Thyroid Diseases: Key Notes & Top 25 MCQs for UPSC
The thyroid gland plays a crucial role in maintaining the overall health balance. However, changes in it, especially conditions like goiter, can lead to several health problems. Through this article, you will be able to get a complete understanding of the thyroid—from its mechanism, symptoms, causes, prevention, diet, tests, treatments, home remedies, and comprehensive solutions. It is written with the aim of being able to experience and understand each topic yourself. With just one read, you will be able to gain a deep understanding of the thyroid.
Glossary: Thyroid Health & Related Terms
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Thyroid | A gland in the neck that produces hormones controlling metabolism. |
| T3 & T4 | Hormones are made by the thyroid to regulate body functions. |
| Goiter | Enlargement of the thyroid gland, visible as a neck lump. |
| Hypothyroidism | Low thyroid hormone levels can cause fatigue and weight gain. |
| Hyperthyroidism | Excess hormone production causes weight loss and anxiety. |
| Hashimoto’s | Autoimmune disease attacks the thyroid, causing hypothyroidism. |
| Graves’ Disease | Autoimmune disorder causing hyperthyroidism. |
| Thyroid Nodule | A lump within the thyroid may be benign or cancerous. |
| TSH Test | Main test for checking thyroid function. |
| Levothyroxine | Medicine used to treat hypothyroidism by hormone replacement. |
| Iodine | An essential mineral for thyroid hormone production. |
| Goitrogens | Substances in some foods may interfere with thyroid function. |
| Ashwagandha | An adaptogenic herb often used for thyroid balance and stress relief. |
What is the thyroid?
The thyroid is a small, inconspicuous but very powerful gland. It is situated in the neck's front and is essential for controlling metabolism.
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The hormones produced by the thyroid gland affect all the important metabolic processes in the body.
Numerous vital processes, including digestion, energy consumption, and body temperature, are regulated by thyroid hormones.
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It mainly produces the hormones T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine).
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When the thyroid is not functioning properly, many systems in the body become unbalanced.
What is goiter?
A goiter is a condition that occurs when the thyroid gland becomes enlarged. It can appear as a lump on the neck and can be a sign of health problems.
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It is just a symptom, but it can be a sign of many serious health problems.
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A goiter can start out small and, in some cases, become very large and cause difficulty breathing.
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It can be caused by an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) or an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism).
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It can be caused by iodine deficiency, an enlarged thyroid gland, cancer, or other tumors.
What are the Different Thyroid Disorders?
Thyroid problems are divided into several types. Knowing about them thoroughly is essential for maintaining good health.
Underactivity of the thyroid gland is known as hypothyroidism. Symptoms, including exhaustion, weight gain, and a chill, may result from this.
The disease known as hyperthyroidism occurs when the gland overproduces hormones. Symptoms, including restlessness, heat, and weight loss, may result from this.
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Hashimoto's thyroiditis is an autoimmune disorder in which the body attacks its own thyroid gland.
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Graves' disease is another autoimmune condition that can cause hyperthyroidism.
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Thyroid nodules and thyroid cancer are also part of thyroid-related diseases.
What are the Signs of Thyroid Disorders?
The symptoms seen in thyroid-related problems vary greatly. They should be carefully observed.
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Unwanted weight gain or loss is one of the main symptoms.
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Feeling tired throughout the day and feeling low in mood may occur.
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Problems such as dry skin, hair loss, and insomnia may occur.
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Symptoms include changes in heart rate or palpitations and dizziness.
The thyroid might also result in mental anxiety and irregular menstruation.
