Thyroid conditions is the second most common problem I see as an endocrinologist (diabetes is first). A that little butterfly-shaped gland on top of your windpipe can cause a lot of problems. Those problems can range from weight loss to weight gain, being too hot to being to cold, diarrhea to constipation, and anxiety to depression among other problems.
For some reason, thyroid problems are more common in women than in men. Most women will develop their thyroid problems between ages of 20 to 40. So I see a lot of 30-year-old women with thyroid "problems".
Some have seen their doctor and have gotten the appropriate work-up. Others are self-referrals. They just call the hospital appointment line and viola! An appointment with the thyroid specialist.
Many have not seen a doctor to have any work-up. They generally have read on the Internet that fatigue or weight gain can be a sign of thyroid trouble. Or their sister/mother/mother-in-law has a thyroid condition and now the patient is having those exact same symptoms.
But there are several other things that can cause those same symptoms that have absolutely nothing to do with the thyroid. Depression can make you tired and fat. Deconditioning (lack of exercise) can make you tired and fat. Stress can make you tired and fat.
It's not always you're thyroid.
Conversely, if you do have a thyroid disorder, not every thing that happens to you is due to your thyroid. I've had people call me after hours wondering if sudden swelling in their legs is due to their thyroid condition (no, but I would worry about a blood clot). Or the three times they've fainted that day (why are you calling an endocrinologist?! get to the ER!).
But if you're problems are due to a thyroid condition, the condition is generally easily treated. Just remember that everything is not due to your thyroid.
