Autoimmunity

Thyroid Autoimmunity

Autoimmune thyroiditis is a chronic disease in which the body interprets the thyroid glands and its hormone products T3, T4 and TSH as threats, therefore producing special antibodies that target the thyroid’s cells, thereby destroying it. The symptoms may vary depending on the thyroid function, i.e. hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. Hyperthyroidism will cause sweating, speedy pulse rate, anxiety, tremors, fatigue, problem sleeping, unexpected weight loss, and sticking eyes. Hypothyroidism will cause weight gain, fatigue, dry skin, hair loss, intolerance to cold, and constipation. Autoimmune thyroiditis has a higher prevalence in societies that have a higher intake of iodine in their diet