Summary Table: Thyroid Diseases, Symptoms & Treatments
| Thyroid Condition | Symptoms & Treatment |
|---|---|
| Hypothyroidism | Symptoms: Fatigue, weight gain, dry skin. Treatment: Hormone replacement with levothyroxine. |
| Hyperthyroidism | Symptoms: Weight loss, anxiety, fast heartbeat. Treatment: Antithyroid drugs, radioactive iodine, or surgery. |
| Goiter | Symptoms: Neck swelling, breathing difficulty. Treatment: Iodine supplements, surgery if severe. |
| Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis | Symptoms: Tiredness, cold intolerance. Treatment: Lifelong thyroid hormone therapy. |
| Graves’ Disease | Symptoms: Bulging eyes, heat intolerance. Treatment: Antithyroid drugs, beta-blockers, and possible surgery. |
| Thyroid Nodules | Symptoms: Lump in neck, difficulty swallowing. Treatment: Monitoring, biopsy, or surgery. |
| Thyroid Cancer | Symptoms: Hard nodule, voice changes. Treatment: Surgery, radioactive iodine, or chemotherapy. |
What Factors Cause Thyroid and Goitre?
Prevention can be easier if you understand the factors that cause changes in this gland.
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Iodine deficiency—This is the main cause of goiter formation.
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Autoimmune diseases—diseases like Hashimoto’s or Graves’ disease.
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Hormone changes—especially during pregnancy, childbirth, or menopause.
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Genetic factors—If someone in your family has thyroid problems, you are also more likely to have thyroid problems.
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Radiation effects, drug side effects, and psychological stress can also be causes.
How to Diagnose Thyroid?
Some important tests are needed to determine whether there are thyroid problems or not.
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TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) Test – This is the primary test to indicate thyroid function.
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T3, T4 Levels—To know the level of hormones.
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Ultrasound scan for thyroid nodules.
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Biopsy—when cancer is suspected.
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Antibody test—for autoimmune diseases.
How is Thyroid Treated?
Proper diagnosis and proper treatment can help relieve many problems.
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People with hypothyroidism may need to take hormone replacement therapy with a drug called levothyroxine.
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People with hyperthyroidism may need antithyroid drugs, radioactive iodine, or surgery.
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In some cases, surgery may be required to remove the thyroid gland.
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Regular tests and dosage adjustments are necessary during treatment.
What is a Suitable Food for Thyroid Health?
A healthy diet can improve thyroid function. Some foods can also cause problems.
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It is advisable to eat foods rich in iodine (e.g., sea salt, seafood) regularly.
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A diet rich in nutrients like selenium, zinc, and vitamin B12 is beneficial.
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Avoid eating too many goitrogenic foods (e.g., broccoli, cauliflower).
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Reduce processed foods, sugar, and caffeine.
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Consuming more raw vegetables and nutritious fruits is good for your health.
Key Nutrients & Their Roles in Thyroid Health
| Nutrient | Role in Thyroid Health |
|---|---|
| Iodine | Essential for making thyroid hormones T3 and T4. |
| Selenium | Helps convert T4 to active T3 and reduces inflammation. |
| Zinc | Supports hormone production and immune function. |
| Iron | Aids in the synthesis of thyroid hormones. |
| Vitamin D | Regulates immune response and thyroid autoimmunity. |
| Vitamin B12 | Improves nerve function and energy metabolism in hypothyroid patients. |
| Tyrosine | An amino acid that combines with iodine to form thyroid hormones. |
| Magnesium | Assists in hormone conversion and reduces fatigue. |
What are the Home Remedies for the Thyroid?
Some home remedies are helpful, but a doctor's advice is a must.
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Drinking a glass of tulsi water or green tea every morning is helpful.
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Ashwagandha, Triphala, or other Ayurvedic herbs can be taken in limited doses.
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Exercise and meditation help improve thyroid function.
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Getting enough sleep every day is essential to reducing stress.
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A pulse massage or a slow oil massage on the neck can also provide relief.
Top 25 MCQs on Thyroid Diseases for UPSC
Practice the Top 25 MCQs on Thyroid Diseases to strengthen understanding of endocrine disorders, diagnosis, management, and public health relevance, enhancing exam readiness for UPSC prelims and other competitive examinations.
1. Where is the thyroid gland located in the human body?
a) In the brain
b) At the base of the neck, below the Adam's apple
c) Behind the stomach
d) Near the kidneys
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Answer: b) At the base of the neck, below the Adam's apple
[Image of thyroid gland anatomy location]
It is a butterfly-shaped gland that wraps around the windpipe (trachea) and is responsible for regulating metabolism.
