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Causes of Thyroidism

The thyroid is a small gland situated just below the Adam's apple on the neck. It is responsible for adjusting the metabolism by releasing a proper balance of thyroid hormones. When something happens to upset the balance, it results in either too much or too little hormone being released into the body.

  1. Types of Thyroid Conditions

    • Hypothyroidism (hypo) is an insufficient production of thyroid hormone. Hyperthyroidism (hyper) is an overproduction of thyroid hormone. The causes for each are different, as are the symptoms. Hypothyroidism can cause sluggishness, weight gain, dry skin and hair, depression, memory loss or inability to tolerate cold. Its opposite, hyperthyroidism, can cause bulging eyes, weight loss, an enlarged thyroid gland, anxiety, fast heart rate and an inability to tolerate heat.

    Hypothyroidism--Medical Treatments

    • A goiter (enlarged thyroid gland), cancer or other conditions can lead to the patient's thyroid being treated by radiation, surgery, radioactive iodine or medications. These treatments either remove the thyroid, reduce it or limit its ability to produce thyroid hormones. The eventual result may be a case in which the thyroid no longer can produce enough thyroid hormone.

    Hypothyroidism--Hashimoto's Disease

    • The most common cause of hypothyroidism is Hashimoto's disease. In this condition, the body's immune system attacks the thyroid gland and damages its ability to produce the hormone. The exact cause of Hashimoto's disease is not known, though theories include a genetic transfer, bacteria, virus--or a combination of these factors.

    Hypothyroidism--Pituitary Gland

    • Sometimes the problem with the thyroid is not located in the thyroid itself but in the pituitary gland, often related to a benign tumor. The pituitary gland is responsible for producing thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), and if it does not, then the thyroid gland does not make its hormone.

    Hypothyroidism--Iodine Deficiency

    • Iodine is required to produce thyroid hormones. Seafoods, plants from land that's iodine-rich, and iodized salt are good sources. Since iodine has long been added to table salt, a lack of iodine is rare in advanced countries. However, ideficiencies occur regularly in some parts of the world.

    Hyperthroidism--Graves' Disease

    • In a condition called Graves' disease, antibodies from the individual's immune system attack their own thyroid gland, causing it to produce too much hormone. This condition strikes approximately eight times more women than men and is found most commonly in middle age, though rarely after 50. Graves' disease is often hereditary, but the reasons are not well known. Graves' disease is dangerous during pregnancy if not monitored and treated appropriately, and it can be passed to the infant, who must be treated.

    Hyperthyroidism--Inflammation

    • Thyroiditis is an inflammation of the thyroid gland that causes it to release stored hormones above what is required. It can be a temporary condition of a few weeks. Another version of it can appear in women after giving birth, called postpartum thyroiditis. This, too, normally resolves itself.

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