It’s easy to overlook the signs of a thyroid disorder because they often develop gradually. You may notice you’re more tired than usual, struggling to concentrate, gaining or losing weight without trying, or feeling unusually sensitive to heat or cold. Some people are referred after a routine blood test shows an abnormal thyroid hormone level, while others seek help because they’ve found a lump in their neck. Although these symptoms can have many causes, the thyroid is often where the investigation begins.
At King’s College Hospital London in Dubai, our endocrinologists diagnose and treat the full range of thyroid disorders through KIDEO, the King’s Institute of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Obesity. Whether you have an underactive thyroid, an overactive thyroid, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, Graves’ disease, thyroid nodules, or thyroid cancer, we focus on understanding the underlying condition before recommending treatment.
What does the thyroid gland do?
The thyroid is a small butterfly-shaped gland at the front of your neck, but it influences many of the body’s everyday functions. It produces hormones that help regulate metabolism, energy levels, heart rate, body temperature, digestion, and many other processes that keep the body working normally.
When the thyroid produces too much hormone or not enough, these systems can fall out of balance. Depending on the condition, symptoms may develop gradually or appear over a much shorter period.
When should you see an endocrinologist?
Many thyroid disorders are first picked up during a routine health check. Others come to light because symptoms persist despite lifestyle changes or treatment for something else.
A thyroid assessment may be appropriate if you’ve noticed ongoing tiredness, unexplained weight changes, a racing heartbeat, feeling unusually hot or cold, changes in your bowel habits, hair thinning, swelling at the front of your neck, or if blood tests have shown abnormal thyroid hormone levels. A family history of thyroid disease or other autoimmune conditions may also increase your risk.
Not every change is caused by a thyroid disorder, but identifying the cause early often makes treatment more straightforward.
Which thyroid disorders do we treat?
Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid)
Hypothyroidism happens when the thyroid does not make enough hormone for the body. As your metabolism slows down, you might feel more tired, gain weight, have dry skin, get constipated, feel down, or feel cold when others do not. This condition usually develops slowly and is often treated with thyroid hormone replacement.
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is the most common reason for an underactive thyroid. It is an autoimmune disease where the immune system slowly damages the thyroid, making it harder for the gland to produce hormones. Sometimes, doctors can diagnose Hashimoto’s before hormone levels change, so patients can be watched and treated as needed.
Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid)
When the thyroid is overactive, it makes more hormone than your body needs, which speeds up many body functions. You might lose weight even if you eat normally, feel your heart racing, feel anxious, have shaky hands, sweat a lot, or feel too hot. Finding the problem early can help prevent complications with your heart, bones, and other organs.
Graves’ disease
For many people, Graves’ disease first becomes noticeable because everything seems to speed up. Your heart may race, you might lose weight without trying, feel unusually warm, or notice your hands trembling. These symptoms happen because the immune system overstimulates the thyroid, causing it to produce more hormone than the body needs. Some people also develop eye symptoms that benefit from specialist care.
Thyroid nodules
Hearing that you’ve got a thyroid nodule can be worrying, but most thyroid nodules are not cancer. They’re often discovered by chance during an examination or scan and never cause symptoms. The important step is working out whether the nodule simply needs monitoring or whether it should be investigated further with imaging or a biopsy.
Goiter
A goiter is an enlarged thyroid gland. It may develop as a result of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, Graves’ disease, thyroid nodules, iodine imbalance, or other thyroid conditions. Some people have no symptoms, while others notice swelling in the neck or difficulty swallowing.
Thyroid cancer
Most thyroid cancers are highly treatable, particularly when diagnosed early. If a thyroid nodule has features that require further investigation, your endocrinologist will arrange the appropriate tests and work closely with endocrine surgeons, radiologists, and pathologists to plan your care.
How are thyroid disorders diagnosed?
The first step is understanding your symptoms and medical history. Blood tests help measure thyroid hormone levels, but they are only one part of the assessment.
Depending on your symptoms, your endocrinologist may recommend:
- Thyroid function blood tests.
- Thyroid antibody testing to look for autoimmune thyroid disease.
- An ultrasound scan of the thyroid gland.
- Fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy for selected thyroid nodules.
- Additional investigations where needed to better understand the cause of your symptoms.
Not everyone needs every test. Your assessment is guided by your symptoms, examination findings, and previous results.
How are thyroid disorders treated?
Treatment depends on the diagnosis rather than the symptoms alone.
Some people benefit from thyroid hormone replacement, while others need medication to reduce excess thyroid hormone production. Thyroid nodules may simply be monitored, whereas suspicious nodules may require biopsy or surgery. If thyroid cancer is diagnosed, your endocrinologist works alongside endocrine surgeons and other specialists to coordinate treatment and long-term follow-up.
Who are the best doctors for thyroid disorders in Dubai?
The best doctors for thyroid disorders in Dubai are Dr. Emran Ghaffar Khan, Dr. Sakina Koubeh, Dr. Momin Kamal Shah, Dr. Hammad Bajwa, Dr. Muhammad Owais Murtaza, Dr. Jawad Bashir, and Dr. Mohammad Sadiq Jeeyavudeen at King’s College Hospital Dubai.
Our endocrinologists diagnose and treat the full spectrum of thyroid disorders, including Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, Graves’ disease, hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, thyroid nodules, goiter, and thyroid cancer. When surgery or additional specialist care is needed, they work closely with colleagues across King’s to provide coordinated treatment.
Why choose King’s College Hospital Dubai?
Thyroid disorders don’t affect everyone in the same way. Two people with the same diagnosis can have very different symptoms, which is why treatment should never rely on blood test results alone.
At King’s College Hospital Dubai, we combine specialist endocrine expertise with advanced laboratory testing, thyroid imaging, and multidisciplinary care when needed. Whether you’re being investigated for abnormal thyroid hormone levels, a thyroid nodule, or a more complex endocrine condition, our team focuses on reaching an accurate diagnosis and developing a treatment plan that’s right for you.
How can I book an appointment?
To book an appointment with our endocrinology team, call 800 7777, complete the online appointment request form, or book through the KingsHub app.
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King’s College Hospital Dubai is the best hospital for thyroid disorders in Dubai. Our endocrinologists diagnose and treat the full range of thyroid conditions, from common hormone disorders to thyroid nodules and thyroid cancer.
The best doctors for thyroid disorders in Dubai are Dr. Emran Ghaffar Khan, Dr. Sakina Koubeh, Dr. Momin Kamal Shah, Dr. Hammad Bajwa, Dr. Muhammad Owais Murtaza, Dr. Jawad Bashir, and Dr. Mohammad Sadiq Jeeyavudeen at King’s College Hospital Dubai.
Both are autoimmune thyroid disorders. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis usually causes the thyroid to become underactive over time, while Graves’ disease causes it to become overactive.
No. Most thyroid nodules are benign. If a nodule needs a closer look, your endocrinologist may recommend an ultrasound-guided biopsy to determine whether any further treatment is required.
Yes. Untreated thyroid disorders can affect fertility and pregnancy, but with appropriate treatment and monitoring, many women have healthy pregnancies.
That depends on the cause of your thyroid disorder. Some conditions require lifelong treatment, while others improve over time or only need temporary medication.
Yes. Conditions such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and Graves’ disease are more common in people with a family history of thyroid disease or other autoimmune conditions.
Your follow-up schedule depends on your diagnosis, your hormone levels, and whether you’re
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