Autoimmune Thyroid Disease

The thyroid gland controls your metabolism, from your heart rate to the speed at which your body burns calories. As long as your thyroid releases the correct amount of hormones, your body runs normally. In the United States there are about 20 million people who have some form of autoimmune thyroid disease, diagnosed, undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. Of these 20 million, the majority of people afflicted with this disease are women. As many as 4 out of 100 women have thyroid disease and are frequently in families with other relatives who have autoimmune diseases. Untreated thyroid disease in women can prevent ovulation, change menstrual cycles, and increase the risk of miscarriage.

Autoimmune thyroid disease results from the body’s immune system destroying (hypothyroidism) or stimulating (hyperthyroidism) the thyroid tissue. The symptoms of hypothyroid (underactive thyroid) disease or hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) disease can occur gradually or very suddenly and are sometimes confused with other medical problems. Symptoms of hypothyroidism include weight gain, fatigue, depression, muscle weakness, and cold intolerance. Hypothyroidism is 10 times more common in women than men.

Hyperthyroidism, however, will increase the rate at which your body uses energy leading to weight loss, insomnia, irritability, and heat intolerance. Hyperthyroidism, although less common than hypothyroidism, has more serious side effects unless it is treated properly. Fortunately, there are thyroid replacement hormones for women with an underactive thyroid, and treatments to help regulate the overactive thyroid including medication or surgery.

Autoimmune Thyroid Disease is a very serious condition that can greatly affect the way you live your life, and appropriate medical treatment is important.

HYPOTHYROIDISM

Dry, Coarse Hair
Puffy Face
Enlarged Thyroid
(Goiter)
Slow Heartbeat
Arthritis
Cold Intolerance
Depression
Dry Skin
Forgetfulness
Heavy Menstrual Periods
Infertility
Muscle Aches
Weight Gain
Constipation
Brittle Nails

HYPERTHYROIDISM

Hair Loss
Bulging Eyes
Sweating
Enlarged Thyroid
(Goiter)
Rapid Heartbeat
Difficulty Sleeping
Heat Intolerance
Infertility
Irritability
Muscle Weakness
Nervousness
Scant Menstrual Periods
Weight Loss
Frequent Bowel Movements
Warm, Moist Palms
Tremor of Fingers
Soft Nails

American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association, Inc.

Office of Scientific and Health Information

American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists

American Thyroid Association

Endocrine Society

Thyroid Center