What causes thyroid problems

Autoimmune Thyroid Disorders • Care notes • • • • • • • What are autoimmune thyroid disorders? Autoimmune thyroid disorders are when your immune system attacks your thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped organ that is found in the front part of your neck. Thyroid hormones regulate body temperature, heart rate, and weight gain or loss. What are the kinds of autoimmune thyroid disorders? Autoimmune thyroid disorders can cause hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. Hyperthyroidism is when the thyroid gland makes too much thyroid hormone. Graves disease is the most common kind of autoimmune hyperthyroidism. Hypothyroidism is when the thyroid gland does not make enough thyroid hormone. Hashimoto thyroiditis is the most common kind of autoimmune hypothyroidism. What increases my risk for autoimmune thyroid disorders? • Family history of autoimmune disease • Not enough iodine in your diet • Stress • Smoking What are the signs and symptoms of autoimmune thyroid disorders? You may have a goiter (enlarged thyroid gland) that feels like a lump on your neck. You may also have signs and symptoms of one or both conditions: • Hyperthyroidism: • Nervousness, restlessness • Tired and hot • Diarrhea • Tremors and a fast heartbeat • Weight loss and hunger, even after you eat • Eyes that bulge • Hypothyroidism: • Weakness, muscle aches, or joint aches • Dry, flaky skin or thin and brittle fingernails or hair • Changes in your voice, such as hoarseness • Sudden weight gain • Sleepi...