Hypothyroidism is a disease in which the thyroid gland is unable to produce normal quantities of thyroid hormones and therefore the result is decreased metabolism, impaired growth and feeling of lack of energy and fatigue.
Types of Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is classified according to the organ which is causing it. The various types are termed as Primary, Secondary and Tertiary hypothyroidism.
Primary Hypothyroidism
Primary Hypothyroidism refers to that form of hypothyroidism which is caused due to some disease of the thyroid gland that prevents it from producing the thyroid hormones. This includes Hashimoto's thyroiditis, an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the thyroid gland and damages its cells.
Radioiodine therapy for hyperthyroidism can cause excessive damage to the cells of thyroid gland and may result in hypothyroidism.
Secondary Hypothyroidism
Secondary Hypothyroidism is caused by a disease of the pituitary gland. Pituitary gland secretes the hormone that stimulates the thyroid and is necessary for normal functioning of the thyroid gland. If the pituitary gland has some disease, tumor or is damaged by surgery, it will result in impaired formation of thyroid stimulating hormone and thus decreased production of thyroid hormones.
Tertiary Hypothyroidism
Tertiary Hypothyroidism is caused by insufficient synthesis of thyrotropin releasing hormone from the Hypothalamus, which controls the pituitary and in turn controls the thyroid gland function.
Common Causes of Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism has many causes. It is significant that in order to stay away from hypothyroidism, you should have in mind all the factors that may lead to this disease. Following is an account of the various causes of hypothyroidism:
Insufficient Iodine in Diet
The most common cause is dietary insufficiency of iodine. Iodine is the most necessary component of thyroid hormones and the major source of iodine is your diet. If you are not eating enough iodine in your food, thyroid hormones cannot be produced and you will suffer from hypothyroidism. This type of hypothyroidism results in goiter or swelling of the thyroid gland as incomplete form of thyroid hormone is stored in the thyroid gland and the size of the gland increases and appears as a lump in front of the neck.
Hashimoto's Disease
An autoimmune disease, Hashimoto's disease involves destruction of thyroid gland by the body's own immune system. Antibodies are produced against the cells of the thyroid gland which ultimately destroy the cells.
Radiation Exposure
Hypothyroidism can also be caused by exposure to radiation. If you are exposed to radiation, it causes the iodine in your body to become radioactive too. This radioactive iodine becomes concentrated in the thyroid gland and causes destruction of its cells. Therefore hypothyroidism can be a symptom of radiation exposure.
Post-Partum Hypothyroidism
Sometimes hypothyroidism is caused after pregnancy, often known as post-partum hypothyroidism. In this condition a female develops thyroiditis or inflammation of the thyroid gland after delivery, which at first presents as hyperthyroidism and then progresses to hypothyroidism. This is often temporary but some women may get it permanently.
High Iodine Intake
High iodine intake can also cause hypothyroidism. If you are taking too much iodine it paradoxically decreases the usage of iodine. This is due to a phenomenon called Wolff- Chaikoff effect which states that high concentration of iodine prevents its organification and the body is unable incorporate iodine into tyrosine to form the thyroid hormones. This results in hypothyroidism.
Chronic Stress and Hormonal Imbalance
Constant and chronic stress can induce hypothyroidism by affecting the hormonal balance in the body. Stress releases adrenaline which causes fluctuation in the blood sugar levels. This tends to disrupt thyroid function. Cortisol, another stress hormone causes hypothyroidism by reducing the ability of liver to clear estrogen formed during stress. High estrogen levels decrease levels of active T3 hormone. Therefore stress is a significant suppressor of thyroid function, thereby decreasing the production of thyroid hormones.
Preventing Hypothyroidism
Thyroid gland controls metabolism by the secretion of hormones. If these hormones are not produced in adequate quantity, it causes hypothyroidism. Diet, drugs, various diseases and lifestyle factors can affect the function of this highly important gland which can be prevented by taking adequate precautions in diet and lifestyle by reducing stress and eating healthy foods.
