Medical Thyroid Gland Disorders
The thyroid gland is an organ with two distinct lobes residing in the neck. It is an integral part of the endocrine system and produces the T3 and T4 hormones the body uses to regulate growth, development and metabolic functions.
Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism refers to the condition in which the thyroid gland produces an over abundance of T3 and/or T4 hormones. Irritability, insomnia and weight loss are classic symptoms of hyperthyroidism.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism refers to the condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough T3 and/or T4 hormones. Weight gain, fatigue and hair loss are classic symptoms of hypothyroidism.
Iodine Deficiency
The thyroid gland utilizes iodine during hormone production. When there is a deficiency of iodine it will alter hormone levels. Iodine deficiency can be caused by the body's ability to absorb the substance or by insufficient nutritional iodine intake.
Thyroiditis
Thyroiditis is simply inflammation of the thyroid gland. It can be caused by medications, infection, trauma to the gland or by an autoimmune disease. Hashimoto's disease is a common form of thyroiditis.
Hashimoto's Thyroiditis
Hashimoto's thyroiditis, also known as lymphocytic thyroiditis, is an autoimmune disorder of the thyroid gland. The body confuses the healthy cells of the thyroid gland with abnormal or invading cell. As a result, antibodies attack and damage the gland so that it cannot produce appropriate amounts of hormones. The result is hypothyroidism.
Graves' Disease
Graves' disease is also an autoimmune disease. In this case, the thyroid produces too large a quantity of hormones. The result is an enlarged thyroid, possible goiter, and other symptoms of hyperthyroidism.
Abnormal Growths
Abnormal tissue can grow on the thyroid gland in the form of a thyroid neoplasm, which is simply a tumor. Neoplasmic growths are usually benign. Nodules of solid tissue or fluid can also develop on the gland. They grow in either single units or multiples.