Thyroid & Adrenal Disorders

Hypothyroidism slows the body down: fatigue, cold intolerance, weight gain, constipation, bradycardia, and dry skin/hair — treated with levothyroxine, taken on an empty stomach, consistently at the same time each day, since food and other medications (particularly calcium, iron, and antacids) can significantly reduce its absorption if taken together. Hyperthyroidism speeds the body up: heat intolerance, weight loss despite increased appetite, tachycardia, tremor, and anxiety — with Graves' disease (an autoimmune cause) sometimes producing exophthalmos (bulging eyes), a distinctive exam finding. Thyroid storm is a rare but life-threatening hyperthyroid crisis presenting with severe tachycardia, hyperthermia, and altered mental status, requiring urgent treatment.