Thyroid disorders affect how your thyroid gland functions. The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland at the base of your neck that releases hormones to regulate your metabolism. There are several types of thyroid disorders:
- Hypothyroidism - Your thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones. This slows down your metabolism. Common symptoms include fatigue, weight gain, dry skin, hair loss, and feeling cold.
- Hyperthyroidism - Your thyroid gland is overactive and produces too much hormone. This speeds up your metabolism. Symptoms include unexplained weight loss, rapid heartbeat, increased appetite, and anxiety.
- Hashimoto's disease - An autoimmune disorder where your immune system attacks your thyroid gland. This leads to an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism).
- Graves' disease - An autoimmune disorder that results in hyperthyroidism or overactive thyroid. Common symptoms are anxiety, tremors, weight loss, and eye problems.
- Goiter - Enlarged thyroid gland that may produce too much or too little hormones. A goiter can occur from iodine deficiency or thyroid disease.
- Thyroid nodules - Lumps on your thyroid. Most are noncancerous, but some may be cancerous.
- Thyroid cancer - Rare, but cancer can occur in your thyroid gland. Treatment depends on the type of thyroid cancer, stage, and your age.
- Autoimmune disease - Your immune system attacks thyroid tissue
- Iodine deficiency - Your body needs iodine to produce thyroid hormones
- Family history of thyroid disease
- Radiation exposure
- Certain medications