How many types of thyroid are there?
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While there is only one thyroid gland, there are several types of thyroid conditions or diseases that can affect its function. These can be broadly categorized into two main types based on hormone production: * Hypothyroidism (Underactive Thyroid): This occurs when the thyroid gland doesn't produceRead more
While there is only one thyroid gland, there are several types of thyroid conditions or diseases that can affect its function. These can be broadly categorized into two main types based on hormone production:
See less* Hypothyroidism (Underactive Thyroid): This occurs when the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormones.
* Common causes include:
* Hashimoto’s thyroiditis: An autoimmune disorder where the body’s immune system attacks and damages the thyroid gland.
* Iodine deficiency
* Certain medications
* Post-surgical or radiation treatment of the thyroid
* Congenital hypothyroidism (present at birth)
* Hyperthyroidism (Overactive Thyroid): This occurs when the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone.
* Common causes include:
* Graves’ disease: An autoimmune disorder where the immune system stimulates the thyroid to produce excess hormones.
* Toxic adenomas (nodules that overproduce hormones)
* Thyroiditis (inflammation of the thyroid that can temporarily cause excess hormone release)
Besides these two main categories, other common thyroid conditions include:
* Goiter: An enlargement of the thyroid gland, which can be caused by both hyper- or hypothyroidism, or iodine deficiency.
* Thyroid Nodules: Lumps or growths in the thyroid gland, which are usually benign (non-cancerous) but can sometimes be cancerous or cause hormone imbalances.
* Thyroiditis: Inflammation of the thyroid gland, which can cause temporary hyperthyroidism followed by hypothyroidism. Examples include postpartum thyroiditis, subacute thyroiditis, and silent thyroiditis.
* Thyroid Cancer: Malignant growth of cells in the thyroid gland. There are different types, such as papillary, follicular, medullary, and anaplastic.
So, while there are two primary classifications (hypo- and hyperthyroidism), there are various underlying conditions and diseases that fall under the umbrella of “thyroid problems.”