To learn more about Home Remedies for Hypothyroidism, please check out the Hypothyroidsim Solution.
written by: nelson.seafoss
Types of Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is classified according to the organ which is causing it. The various types are termed as Primary, Secondary and Tertiary hypothyroidism.
Primary Hypothyroidism
Primary Hypothyroidism refers to that form of hypothyroidism which is caused due to some disease of the thyroid gland that prevents it from producing the thyroid hormones. This includes Hashimoto's thyroiditis, an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the thyroid gland and damages its cells.
Radioiodine therapy for hyperthyroidism can cause excessive damage to the cells of thyroid gland and may result in hypothyroidism.
Secondary Hypothyroidism
Secondary Hypothyroidism is caused by a disease of the pituitary gland. Pituitary gland secretes the hormone that stimulates the thyroid and is necessary for normal functioning of the thyroid gland. If the pituitary gland has some disease, tumor or is damaged by surgery, it will result in impaired formation of thyroid stimulating hormone and thus decreased production of thyroid hormones.
Tertiary Hypothyroidism
Tertiary Hypothyroidism is caused by insufficient synthesis of thyrotropin releasing hormone from the Hypothalamus, which controls the pituitary and in turn controls the thyroid gland function.
Common Causes of Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism has many causes. It is significant that in order to stay away from hypothyroidism, you should have in mind all the factors that may lead to this disease. Following is an account of the various causes of hypothyroidism:
Insufficient Iodine in Diet
The most common cause is dietary insufficiency of iodine. Iodine is the most necessary component of thyroid hormones and the major source of iodine is your diet. If you are not eating enough iodine in your food, thyroid hormones cannot be produced and you will suffer from hypothyroidism. This type of hypothyroidism results in goiter or swelling of the thyroid gland as incomplete form of thyroid hormone is stored in the thyroid gland and the size of the gland increases and appears as a lump in front of the neck.
Hashimoto's Disease
An autoimmune disease, Hashimoto's disease involves destruction of thyroid gland by the body's own immune system. Antibodies are produced against the cells of the thyroid gland which ultimately destroy the cells.
Radiation Exposure
Hypothyroidism can also be caused by exposure to radiation. If you are exposed to radiation, it causes the iodine in your body to become radioactive too. This radioactive iodine becomes concentrated in the thyroid gland and causes destruction of its cells. Therefore hypothyroidism can be a symptom of radiation exposure.
Post-Partum Hypothyroidism
Sometimes hypothyroidism is caused after pregnancy, often known as post-partum hypothyroidism. In this condition a female develops thyroiditis or inflammation of the thyroid gland after delivery, which at first presents as hyperthyroidism and then progresses to hypothyroidism. This is often temporary but some women may get it permanently.
High Iodine Intake
High iodine intake can also cause hypothyroidism. If you are taking too much iodine it paradoxically decreases the usage of iodine. This is due to a phenomenon called Wolff- Chaikoff effect which states that high concentration of iodine prevents its organification and the body is unable incorporate iodine into tyrosine to form the thyroid hormones. This results in hypothyroidism.
Chronic Stress and Hormonal Imbalance
Constant and chronic stress can induce hypothyroidism by affecting the hormonal balance in the body. Stress releases adrenaline which causes fluctuation in the blood sugar levels. This tends to disrupt thyroid function. Cortisol, another stress hormone causes hypothyroidism by reducing the ability of liver to clear estrogen formed during stress. High estrogen levels decrease levels of active T3 hormone. Therefore stress is a significant suppressor of thyroid function, thereby decreasing the production of thyroid hormones.
Preventing Hypothyroidism
Thyroid gland controls metabolism by the secretion of hormones. If these hormones are not produced in adequate quantity, it causes hypothyroidism. Diet, drugs, various diseases and lifestyle factors can affect the function of this highly important gland which can be prevented by taking adequate precautions in diet and lifestyle by reducing stress and eating healthy foods.
To learn more about Home Remedies for Hypothyroidism, please check out the Hypothyroidsim Solution.
written by: nelson.seafoss
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