Hypothyroidism: Causes and Symptoms | causes of hypothroidism | man with thyroid

What are the causes and symptoms of hypothyroidism?

What is hypothyroidism?

Your body is unable to create enough thyroid hormones to meet its requirements when the thyroid gland is underactive or hypothyroid. The thyroid is a little butterfly-shaped gland located at the front of the neck. Since thyroid hormones control how your body uses energy, they have an impact on nearly all of your organs, including how quickly your heart beats. If you don't have enough thyroid hormones, many bodily functions slow down.

Who has a higher risk of developing hypothyroidism:

In comparison to men, women are far more likely to acquire hypothyroidism. Additionally, those older than 60 are more likely to get the condition. Additionally, you get it:

A family history of hypothyroidism
Had a thyroid issue in the past such as a goitre
Underwent surgery or radioactive iodine treatment to address the issue
Received radiation therapy to the thyroid, neck, or chest
Had been pregnant within the previous six months, and has
Turner syndrome is a hereditary condition that affects women.

The likelihood of your thyroid being underactive is further increased if you have other health issues, such as

Celiac illness
Type 1 or type 2 diabetes
Rheumatoid arthritis: An autoimmune illness that affects the joints
Pernicious anaemia
Sjögren's syndrome
Lupus, a chronic autoimmune inflammatory condition

These are just a few of the diseases and conditions that can damage the joints.

Causes of hypothyroidism

Several factors can lead to hypothyroidism, including

Hashimoto's condition
Thyroiditis, or thyroid inflammation
Congenital hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism exists from birth
Thyroid surgery to remove all or a portion of the thyroid
Thyroid radiation therapy
Medication

Less frequently, abnormalities of the pituitary gland or hypothalamus or excessive or insufficient iodine in the diet can lead to hypothyroidism. However, iodine deficiency is incredibly uncommon in the US.

Hashimoto’s disease

The autoimmune condition Hashimoto's disease is the most frequent cause of hypothyroidism. Your immune system attacks your thyroid when you have this condition. The thyroid cannot produce adequate thyroid hormones because of thyroid inflammation.

Thyroiditis

When your thyroid gland is irritated, a condition known as thyroiditis, it releases stored thyroid hormone. The leakage causes the hormone levels in your blood to rise, which leads to the development of thyrotoxicosis, a condition where thyroid hormone levels are excessively high. Thyrotoxicosis may last for a number of months. Your thyroid may then enter a state of permanent interactivity that requires the use of thyroid hormone replacement treatment. One of three types of thyroiditis can cause thyrotoxicosis and hypothyroidism. A painfully inflamed and enlarged thyroid is a symptom of subacute thyroiditis.

A lady experiences postpartum thyroiditis after giving birth.
Even though your thyroid may be enlarged, silent thyroiditis causes no pain. It is most likely an autoimmune illness, according to experts.

Congenital hyperthyroidism

A thyroid that is either underactive or not fully developed is present in certain babies. If untreated, congenital hypothyroidism can result in intellectual impairment and growth failure, in which a newborn fails to develop as expected. Early therapy can help you avoid these problems. The majority of infants in the US have their thyroid levels evaluated as a result.

Surgical removal of the thyroid

After surgically removing a piece of the thyroid, the remaining portion may still produce enough thyroid hormone. But some patients who receive this treatment might end up hypothyroid. Total thyroid removal always results in hypothyroidism.

Surgeons may perform a full or partial thyroidectomy as a kind of therapy. In cases of hyperthyroidism and enormous goitres, minor thyroid cancers, thyroid nodules—benign tumours or lumps—can overproduce thyroid hormone.

Radiation treatment of thyroid

Radioactive iodine, a common treatment for hyperthyroidism, slowly kills thyroid cells. The development of hypothyroidism is likely to occur if you receive radioactive iodine therapy. Another method by which doctors treat patients with head and neck malignancies is external radiation therapy, which can similarly affect the thyroid if it is included in the treatment.

Medications

The production of thyroid hormone can be inhibited by some drugs, including some antidepressants, leading to hypothyroidism. medications for cancer, heart disease, and bipolar disorder. A select few recently developed cancer drugs, in particular, have the potential to damage the pituitary gland and have a negative impact on the thyroid.

Symptoms of hypothyroidism

Various symptoms of hypothyroidism exist and can differ from person to person. Several typical signs of hypothyroidism include:

Fatigue
Weight gain
Trouble tolerating cold
Joint and muscle pain
Dry skin or dry, thinning hair
Heavy or irregular menstrual periods or even fertility problems
Slowed heart rate
Depression

As hypothyroidism develops gradually, you may not experience any symptoms for months or even years. Many of these signs, like weariness and weight gain, are typical and may not always indicate a thyroid problem.

How do diet and nutrition affect hypothyroidism?

Iodine is used by your thyroid to make thyroid hormones. However, you can be more susceptible to the negative effects of iodine if you have Hashimoto's disease or another sort of autoimmune thyroid illness. Consuming foods high in iodine, like kelp, dulse, or other varieties of seaweed, may cause or exacerbate hypothyroidism. Supplementing with iodine can have a similar result.

Speak with your medical team members about

Iodine supplements
Regarding what meals to limit or avoid.
Any cough medicines you use, as can include iodine.

As the baby gets iodine from the food you consume while you are pregnant, you need more iodine. How much iodine you need must be discussed with your doctor.

Takeaway

Your body changes naturally as you age. If you notice a significant change in how you feel or how your body is responding, ask your doctor if a thyroid condition may be affecting you. Keep in mind that thyroid issues are more common in women over 60. If you have hypothyroidism, you'll probably need to take thyroid medications for the rest of your life. The likelihood is good that taking medication will lessen or cure your symptoms. You might find it beneficial to join a support group for hypothyroidism patients.