Thyroid definitions

  • Acquired hypothyroidism: it occurs when the thyroid at some point stops working properly and produces fewer hormones. It is a relatively common condition.
  • Autoimmune: diseases due to abnormal immune response that attacks the cells and tissues of its own body.
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis. Most common form of thyroiditis due to a reaction of the immune system that destroys the cells that produce thyroid hormones.
  • Congenital hypothyroidism. It occurs when the thyroid is not present at birth.
  • Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Synonymous with autoimmune thyroiditis. It is named after the American physician of Japanese descent who first described it over a century ago.
  • Hyperthyroidism. Situation in which the thyroid gland 'works too much'  and causes agitation, insomnia, accelerated rhythm of the heartbeat and weight loss.
  • Pituitary. Gland located within the brain that regulates various body functions among which, through the hormone TSH, thyroid function.
  • Subclinical thyroiditis. Autoimmune thyroiditis in a mild form in which clinical symptoms are not present.
  • TSH. Hormone produced by the pituitary, regulates the function of the thyroid.