Thyroid swelling and swollen eyes/eyelids
If swollen eyes or eyelids appear as a symptom in addition to a thyroid swelling, this may indicate a specific disease as a common cause. This is Graves’ disease, a so-called autoimmune disease of the thyroid gland, which often also affects the eyes.The body produces antibodies (proteins produced by immune cells and released into the bloodstream) that stimulate the thyroid gland to abnormally increase hormone production and excessive growth. Other complaints are usually the result of hyperthyroidism, such as palpitations, tremors and anxiety.
Anyone who notices a swollen thyroid gland, eye complaints and possibly signs of hyperthyroidism should consult a doctor. This doctor can investigate the suspicion of Graves’ disease or any other thyroid disease. It is also possible that swollen thyroid and swollen eyelids are due to different causes. By means of special examinations of the blood, for example, a diagnosis can be made and an appropriate therapy can be started.
Swelling of the thyroid gland during pregnancy
During pregnancy the function of the thyroid gland increases. It is stimulated by the pregnancy hormones. A slight swelling of the thyroid gland during pregnancy is therefore common and primarily harmless.
However, a functional disorder can also occur during pregnancy, which can have a negative effect on the development of the growing child. Therefore, in case of doubt, a medical checkup should be carried out. This is especially true in the case of a very pronounced swelling, which is clearly visible in the mirror, as well as in the presence of a palpable nodule in the area of the thyroid gland.
After pregnancy, pregnancy hormone levels drop again and consequently the swelling of the thyroid gland decreases. If the swelling persists or even increases further, a doctor should also be consulted. In 4% of women, a temporary inflammation of the thyroid gland (post-partum thyroiditis) occurs after delivery, which can be accompanied by over- or under-functioning and usually heals without consequences within a year.
