What Is Autoimmune Thyroid Disease?
Autoimmune thyroid disease is a condition that develops when the immune system begins to attack the thyroid cells. This disease will reduce, or even destroy the ability of the thyroid to function. The thyroid can be found under the skin, at the front of the neck. It is a tiny gland, weighing less than an ounce, but it has a great deal of responsibility. The thyroid gland produces hormones that are responsible for both metabolism and growth. Roughly three-quarters of the people that develop autoimmune diseases are women, and most women who develop these problems are in their child-bearing years. There are two basic types of autoimmune thyroid disease, hypoactive thyroid and hyperactive thyroid. Each has its own unique set of symptoms, and each is treated differently.
