fertility and pregnancy, and thyroid hormone needs often change during pregnancy. If you have a thyroid condition and are planning pregnancy or are pregnant, inform your doctor early so your thyroid levels can be checked and treatment adjusted.
When is a thyroid problem urgent?
Seek urgent care for a very fast or irregular heartbeat, chest pain, high fever with agitation or confusion, severe drowsiness or confusion with feeling very cold, or a rapidly enlarging neck swelling causing breathing or swallowing difficulty. Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department for severe symptoms.
Which doctor should I see for thyroid problems at Lotus?
A physician in internal medicine can diagnose and manage most thyroid disorders and coordinate referral if needed. Book online with a doctor listed on the Internal Medicine & Diabetology page, send a WhatsApp message, or call the care team on +91 80505 98999. Bring previous thyroid reports.
LOCATION & DIRECTIONS
Getting to Lotus Hospital, HSR Layout
Lotus Multi Speciality Hospital
2361, 24th Main Road, 1st Sector, HSR Layout, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560102
Near Bangalore One, HSR Layout 1st Sector
Open 24 hours, 7 days · OPD timings vary by doctor
Lotus is on 24th Main Road in Sector 1, near Bangalore One. Autos and cabs can drop at the entrance on 24th Main.
Head into HSR Sector 1 from the Agara Lake side of the Outer Ring Road and continue to 24th Main Road.
Take the Sarjapur Road or 27th Main HSR approach towards Sector 1, then turn onto 24th Main Road.
Travel along the Outer Ring Road towards Agara, enter HSR Layout Sector 1 and continue to 24th Main Road.
Use the Outer Ring Road from Silk Board towards HSR Layout and turn into Sector 1.
Cross from Hosur Road into HSR Layout through the Sector 7 side and continue north to Sector 1.
Come towards Agara and the Outer Ring Road junction, then into HSR Layout Sector 1.
Take Hosur Road to Silk Board, then the Outer Ring Road into HSR Layout. Best for planned visits.
Travel time changes with traffic. Check live directions before you leave and allow time for registration.