Here, we are sharing information on the topic “what is the cause of hypothyroidism.” When the thyroid doesn’t create enough thyroid hormones, the condition is known as hypothyroidism, and symptoms including weariness and weight gain are common. Certain lifestyle modifications and medications may help reduce symptoms.
what is the cause of hypothyroidism
- Thyroiditis (Hashimoto’s)
- therapy with radioactive iodine
- thyroid operation
- pharmaceuticals used in radiation therapy
- insufficient iodine
Less frequent reasons consist of:
- pituitary diseases
- birth defect
- pregnancy-related thyroiditis in Quervain
The purpose of your immune system is to defend the cells in your body from germs and viruses that invade them. Your immune system reacts to unknown germs or viruses entering your body by deploying fighter cells to eliminate the foreign cells.
Your body can occasionally mistake healthy, normal cells for alien ones. We refer to this as an autoimmune reaction. Your immune system may assault healthy tissues if the autoimmune reaction isn’t controlled or managed. This might create major medical complications, including illnesses such as hypothyroidism.
The most typical cause of an underactive thyroid in Americans is an autoimmune disease called Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. This illness damages your thyroid gland, which lowers thyroid function.
It can happen to men and children, but it primarily affects women in their middle years. Additionally, this illness runs in families. You run an increased risk of contracting this disease if a family member has been diagnosed with it.
Hypothyroidism: What is it?
When your body doesn’t create enough thyroid hormones, you get hypothyroidism. The thyroid is a little gland located in front of your windpipe that resembles a butterfly. Hormones that aid in energy regulation and use are released by it.
- Thyroid hormones assist manage functions including how your heart beats and how your digestive system works. Your body’s natural processes slow down when it doesn’t get enough thyroid hormones.
- Often affecting individuals over 60, hypothyroidism—also known as underactive thyroid—affects more women than males. It could be found after symptoms start to appear or through a standard blood test.
- An early, mild version of the illness is called subclinical hypothyroidism. It’s crucial to realize that treatment for hypothyroidism is thought to be straightforward, secure, and successful if you were just diagnosed with it.
- The majority of treatments involve adding synthetic hormones to your low hormone levels. These hormones will assist your body resume normal activities by taking the place of those that it is unable to produce on its own.
Surgical removal of your thyroid
- You will have hypothyroidism if thyroid issues necessitate the removal of your entire thyroid gland. The main course of treatment involves long-term thyroid medication use.
- Even if the gland is only partially removed, your thyroid could still be able to generate enough hormones on its own. Blood testing will help establish how much thyroid medicine you may require.
Treatment with radioactive iodine for hyperthyroidism
- Hyperthyroidism is a disorder in which your thyroid gland overproduces thyroid hormone. Reducing and controlling the synthesis of thyroid hormones is the goal of treatment for this illness.
- Radioactive iodine is used as part of the standard treatment for hyperthyroidism to kill thyroid cells. Your thyroid hormone levels may become persistently low as a result of this.
Radiation treatment
- You might have had radiation treatment if you were diagnosed with leukemia, lymphoma, or head or neck cancer.
- Hypothyroidism can result from radiation therapy used to treat certain illnesses because it slows down or stops the thyroid’s hormone synthesis.
Medications
Hypothyroidism can be caused by a number of drugs that decrease the production of thyroid hormones. These include those that are used to treat heart disease, cancer, or mental health issues, like:
lithium, which treats bipolar disorder’s manic episodes; interleukin-2 (IL-2); anti-CTLA-4 drugs; amiodarone (Pacerone); an antiarrhythmic drug; and stavudine, an HIV medication
Lack of iodine
In other parts of the world, iodine shortage is the most common cause of hypothyroidism, yet it happens infrequently in the United States. Foods containing iodine, which is required to make thyroid hormone, include:
- eggs
- dairy
- seafood
- iodized salt
A deficit in iodine can cause swelling around the base of the neck. We refer to this as a goitre. An enlarged thyroid gland is the cause of it.
Pituitary abnormalities
An other cause of hypothyroidism could be pituitary gland issues. Hormones that impact numerous body processes, including the thyroid gland, are produced by this tiny brain gland.
Thyroid problems may be brought on by pituitary gland problems. Pituitary diseases can be caused by:
- pituitary tumors drugs such as opioids and dopamine radiation therapy surrounding the brain
- Hereditary condition causing pituitary damage
Since the thyroid gland is functioning regularly, this type of hypothyroidism is referred to as secondary hypothyroidism. It’s less prevalent than primary hypothyroidism, which is caused by a malfunction with the thyroid gland.
Conclusion
(what is the cause of hypothyroidism)
In conclusion, autoimmune diseases and environmental factors are just two of the many possible causes of hypothyroidism. To determine the best course of action in each situation, it is essential to pinpoint the precise cause. Medical practitioners usually do extensive assessments, including as imaging studies and blood testing, to identify the underlying cause of hypothyroidism and adjust medication appropriately. Thyroid hormone replacement therapy is a common treatment used to raise hormone levels in the body. It is crucial to speak with a healthcare provider if you think you might have hypothyroidism so that it can be properly diagnosed and treated.
Frequently Asked Questions
(what is the cause of hypothyroidism)
What is the main cause of hypothyroidism?
Answer: The autoimmune condition known as Hashimoto’s disease is the most frequent cause of hypothyroidism. When the immune system produces antibodies that target healthy organs, autoimmune disorders result. The thyroid gland may be involved in this process, which can impact the gland’s hormone-producing capacity. surgical thyroid extraction.
How can I stop hypothyroidism?
Answer: Levothyroxine replacement medication is often taken once a day to treat hypothyroidism, or underactive thyroid. Your thyroid produces insufficient amounts of the hormone thyroxine, which is replaced by levothyroxine. Initially, you will receive routine blood tests until the proper levothyroxine dosage is achieved.
What foods reduce thyroid?
Answer: foods to consume in cases of hyperthyroidism:
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salt without iodization.
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decaffeinated tea or coffee (without milk or dairy- or soy-based creamers)
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egg whites.
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either canned or fresh fruit.
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Nut butters and unsalted nuts.
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artisan bread or breads free of eggs, dairy, and salt.
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Popcorn salted without iodine.
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oats.
