In the middle of the front of the neck is a small gland with flared sides that make it look like a butterfly. It is called a thyroid. Most people have heard about it from the weight loss pill commercials that constantly push supplements to make the gland work harder. But although it does affect the metabolism, it is important for many other bodily functions too. Some diseases, such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, can affect it though. So, to ensure that anyone who has the condition gets the help that they need in time, it is important to understand the symptoms, causes, and treatment options that are available.
Autoimmune Disease. Hashimoto’s disease is an autoimmune disease. What that essentially means is that the body’s immune system is not functioning correctly. So, instead of attacking viruses and bacteria and helping to heal a person’s wounds, it starts attacking healthy tissue. The body essentially is turning on itself and attacks itself. There are many different types of autoimmune diseases, but this one in particular is responsible for severe damage to the thyroid gland.
