Our specialists at the region's oldest and largest thyroid clinic in Seattle evaluate and treat people with thyroid overactivity and underactivity, thyroid enlargement and thyroid tumors.
The information below will give you a general understanding about disorders of the thyroid gland. Click on a topic heading for more detailed information. For more information about a specific thyroid disorder, call (206) 223-6620.
Hyperthyroidism, also referred to as an overactive thyroid, occurs when your thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone. The most common cause of hyperthyroidism is Graves' Disease.
Hypothyroidism, also referred to as an underactive thyroid, is the most common disorder of the thyroid gland. Having this condition means that you have too little thyroid hormone circulating in your blood stream, which may make you feel tired or sluggish because every function in your body is slowing down. Hashimoto's Thyroiditis is the most common cause of hypothyroidism.
Thyroiditis is an inflammation of the thyroid gland. It can be permanent or transient. The most common type of thyroiditis is Hashimoto's Thyroiditis, also known as chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis.
Thyrotoxicosis means an excess of thyroid hormone in the body. Having this condition also means that you have a low level of thyroid stimulating hormone, TSH, in your bloodstream, because the pituitary gland senses that you have “enough” thyroid hormone.