Causes And Risk Factors Of Thyroid Disease

Causes and risk factors of thyroid disease

by Men's Reporter Team

Thyroid diseases are caused by too much or too little thyroid hormone. Overproduction of thyroid hormone is called hyperthyroidism, and underproduction of thyroid hormone is called hypothyroidism.

These symptoms can be caused by problems such as thyroid inflammation, nodules that develop on the thyroid, autoimmune diseases, and radiation exposure.

Berrywell / Emily Roberts

Causes of hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone. This can occur due to inflammation of the thyroid gland called thyroiditis, which causes the thyroid gland to produce too many hormones.

Hyperthyroidism can also be caused by nodules known as toxic adenomas. This nodule develops in the gland and begins to secrete hormones in addition to those produced by the thyroid gland.

In rare cases, hyperthyroidism can be caused by a malfunctioning pituitary gland or a cancerous growth in the thyroid gland, which can disrupt hormonal balance and production of T3 and T4.

Autoimmune diseases such as Graves’ disease can also cause hyperthyroidism.

What is the thyroid?

The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located in the front of the neck. Its main function is to produce the hormones triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). These hormones circulate throughout the body and help regulate metabolism. It also helps with brain development, digestive function, muscle control, and mood balance.

Causes of hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism and related diseases occur when the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones, which also results in an energy deficit. Causes of hypothyroidism include autoimmune diseases such as Hashimoto’s disease. This is a condition in which the body attacks the thyroid gland and production of thyroid hormones decreases.

Hypothyroidism may also be the result of exposure to large amounts of radioactive iodine from treatment of hyperthyroidism, resulting in permanent hypothyroidism.

Hypothyroidism may also be a side effect of radiation therapy used to treat head and neck cancer. Pregnancy can also cause hypothyroidism, a birth defect in which the thyroid gland does not develop properly at birth.

What is autoimmune thyroid disease

It is when the immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland, which produces hormones that control various body systems and functions. Two common types of autoimmune thyroid disease are Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, where there is too little hormone; Graves’ disease, which causes overproduction of hormones.

risk factors

Some people are at higher risk of developing thyroid disease than others. Risk can be influenced by genetics, gender, lifestyle, etc.

genetics

Diseases such as Hashimoto’s disease and Graves’ disease can be inherited. In addition to family history, there are several risk factors for both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, some of which overlap (including gender and pregnancy).

Risk factors for hypothyroidism

Age and gender (women over 60 are at higher risk)

Pre-existing conditions (autoimmune diseases such as type 1 diabetes or celiac disease)

pituitary gland disorder

Pregnancy (women in high-risk pregnancies or who have given birth within the past 6 months)

Risk factors for hyperthyroidism

Gender (women are at higher risk)

Family or personal history of autoimmune disease (celiac disease, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis)

Previous trauma to the thyroid

current or recent pregnancy

smoking

Recent use of iodinated contrast agents (such as those used in CT scans)

sex

Thyroid disease is often caused by autoimmune diseases and is more common in women. Additionally, the female hormone estrogen increases the production of thyroid binding globulin, which increases thyroid hormone requirements in patients receiving thyroid hormone therapy. As a result, problems often occur when the estrogen balance changes, such as during pregnancy or menopause.

Can stress cause thyroid problems?

It’s unclear whether stress causes thyroid problems, but it can make symptoms worse.

Lifestyle risk factors

Cindy Chan / Verywell

There are certain lifestyle factors that increase your risk of thyroid disease. They include:

smoking. Cigarettes contain substances that affect the thyroid gland, causing inflammation and interfering with iodine absorption and thyroid hormone production.
Damage or trauma to the thyroid A history of heavy use of certain drugs, such as lithium (used in many mood stabilizers)

One of the biggest hurdles in diagnosing thyroid disease is that its symptoms are common to many different types of disease. One of the most important steps to take if you think you have a thyroid problem is to get a blood test. This shows the level of thyroid hormone in your bloodstream and can be an important step in properly diagnosing and treating your condition.

summary

Hyperthyroidism can be caused by thyroid inflammation and other conditions such as toxic adenomas, pituitary insufficiency, and cancer. Hypothyroidism can occur as a side effect of exposure to radioactive iodine or radiation therapy.

Some autoimmune diseases, such as Graves’ disease and Hashimoto’s disease, can also cause problems with the thyroid.

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed research, to support the facts in our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and maintain the accuracy, reliability, and authenticity of our content.

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National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Graves’ disease.

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Hashimoto’s disease.

Feen Rønjom M. Radiation-induced hypothyroidism after head and neck cancer treatment. Dan Med J. 2016;63(3)

Kyritsi EM, Kanaka-Gantenbein C. Autoimmune thyroid disease in certain genetic syndromes of childhood and adolescence. Front End Clinol (Lausanne). 2020;11:543. doi:10.3389/fendo.2020.00543

Angum F, Khan T, Kaler J, Siddiqui L, Hussain A. Prevalence of autoimmune diseases in women: a narrative review. Creus. 2020;12(5):e8094. doi:10.7759/cureus.8094

British Thyroid Foundation. Psychiatric symptoms and thyroid disease.

Kim SJ, Kim MJ, Yoon SG et al. Effects of smoking on the thyroid gland: dose-related effects of urinary cotinine levels on thyroid function and thyroid autoimmunity. Sci Rep. 2019;9(1):4213. doi:10.1038/s41598-019-40708-1

Czarnywojtek A, Zgorzalewicz-Stachowiak M, Czarnocka B, et al. Effects of lithium carbonate on thyroid function: mechanism of action and clinical significance. J Physiol Pharmacol. 2020;71(2). doi:10.26402/jpp.2020.2.03

Additional material

American Thyroid Association. Thyroid patient information.

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. thyroid disease.

Written by Colleen Travers

Travers is a freelance writer and editor specializing in health, wellness, and fitness based in New York City.

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