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What Is Essential for Thyroid Function?

Hypothyroidism, or underactive thyroid, is when your thyroid produces too little thyroid hormone. Hyperthyroidism is when your thyroid produces too much thyroid hormone; it is also known as an overactive thyroid.

  1. Immune System

    • Your immune system attacks and destroys foreign organisms that could prove harmful to your body. It is essential to a healthy thyroid. When your immune system loses the ability to differentiate between foreign organisms and entities that belong in your body, you could develop Hashimoto's thyroiditis, which can cause hypothyroidism, or Graves' disease, which can cause hyperthyroidism.

    TSH Levels

    • TSH is thyroid-stimulating hormone, which is produced by your pituitary gland and manufactured to regulate your thyroid. If your pituitary gland produces too much or too little TSH, it can throw your thyroid off balance.

    Stress Management

    • The part of your brain that manages stress also delivers thyroid hormone. Stress causes your hypothalamus to increase production of CRF, a hormone that helps you adjust to stress. Since CRF acts through your pituitary gland, long-term stress can disturb your immune system and cause hyperthroidism or hypothyroidism.

    Iodine

    • If you are deficient in iodine, your thyroid will be unable to function properly, and you may develop hyperthyroidism.

    Thyroid Stimulating Immunoglobulins

    • Thyroid Stimulating Immunoglobulins, or TSIs, are antibodies that bind themselves to the receptors for TSH and cause your thyroid gland to enlarge. These antibodies can bring on Graves' disease and hyperthyroidism.

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