What Are Thyroid Diseases and Its Classes?
Normally, thyroid gland helps in the production of hormones which control metabolic activities in the body.Thyroid disease therefore refers to abnormalities in the thyroid gland which prevents it from functioning properly. The two major hormones released by the thyroid gland are thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3).
There are different classes of thyroid diseases. These include:
- Hyperthyroidism
- Hypothyroidism
- Thyroid nodules
- Goiter
Hypothyroidism: This is a condition in which the thyroid gland produces very little thyroid hormones. It can be due to defects in the thyroid gland, anterior pituitary gland or hypothalamus [4].
Cause of hypothyroidism may include
- Hashimoto’s thyroiditis: This is a form of autoimmune disease, in which the antibodies attack and destroy the thyroid gland. This destruction leads to low production of thyroid hormones.
- Iodine deficiency: Iodine is a major component of thyroid hormones, so lack of iodine prevents the production of these hormones.
- Thyroid hormone resistance
Hyperthyroidism: This is a condition in which the thyroid gland produces an excessive amount of thyroid hormones. This condition leads to an increased rate of metabolism in the body.
Cause of hypothyroidism may include:
- Grave’s diseases: This is an autoimmune disease in which antibodies called Thyroid Stimulating Immunoglobulins (TSI) [5], attack the gland and cause it to over secrete thyroid hormones. In this case, TSI acts as Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) [6], which normally stimulates the thyroid gland to secrete thyroid hormones.
- Overconsumption of iodine: As stated earlier, iodine is used for the production of thyroid hormones. Excess consumption of Iodine leads to excess production of thyroid hormones
- Thyroid adenoma: This is a form of tumor that grows in the thyroid gland. This tumor secretes thyroid hormones without any simulation.
Thyroid nodules: Nodules are lumps in the thyroid gland. They’re mostly benign and rarely cancerous. Most times, they show no symptoms and one might have it without noticing.
Goiter: This is a condition in which the thyroid gland becomes enlarged. The cause of this disease is not specific and is associated with hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.