Autoimmune Thyroid Disease

The thyroid is a tiny, brownish gland weighing less than a pound and is located beneath the skin and muscles at the front of everyone's neck, right at the spot where a bow tie would rest. It is located on the left and right halves, known as lobes. As tiny as it is though, this gland has an enormous job of manufacturing hormones that help control growth and metabolism. For this to take place, the thyroid requires a chemical element known as iodine derived from the food and water we consume.

That said, autoimmune thyroid disease is a health condition that occurs when the body's immune system starts attacking the thyroid cells. As a result, the disease will lessen, or completely destroy the ability of the thyroid to function normally. Keep in mind that thyroid hormones are also responsible for how most organs in the body function hence if the thyroid isn't operating as it would, several parts of the body will be affected.

There are different types of autoimmune thyroid disease, some which develop as a result of the thyroid itself functioning such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, postpartum thyroiditis to mention but a few. The other category of thyroid disease occurs as a result of complications with the structure of the thyroid gland, examples being thyroid cancer, thyroid nodules, and goiter. As such, as varied as are the two categories of autoimmune thyroid disease, the treatment will also vary depending on the cause of the disease.

Some of the signs and symptoms of autoimmune thyroid disease include:- Insomnia, Irritability, Nervousness, Heat sensitivity, Unexplained weight loss, Increased perspiration, Fine hair, Thinning hair, Brittle hair, Warm skin, Thinning of your skin, Lighter menstrual flow in case of women, Eye changes, Muscular weakness, Weak leg muscles, Decreased menstruation, Hand tremors, Rapid heart beat, Shaky hands, and Eye changes. These are the symptoms associated with hyperthyroidism, while the symptoms for hypothyroidism include: - Depression, Cold sensitivity, Vague symptoms, Sluggishness, Thyroid deficiency, Forgetfulness, Constipation, Weight gain, Increased menstrual flow, Dry skin, and Dry hair.

Like any other autoimmune disease, thyroid mostly affects women, especially those who are in their child-bearing years. The defect that makes people susceptible to develop autoimmune thyroid disease is yet to be identified. However, there are mechanisms that have already been proposed such as a tissue-specific defect in suppressor T-cell activity, an idiotype/anti-idiotype reaction, as well as a genetically programmed appearance of a thyroid-specific antigen.