10 Prevalent Causes of Hypothyroidism You Should Be Aware Of

Hypothyroidism is a disorder in which the thyroid produces insufficient thyroid hormone and fails to transport it into the bloodstream. As a result, your metabolic rate slows down. It’s an underactive thyroid which-can cause fatigue, weight gain, and an inability to handle cold conditions.

Even though hypothyroidism is a prevalent problem in women over 60, it is difficult to diagnose. According to studies, up to 60% of people have thyroid disease and are unaware of it. Among these conditions is hypothyroidism, the most common form of thyroid disease.

Early symptoms of hypothyroidism may not be obvious. In the long run, undiagnosed hypothyroidism can cause obesity, joint discomfort, infertility, and heart disease, among other health issues.

What You Need To Know

Several well-known cases of the condition have been identified, including pregnancy, thyroid surgery, and certain drugs. Understanding thyroid's vitality in our body, it's now essential to note the prevalent causes that would endanger it, leading to Hypothyroidism.

1.  Hashimoto's Thyroiditis

The most frequent cause of hypothyroidism is Hashimoto's thyroiditis, often known as Hashimoto's Hypothyroidism. When your body assaults its healthy tissues, you have an autoimmune illness. Antibodies attack thyroid tissue in those with Hashimoto's. When your thyroid gland can no longer produce the hormones it should, it weakens and becomes ineffective.

Although the specific origin of autoimmune illnesses is unknown, heredity is likely to contribute. For this reason, if you have a close family member who has Hashimoto's, you may be at risk for developing the disease yourself. Even those who are in good health can be affected by this illness.

2.  A Pregnancy Change in Hormones 

Thyroid hormones are one of the numerous hormones that are altered during pregnancy. The body's need for thyroid hormone increases during pregnancy, and a thyroid that isn't functioning well may not keep up. 

It's estimated that up to five out of every 1,000 pregnancies have hypothyroidism. Pregnant women should have regular blood testing to detect this and other thyroid-related problems. Moreover, thyroid hormones during pregnancy are safe when provided in the correct dosages.

The antibodies seen in Hashimoto's disease are associated with a greater risk of thyroid dysfunction in the six to 12 months following pregnancy. An unborn child's well-being could be in jeopardy because of this. There is also the possibility of delays in development.  

3. Pituitary Gland Disorders

Overproduction of thyroid-stimulating hormone by a pituitary tumor causes an overproduction of thyroxine in the thyroid gland, which results in an overactive thyroid. This makes pituitary gland disorders a rare cause of hyperthyroidism. 

The thyroid receives hormonal instructions from the pituitary gland — achieved through thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). Although this is highly unusual, a pituitary gland disease can disrupt thyroid hormone production. 

It's claimed that one percent of all hypothyroidism cases can be traced to pituitary gland abnormalities, wherein noncancerous tumors are common causes.

4. Thyroid Surgery

In the absence of the thyroid gland, the body cannot produce thyroid hormone. You will acquire signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism if you do not have a replacement. The synthetic thyroid hormone levothyroxine must therefore be taken every day.

This procedure removes either one or both sides of the thyroid gland. Those with nodules or thyroid cancer are most likely to benefit from this surgery. Hypothyroidism is not always the result of a partial thyroidectomy. Nevertheless, hypothyroidism can be avoided with close supervision. 

To compensate for the loss of their thyroid glands, those who have had full thyroidectomies are needed to take synthetic thyroid hormones for the rest of their lives.

5. Hyperthyroidism Treatment

Specific treatments for hyperthyroidism might cause hypothyroidism. This is notably the case with radioactive iodine, a treatment that uses iodine-131. 

This is because, if the correct dosage is not followed, the drug can cause the thyroid to shift from being overactive to being underactive. Medications for hyperthyroidism usually change thyroid function.

Hyperthyroidism can also be treated with anti-thyroid medicines. Patients with an overabundance of thyroid hormones may benefit from such therapy.

6. Certain Medications

Certain medications may cause hypothyroidism, although this is extremely rare. These include lithium, which is the most frequent.  

Drugs including interferon, molecular-targeted medicines, amiodarone, and thyroid hormone itself, to name just a few, can result in thyrotoxicosis. Moreover, anti-thyroid medications, lithium, and iodine all-cause hypothyroidism. 

Amiodarone and several chemotherapeutic medications are also possible options. A family history of autoimmune illnesses may increase your vulnerability to medication-induced Hypothyroidism.

7. Radiation Therapy

The thyroid gland is highly vulnerable to certain forms of radiation compared to many other organs. X-ray and radiation therapy equipment as well as radioactive atoms have all been related to thyroid cancer, whether benign or malignant.

If you receive radiation to the head or neck, you risk damaging your thyroid gland, leading to hypothyroidism. The therapy of lymphoma and Hodgkin disease can also benefit from these medicines.

8. Congenital Problems

A small number of children are born lacking thyroid glands for unclear causes. Others may only have a portion of their thyroid glands, or their thyroid glands may be malformed.

An infant born with congenital hypothyroidism cannot produce thyroid hormone normally. About 1 in 3,000-4,000 children will be affected by this illness, which is almost always fatal and requires lifelong therapy. 

Approximately one in every 3,000 newborns in the United States suffers from this condition. Hypothyroidism can occur if a person does not have a functioning thyroid gland. As a result, people may develop mental health issues. All newborns are given a routine thyroid function test at birth. 

9. Rare Disorders

Abnormal substances may reach the thyroid gland in rare cases. This, in turn, reduces its effectiveness. Amyloidosis, hemochromatosis, and sarcoidosis are a few diseases on this shortlist.

Thyroid hormone resistance, for instance, is a rare hereditary disorder in which certain body tissues do not respond to thyroid hormones generated by the thyroid gland. Symptoms of both an overactive and underactive thyroid can coexist with this condition.

10. Lack of Iodine

Thyroid hormone is a key regulator of metabolic and other bodily processes. Insufficient iodine intake can result in a goiter, an abnormally large thyroid gland, and other thyroid issues.

Table salt, seaweed, and shellfish all include iodine, a common mineral in these foods. One of the thyroid's most critical hormone-producing processes relies on it. 

Low iodine intake is a significant contributor to Hypothyroidism, which in some cases can progress to goiter — an enlargement of the thyroid gland. Such causes of Hypothyroidism are uncommon in the United States due to the widespread usage of iodized salt.

It's Time For A Doctor's Appointment!

Hypothyroidism is treated with thyroid hormone replacement therapy. Doctors are currently unable to cure hypothyroidism, although they can help most patients manage their symptoms. 

There is no way to prevent developing Hypothyroidism. Keeping an eye out for symptoms of Hypothyroidism is the most excellent approach to avoid contracting the disease or having its symptoms negatively impact your life.

The symptoms of hypothyroidism include dry skin, a pale, bloated face, constipation, and a raspy voice. See your doctor if you're feeling sleepy for no apparent reason or if you notice any of these additional symptoms. If you detect Hypothyroidism early on, it's very treatable. Moreover, understanding the thyroid's role in your body is critical, so keep an eye on your hormones!