When your thyroid releases excess thyroid hormone, your body will speed up energy usage more than it should. This condition is known as hyperthyroidism and when the thyroid gland insufficient hormones, your body reduces the speed at which it uses energy. There are still other factors that can cause thyroid disorder. Over 20 million Americans alone suffer from one type of thyroid disease. The disease affects people of all races and ages, however, women are more prone to the condition than men.

1. Causes of thyroid disease
This condition is caused by overproduction of thyroid hormones. However, there are several ways that the condition can occur:

• Grave’s disease, where the thyroid gland produces excess hormones
• Toxic adenomas, nodules start to grow inside the thyroid gland and start to produce thyroid hormones, which in turn, compromises the chemical balance of the body.
• Subacute thyroiditis, which causes thyroid nodules, forcing it to leak hormones, causing mild form of the condition, which lasts only for a short time
• Cancerous growths and pituitary gland malfunctions can also cause thyroid conditions

2. Hyperthyroidism
This disease occurs when the body produces too much hormone, which speeds up metabolic processes. A person with this condition usually has a lot of energy, but their body burns out faster, which can result in various issues such as fatigue. People can develop this type of disease due to sleeping difficulties and is more frequent in menopausal women. It can also be caused by an autoimmune complication known as Graves’ disease that stimulates the thyroid gland produces a lot of thyroid hormones. Researchers believe the disease is caused by genetic defects.

3. Hypothyroidism
This is also called overactive thyroid. In this condition, the thyroid gland releases very low hormone count. Many factors can cause overactive thyroid, which may directly or indirectly be related to the thyroid gland. The thyroid hormone plays a crucial role in growth, cellular processes, and development. For this reason, insufficient amounts of thyroid hormone can have a serious effect on the body. Common symptoms include depression, weight gain, increased cholesterol levels, fatigue, memory loss, hair loss, decreased concentration, constipation, muscle cramps, swelling of the legs, vague pains, and aches, as well as dry, rough skin.

4. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
The most common cause of hypothyroidism is Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, especially in the US. Medications, thyroid removal, and autoimmune conditions can also cause an overactive thyroid. Excess or too little iodine in the body can also cause the disease.

5. Goiter
When the thyroid glands enlarge, the condition is called goiter. It is a non-cancerous growth. Iodine deficiency is the number one cause of the condition in the world. According to studies, the disease affects 25% of the 800 people who lack iron in their body. People of all ages are susceptible to the disease, especially in places where foods do not have a lot of iodine. The condition is prevalent in people who are 40 years and above, especially in women. Radiation exposure, pregnancy, some medication, and family medical history are some of the common risk factors associated with this disease. If the condition is mild, you may not experience any symptoms. However, the condition may cause tightness or swelling in your neck, wheezing, coughing, hoarseness of voice, swallowing problems, and breathing difficulties.

While thyroid disease is a serious medical condition, it can still be treated. Some common treatment options include taking thyroid hormones, in the case of hypothyroidism. Treatment for underactive thyroid include anti-thyroid medications, beta-blockers, and radioactive iodine