Hypothyroidism+Causes

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If a person is hypothyroid it means that their thyroid gland is not making enough thyroxine to keep the body working normally. A few common causes for hypothyroidism are autoimmune diesases, surgical removal of the thyroid gland, radiation treatment to the gland or birth defect.



The immune system will normally protect the body from bacteria and viruses however in an autoimmune disease, the immune system will atack a normal part of the body by accident. Specifically in autoimmune hypothyroidism the immune system will mistakenly attack cells in the thyroid gland which causes problems in making thyroxine. Later on when enough of the thyroid cells have been destroyed there are not enough to meet the bodys need for thyroxine. Autoimmune diseases are more common in women than in men, it starts at almost any age but is more common as you age. It can be a combination of inherited tendencey or an unkown trigger.
 * Autoimmune Diseases**

Certain patients with thyroid nodules, thyroid cancer or Grave's disease require to have some or part or all of their thyroid gland removed. If the entire thyroid gland is removed that person will become a hypothyroid for sure. However if only part of the thyroid gland is removed the remaining part may still be able to work well enough to keep thyroid hormon blood level consistenly normal or never make enough thyroid hormone to keep blood levels normal. There is also the possibility that it will make enough thyroid hormone at first, but then later on will not be able to fufill the bodys needs for thyroxine.
 * Surgical Removal of Thyroid Gland**

Certain patients with thyroid nodules, thyroid cancer or Grave's disease are given radioactive iodine to destroy their thyroid gland on purpose instead of just removing it. People that undergo this procedure can lose part or their entire thyroid gland and function resulting in the same effect as a surgical removal of the gland.
 * Radiation Treatment**

(Birth defect, hypothyroidism from birth) Some babies are born without a thyroid gland or a party formed one, they could have part or all of their thyroid in the wrong place (this is called an ectopic thyroid), or the cells from their thyroid gland or enzymes may not function properly. If an infant is to have any of these problems, they have hypothyroidism from birth which makes them mentally and physical disabled. However, there are some cases in which the thyroid gland can produce enough thyroxine to sustain the body for a while, but later may no longer be able to keep up with the body's need. Then, when the person becomes an older child or adult, they will become hypothyroid.
 * Congenital Hypothyroidism**

Thyroiditis-the inflammation of the thyroid gland usually caused by an autoimmune attack or by a viral infection. This can make the thyroid gland release its whole supply of stored thyroxine into the blood all at once which causes a brief hyperthyroidism where there is too much of the thyroid hormone and is overactive. After all of that stored hormone is released the gland becomes underactive. Almost all pations with viral thyroiditis recover the function of their thyroid but around 1/4 of the patients with autoimmune thyroiditis have permanent hypothyroidism.
 * Other Causes**

Medicines-drugs like amiodarone, lithium, interferon alpha, and interleukin-2 can be a problem to the ability of the thyroid gland. These medicines are most likely to trigger hypothyroidism in people that are geneticily possible to have autoimmune thyroid disease. Possibly treatment with thalidomide for multiple myeloma could also be a cause for hypothyroidism.

Iodine Levels-the chemical element iodine (salt) is required for the thyroid gland to produce thyroxine. Iodine comes to the body in the form of foods, it will then tavel though the blood to the thyroid gland. To keep the production of thyroxine balanced requires a certain amount of iodine. People that live in undeveloped parts of the world may not have enough iodine in their diet. However besides taking in too little iodine, taking in too much iodine can also cause or worsen hypothyroidism. The main source for too much idoine is a diet supplement containing kelp (seaweed) Many supplements containing too much iodine are sold under the false pretense that they will help people lose weight. Other soucres that contain too much iodine are x-ray dies, certain medices and older expectorants that are supposed to help clear the lung and throat.

Damaged Pituitary Gland-the pituitary gland is very important to the thyroid gland because it controls and tells how much thyroxine to produce. If it is damaged by tumors, radiation or sugery it may no longer be able to send out the right insturctions and the thyroid gland can stop making the right amounts of the hormone.

Rare Disorders-In few occasions, there are certain diseases that leave abnormal substances in the thyroid gland which can prevent the gland from working right.

Soy does not cause hypothyroidism, but it does interfere with the bodys ability to absorb thyroid replacement therapy. Broccoli, cabbage and brussel sprouts amount does not cause hypothyroidism as some people are lead to believe. Just to clarify, so far there has been no evidence that certain peoples thyroid glands can make enough thyroxine but is not reaching the bodys cells.
 * Relative to Hypothyroidism**

Quiz Question: List 2 possible causes for hypothyroidism