The thyroid is a vitally important hormonal gland that regulates metabolism and growth in the body. It helps regulate the functions of the nervous system, affects the cardiovascular system, facilitates the absorption of calcium by the bones and increases the activity of the adrenal glands. It also plays a very important role in stress management .

Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) is a condition in which your thyroid gland produces too much of the hormone thyroxine.

While stress is an important factor in hyperthyroidism, it’s not the only one: the autoimmune system can also come into play by producing antibodies that work against the thyroid. Slow-onset food allergies can also contribute to hyperthyroidism. 

Graves’ Disease is an autoimmune condition of the thyroid gland, resulting in an over production of thyroxine. The cause of the problem is the production of abnormal antibodies by the Immune system. These antibodies act in a similar way to TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone), mimicking its function and causing the gland to produce excessive amounts of thyroxine.

The condition of an underactive thyroid gland is far more commonly encountered than an overactive thyroid. Hypothyroidism is more commonly seen in women, particularly after the age of 50.

There are several causes of hypothyroidism including:

• Hormonal changes during menopause and pregnancy.
• Lack of iodine in nutrition, especially if living far from the oceans.
• Vitamin- and mineral-deficient diet
• Lack of exercise, as physical activity stimulates metabolism and hence, the thyroid

A Goitre is defined simply as a swelling in the thyroid gland. There are many causes of Goitre. It may be associated with Hyperthyroidism, Hypothyroidism and in some cases, a normal thyroid function