Thyroid disorders

Your thyroid is an endocrine gland in your neck that produces the hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3).

These hormones are responsible for ensuring that all the cells in your body work as they are supposed to: they decide how your body uses energy.

Grave’s disease is an autoimmune disorder where your immune system attacks your thyroid, mistaking it for a foreign body. This can lead to an overactive thyroid, or hyperthyroidism. Some symptoms include unexplained weight loss, rapid heartbeat, difficulties sleeping, and poor heat tolerance. It can lead to serious complications like strokes, blood clots, osteoporosis, and menstrual problems in women. It can also cause bulging eyes and the skin to become red and thick.

The British Thyroid Foundation has information to help you understand the role of the thyroid in your body and how to live well with any disorder that may affect it.

• Thyroid UK
• Thyroid UK – Grave’s Disease
• The British Thyroid Foundation
• Hyperthyroidism NHS