An elaborate network of cells and tissues comprise the immune system, allowing it to efficiently recognize and neutralize pathogens and tumor cells. One of the ways the immune system accomplishes this task is by memorizing the identity of specific protein molecules on the surfaces of foreign cells. Autoimmunity results when this process goes awry and the immune system confuses foreign molecules with self. Autoimmune conditions are more prevalent in women than men, according to the website Women's Health, and thyroid autoimmunity can occur as both hyper- and hypothyroid conditions.
Grave's Disease- Autoimmune Hyperthyroid
This autoimmune disorder causes the thyroid to overproduce thyroxine, speeding up metabolism and resulting in widespread and variable symptoms throughout the body. Enlarged thyroid and protrusion of the eyes, or exophthalmos, as well as mood and sleeping disorders, weight loss, tremor, irregular heart rate and menstrual cycles and paradoxically, fatigue are among the signs to look for, according to MayoClinic.com. The disease occurs most frequently in women over 20 years of age. Lifestyle and other factors associated with risk include smoking, stress, family history and pregnancy. Heart problems stemming from over-stimulation and irregular rate and rhythm are the most dangerous complications of Grave's disease. Atrial fibrillation--a disorganized fluttering of the atria can lead to cardiac arrest and longstanding stress on the heart can result in congestive heart failure--an inability of the heart to efficiently distribute blood.
Hashimoto's Disease
Also known as autoimmune hypothyroidism, or Hashimoto's thyroiditis, this is a process whereby the immune system attacks the thyroid and results in decreased thyroid hormone output. The American Association of Family Physicians says that Hashimoto's disease can remain quiescent, with no noticeable symptoms, or can progress to include weight gain, sensitivity to cold, tenderness in the muscles and pain, tenderness and stiffness in the joints, elevated cholesterol--LDL--levels, menstrual irregularities, constipation, and depressed mood. Women between 30 and 50 years of age, with a family history of the disease, are at greatest risk. Medical treatment uses synthetic thyroid hormone. Natural therapies include dietary modifications to avoid foods that suppress thyroid function, such as soy, cabbage, kale, and mustard greens, and increasing intake of essential fatty acids to regulate inflammation, and calcium and magnesium for their contribution to many metabolic processes, according to the website Healing Deva.
Rheumatic Diseases and Autoimmune Thyroid
Sjögren's sydrome, systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, RA, and spondyloarthropathies--spinal joint arthritis, have all been associated with either hyper- or hypothyroidism. Research conducted at the Institute of Rheumatology, Belgrade revealed that Sjogren's syndrome appears in about 10 percent of autoimmnue thyroid patients, and women with rheumatoid arthritis have thyroid dysfunction at a rate of three times that for non-inflammatory rheumatic conditions.
References
- International Scleroderma Network: Thyroid Diseases
- MayoClinic.com: Grave's Disease
- Healing Deva: Alternative Therapies for Thyroid Disease
- PubMed.gov: National Center for Biotechnology Information:[Autoimmune thyroid disease and associated rheumatic disorders]
- WomensHealth.gov: Autoimmune Diseases: Overview
