Genetics plays a large role in the function of the thyroid gland along with environmental factors. The thyroid is a very important gland in the body that I largely overlooked. It plays an important role in hormone balance and metabolism and any imbalance can largely affect the rest of the body. This paper will address the four major types of autoimmune disease associated with the thyroid and the genes and environmental influences that play a role in these diseases.
First off, where is exactly is the thyroid and what is its purpose? The thyroid is a small gland located in the neck just below the Adam’s apple. This gland produces hormones called Thyroxine and Triiodothyronine, otherwise known T4 and T3 respectively. These hormones and the thyroid are responsible for stimulating our body’s metabolism and extracting vitamins from foods we eat. The thyroid is considered the “thermostat” since it also maintains body temperature and its function affects every reaction in our body one way or another. As you can see the thyroid is extremely important and any imbalance can cause an extreme reaction, which is why thyroid autoimmune diseases are so devastating to our health. …show more content…
There are 2 categories that describe thyroid diseases, hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. Hypothyroidism is described, as a condition in the thyroid is underactive and not producing enough thyroid hormone. Diseases covered under this category are Hashimoto’s Disease, Thyroid Nodules and Goiters. Since yours truly suffers from Hashimoto’s and it is the most common type of hypothyroidism, it will be covered a little more extensively. Alternatively, hyperthyroidism is described as an overactive thyroid in which too much thyroid hormone is produced. Grave’s disease will be covered under this
First off, where is exactly is the thyroid and what is its purpose? The thyroid is a small gland located in the neck just below the Adam’s apple. This gland produces hormones called Thyroxine and Triiodothyronine, otherwise known T4 and T3 respectively. These hormones and the thyroid are responsible for stimulating our body’s metabolism and extracting vitamins from foods we eat. The thyroid is considered the “thermostat” since it also maintains body temperature and its function affects every reaction in our body one way or another. As you can see the thyroid is extremely important and any imbalance can cause an extreme reaction, which is why thyroid autoimmune diseases are so devastating to our health. …show more content…
There are 2 categories that describe thyroid diseases, hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. Hypothyroidism is described, as a condition in the thyroid is underactive and not producing enough thyroid hormone. Diseases covered under this category are Hashimoto’s Disease, Thyroid Nodules and Goiters. Since yours truly suffers from Hashimoto’s and it is the most common type of hypothyroidism, it will be covered a little more extensively. Alternatively, hyperthyroidism is described as an overactive thyroid in which too much thyroid hormone is produced. Grave’s disease will be covered under this