What is thyroid disease and whom does it affect?
• Autoimmune Thyroiditis (Hashimoto’s thyroiditis): is by far the most common type of thyroid disease. During the progression of the disease, the thyroid gland enlarges and it does not produce enough hormones. Thus, the body uses energy slower than it should. Eventually, the production of hormones is inadequate and hypothyroidism, a deficiency of the thyroid gland, is the result. • Graves disease: Graves is rare, but it is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism. When the thyroid produces too much hormone, the body uses energy faster than it should. There are many different reasons why either of these conditions might develop. Currently, about 20 million Americans have some form of thyroid disease. People of all ages and races can get thyroid disease. However, women are five to eight times more likely than men to have thyroid problems. Celiac Disease and Thyroid Disease A significant number of patients with autoimmune thyroid disease also have celiac disease. The link between celiac d
