What types of thyroid disease can occur when the function of the thyroid is affected?
If the thyroid itself is under-active, or if the regulators of the thyroid gland are not functioning properly, hypothyroidism can result. There are many causes of hypothyroidism such as the following: • Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (autoimmune thyroiditis) • Postpartum thyroiditis (inflammation of the thyroid gland after pregnancy) • Acute thyroiditis • Silent thyroiditis • Thyroid hormone resistance • Medications that affect thyroid function [such as amiodarone (Cordarone)] If the thyroid is overactive, or if the regulators of the thyroid gland are pushing the thyroid to produce too much hormone, hyperthyroidism can result. Some of the causes of hyperthyroidism are listed below: • Graves’ disease • Toxic multinodular goiter • Toxic nodule (“hot” nodule) • Excessive intake of iodine • Hashitoxicosis • Medications (ingesting thyroid hormone) What signs and symptoms can occur if thyroid function is affected? If the thyroid is under-active, symptoms of hypothyroidism may occur. The signs and s
