Millions of people worldwide have thyroid problems, affecting many parts of the body. The thyroid gland, located in the neck, controls metabolism, energy, and growth.
When the thyroid doesn't function properly, it can lead to serious health issues. There are different types of thyroid disorders, with the two most common being hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.
Some autoimmune diseases, such as Graves’ disease and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, are also major causes of thyroid disorders.
One of the biggest reasons people develop thyroid problems is due to autoimmune diseases.
In autoimmune diseases, the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy parts of the body. For example, in Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, the immune system damages the thyroid gland over time, leading to hypothyroidism, where the thyroid doesn't produce enough hormones.
Author's summary: Thyroid disorders affect millions worldwide, often caused by autoimmune diseases.