E06.3: Autoimmune thyroiditis
The thyroid is a small organ at the bottom of the neck. The thyroid gland needs iodine to produce important messenger substances for the body. These messenger substances influence the heartbeat, digestion, and body temperature, among other things.
The immune system protects the body from pathogens and foreign substances. The immune system can also destroy cells in the body that have pathologically changed. With some disorders, the immune system attacks the body’s own tissue.
Your immune system is attacking thyroid gland tissue. The thyroid gland tissue can become inflamed and damaged as a result. If thyroid gland tissue gets damaged, over time fewer messenger substances are produced. If you have too few messengers from the thyroid gland in your body, there can be various symptoms. For example, you can tire quickly, or get cold quickly. You may put on weight and get constipated. You may also have dry skin and brittle hair.
In the early stage of the illness too many messengers may initially get into the blood from the thyroid gland. Having too many thyroid messenger substances can cause a range of problems. For example, you may be restless or have a rapid heartbeat. You may also break out in a sweat often and lose weight.
Patient Disclaimer
The information provided on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not intended for self-diagnosis and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions or concerns about your health.
If you see an ICD diagnosis code (e.g., on a medical report), be aware that doctors may also include additional indicators to express diagnostic certainty. Only a healthcare professional can interpret these codes accurately in the context of your individual case.
For a complete understanding of your condition and what the diagnosis means for you, please speak directly with your doctor.