2. Which mineral is absolutely essential for the thyroid gland to produce hormones?
a) Calcium
b) Iron
c) Iodine
d) Magnesium
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Answer: c) Iodine
The body cannot make thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) without iodine. This is why table salt is often "iodized" to prevent deficiency.
3. "Hypothyroidism" is a condition where the thyroid gland is:
a) Underactive (producing too little hormone)
b) Overactive (producing too much hormone)
c) Missing
d) Swollen only
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Answer: a) Underactive (producing too little hormone)
This slows down the body's metabolism, leading to symptoms like fatigue and weight gain.
4. Which hormone acts as the "Signal" from the brain telling the thyroid to work harder?
a) T3
b) T4
c) TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone)
d) Insulin
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Answer: c) TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone)
Produced by the Pituitary Gland, TSH levels rise when the thyroid is underactive (trying to whip it into action) and fall when it is overactive.
5. "Graves' Disease" is the most common cause of:
a) Hypothyroidism
b) Hyperthyroidism
c) Thyroid Cancer
d) Lack of Iodine
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Answer: b) Hyperthyroidism
It is an autoimmune disorder where antibodies attack the thyroid, causing it to overproduce hormones.
6. What is a "Goiter"?
a) A type of tumor
b) An abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland
c) A skin rash
d) Eye bulging
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Answer: b) An abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland
It appears as a swelling in the neck and can occur in both hypo- and hyperthyroidism, or due to iodine deficiency.
7. Unexplained weight gain, feeling cold, and fatigue are classic symptoms of:
a) Hyperthyroidism
b) Hypothyroidism
c) Diabetes
d) High Blood Pressure
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Answer: b) Hypothyroidism
Since the metabolism slows down, the body burns fewer calories and struggles to maintain body heat.
8. "Hashimoto's Thyroiditis" is an autoimmune disease that results in:
a) Rapid weight loss
b) Destruction of the thyroid gland (Hypothyroidism)
c) Too much energy
d) Strong bones
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Answer: b) Destruction of the thyroid gland (Hypothyroidism)
The immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid tissue, gradually reducing its ability to make hormones.
9. "Exophthalmos" (bulging eyes) is a distinct sign often seen in:
a) Hashimoto's Disease
b) Graves' Disease (Hyperthyroidism)
c) Goiter
d) Thyroid Cancer
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Answer: b) Graves' Disease (Hyperthyroidism)
Also known as Thyroid Eye Disease, swelling of tissues behind the eye pushes the eyeball forward.
10. Which medication is commonly prescribed to replace the missing hormone in Hypothyroidism?
a) Metformin
b) Levothyroxine (synthetic T4)
c) Insulin
d) Penicillin
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Answer: b) Levothyroxine (synthetic T4)
It is a daily pill that restores adequate hormone levels, reversing the symptoms of a sluggish thyroid.
11. Rapid heartbeat (tachycardia), hand tremors, and weight loss despite eating well indicate:
a) Hypothyroidism
b) Hyperthyroidism
c) Low blood pressure
d) Vitamin deficiency
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Answer: b) Hyperthyroidism
The body's metabolism is "revved up" too high, burning energy rapidly and putting strain on the heart.
12. What are "Thyroid Nodules"?
a) Holes in the thyroid
b) Solid or fluid-filled lumps that form within the thyroid
c) Extra glands
d) Scars
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Answer: b) Solid or fluid-filled lumps that form within the thyroid
Most nodules are benign (non-cancerous), but they are monitored via ultrasound or biopsy to ensure they aren't malignant.
13. If a blood test shows High TSH and Low T4, the diagnosis is usually:
a) Hyperthyroidism
b) Primary Hypothyroidism
c) Normal Thyroid
d) Pituitary failure
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Answer: b) Primary Hypothyroidism
The pituitary is screaming (High TSH) for the thyroid to work, but the thyroid isn't responding (Low T4).
14. "Thyroid Storm" is a life-threatening complication of untreated:
a) Hypothyroidism
b) Hyperthyroidism
c) Goiter
d) Nodule
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Answer: b) Hyperthyroidism
It involves a sudden, drastic spike in thyroid hormones causing high fever, rapid heart rate, and delirium.
