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Hypothyroidism is a relatively typical condition and roughly 3% to 5% of the population have it. It is characterized by a lack of thyroid hormones which could directly or indirectly include the thyroid gland. Here are a few of the principal factors behind hypothyroidism.

One of the main cause of an under active thyroid is the hereditary condition referred to as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. It is an autoimmune condition wherein the immune system attacks the thyroid gland. Because of this, the thyroid gland becomes inflammed and has a reduced capability to produce thyroid hormones. Females are 5 to 10 times more likely to have Hashimoto’s thyroiditis than men, thus making them more prone to hypothyroiditis.

Iodine deficiency may also lead to hypothyroidism. Iodine is an essential constituent in the thyroid hormones thyroxine and triiodothyronine and therefore deficiency of it in the body could cause difficulties in the formulation of these essential hormones.

One more cause of hypothyroidism is a condition of the thyroid glands identified as lymphocytic thyroiditis. A white blood cell called lymphocyte results in the inflammation of the thyroid glands. This is very typical after having a baby, affecting 8% of women after childbirth. The condition will be started by a hyperthyroid period in which the thyroid gland releases excessive quantities of thyroid hormones. It is followed by the hypothyroid period which could last up to half a year.

Ironically, a few medical treatments can also cause an under active thyroid. Iodine-131, a radioisotope of iodine that is used to treat a thyroid problem called Graves’ disease, can seriously affect the thyroid gland. Other treatments that are utilized to treat hyperthyroidism might also cause hypothyroidism too like methimazole and propylthiouracil. The psychiatric drug lithium and medicines containing considerable amounts of iodine like amiodarone and potassium iodide may also modify the thyroid function, resulting in the hypothyroidism.

Hypothyroidism that not directly involves the thyroid glands are known as secondary and tertiary hypothyroidism. This happens when there is problem in the pituitary glands and the hypothalamus, respectively, and they can’t signal the thyroid glands to create enough hormones. This happens when the pituitary glands are unable to give off thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), most of the time because of a tumor in the pituitary gland or the hypothalamus.

Diseases Associated With Hypothyroidism

Hyporthyroidism is a medical problem that is indicated by limited production of thyroid hormones by the thyroid glands. Even though iodine deficiency can cause this condition, much of the time it’s a result of an underlying illness. Majority of them are autoimmune diseases, in which the immune system assaults the person’s own parts of the body, and in the matter of hypothyroidism, the thyroid gland. Hypothyroidism is a very considerable health issue because it includes other systems of the body. Here are some of the ailments which are frequently associated with hypothyroidism.

Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disorder that is indicated by hyperthyroidism, the contrary condition of hypothyroidism, wherein the thyroid glands produces excessive thyroid hormones. Individuals who have Graves’ disease have a malfunctioning immune system that generates antibodies that imitate thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), causing the thyroid gland to make too much. Treating Graves’ disease requires the use of antithyroid medications, iodine-131 (a radioisotope of iodine), or thyroidectomy, which basically inhibits or fully gets rid of the thyroid gland. As a result will result in the hypothyroid condition of those who have Graves’ disease.

One more autoimmune condition that is related to an under active thyroid is Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. It is the most common cause of hypothyroidism in North America. In this condition, the immune system directly attacks the thyroid gland, mistaking it as a foreign body and leading to its destruction. In this case, antibodies like leukocytes get involved with thyroid peroxidase, thyroglobulin, and TSH receptors. This will lead to the inflammation and consequently, the destruction of the thyroid gland hence developing the hypothyroid condition. It’s also theorized that this ailment is genetic.

An additional autoimmune disorder that is also connected with hypothyroidism is Addison’s disease. Addison’s disease is an endocrine condition wherein the adrenal glands create inferior levels of cortisol and aldosterone. Sometimes, this condition occurs together with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. This disorder is called Schmidt’s syndrome. In addition to the symptoms of Addison’s disease and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, those who have Schmidt’s syndrome may also acquire immunoglobulin A deficiency, vitiligo, sarcoidosis, type 2 diabetes, alopecia, myasthenia gravis, Graves’ disease, pure red cell aplasia, or pernicious anemia.

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