by: Dr. Craig A. Maxwell
Thyroid disease is complex and can be caused by many different factors. If you suspect some of the symptoms you’re experiencing could be related to thyroid disease, this page will explain the different types of thyroid disease and what you can do to reclaim your health naturally.
What is the Thyroid?
The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located at the front of the throat. It is responsible for regulating metabolism and energy levels and controls how sensitive the body is to hormonal fluctuations.
Types of Thyroid Disease
Thyroid disease is any type of disorder responsible for affecting the natural flow of thyroid hormones. There are four main types of thyroid disease.
Let’s take a closer look at each of these types in detail:
- Hypothyroidism
This is the most common form of thyroid disorder. In hypothyroidism, the body does not make enough of the thyroid hormone. The most common cause of hypothyroidism is Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, whereby the immune system sees the thyroid as a foreign invader and attacks it. Over time, the damage done to the thyroid can cause it to enlarge, resulting in a goiter. Iodine deficiency can also cause hypothyroidism,
but it is less common today due to iodine being added to some food products.
Symptoms of hypothyroidism include:
- Fatigue
- Sensitivity to Cold
- Pale, Dry Skin
- Facial Puffiness
- Unexplained Weight Gain
- Constipation
- Muscle Pain and Stiffness
- Brittle Hair and Nails
- Decreased Concentration
- Leg Swelling
- Hyperthyroidism
In a patient with hyperthyroidism, the thyroid gland is hyperactive, making more of the thyroid hormone than is necessary. There are several causes of this thyroid disease.