15. Conversely, "Myxedema Coma" is a severe, life-threatening form of:
a) Hypothyroidism
b) Hyperthyroidism
c) Cancer
d) Infection
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Answer: a) Hypothyroidism
Triggered by stress or infection in long-term untreated patients, it leads to unconsciousness and dangerously low body temperature.
16. Which treatment uses a radioactive pill to destroy overactive thyroid cells?
a) Chemotherapy
b) Radioactive Iodine Therapy (RAI)
c) Surgery
d) Dialysis
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Answer: b) Radioactive Iodine Therapy (RAI)
Since the thyroid absorbs iodine avidly, the radioactive iodine targets and shrinks the thyroid without harming other body parts.
17. "Cretinism" (Congenital Hypothyroidism) occurs in:
a) Elderly people
b) Newborns/Infants
c) Pregnant women
d) Teenagers
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Answer: b) Newborns/Infants
If a baby is born without a working thyroid and it isn't treated immediately, it leads to stunted physical and mental growth.
18. What is "Thyroidectomy"?
a) A blood test
b) Surgical removal of all or part of the thyroid gland
c) An X-ray
d) Measuring the neck
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Answer: b) Surgical removal of all or part of the thyroid gland
This is done for thyroid cancer, large goiters causing breathing issues, or uncontrollable hyperthyroidism.
19. Apart from T3 and T4, the thyroid produces "Calcitonin," which helps regulate:
a) Blood Sugar
b) Calcium levels in the blood
c) Salt levels
d) Iron levels
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Answer: b) Calcium levels in the blood
Calcitonin lowers blood calcium levels, opposing the action of the parathyroid hormone.
20. Which tiny glands located *behind* the thyroid can be accidentally damaged during thyroid surgery?
a) Adrenal glands
b) Parathyroid glands
c) Pituitary glands
d) Lymph nodes
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Answer: b) Parathyroid glands
[Image of parathyroid glands location]
There are usually four of them. Damage leads to low calcium levels (hypocalcemia) and muscle cramps/tetany.
21. "Postpartum Thyroiditis" is a condition affecting women:
a) During menopause
b) After giving birth
c) Before puberty
d) During menstruation
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Answer: b) After giving birth
The thyroid becomes inflamed after delivery, often causing a phase of hyperthyroidism followed by hypothyroidism before normalizing.
22. T3 (Triiodothyronine) is considered the:
a) Inactive hormone
b) Active form of thyroid hormone
c) Storage hormone
d) Waste product
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Answer: b) Active form of thyroid hormone
The body converts T4 (storage form) into T3, which is the potent hormone that actually acts on cells to regulate metabolism.
23. Hair loss and thinning eyebrows (especially the outer third) are common signs of:
a) Hyperthyroidism
b) Hypothyroidism
c) High Calcium
d) Low Vitamin C
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Answer: b) Hypothyroidism
Slow metabolism affects hair follicles' growth cycle, causing hair to become brittle and fall out.
24. The most common type of Thyroid Cancer is:
a) Anaplastic
b) Papillary Thyroid Cancer
c) Medullary
d) Follicular
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Answer: b) Papillary Thyroid Cancer
It grows slowly and is highly treatable, with a very high survival rate compared to other cancers.
25. Avoiding which food group is sometimes recommended for autoimmune thyroid issues (like Hashimoto's) to reduce inflammation?
a) Water
b) Gluten
c) Green vegetables
d) Fish
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Answer: b) Gluten
Some studies suggest a link between gluten sensitivity and autoimmune thyroiditis, as the molecular structure of gluten resembles thyroid tissue.
Conclusion
The thyroid is considered the most important gland that determines health. Although the problems that arise in it may seem minor, if seen in the long term, they can cause serious health problems. Changes like goiter, hypo- and hyperthyroidism, and autoimmune problems can be treated very easily if they are detected at the right stage. These problems can be overcome by taking regular tests, following dietary rules, and making lifestyle changes, along with taking the doctor’s advice.
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