Common Causes Of Thyroid

Thyroid disease affects millions of people worldwide, yet many individuals do not understand the causes of this mysterious condition. The thyroid plays a pivotal role in maintaining the body's health and homeostasis; even slight changes can have huge implications for physical and mental wellbeing. In this blog post, we take an in-depth look at what causes thyroid disease—from genetics to autoimmune disorders—so you can be better informed about your health and how to manage any problems that may arise.

Causes of Thyroid     

So what causes thyroid diseases? The main forms of thyroid disease are hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism whose conditions can be caused by a number of other diseases that impact the way the thyroid gland works.

Certain medical conditions that cause hyperthyroidism include:

• Graves’s disease: It is an autoimmune disorder that causes our own immune system to attack the thyroid, resulting in an excess of thyroid hormone. This hereditary condition can be passed down in families, increasing the risk for relatives. Females are more likely to be affected by Graves's disease at birth. In fact, it is the leading cause of hyperthyroidism, accounting for up to 85% of cases.
• Toxic adenomas: These are abnormal growths or lumps of cells in the thyroid gland. While they are rarely cancerous, they can disrupt the chemical balance in the body by producing excessive thyroid hormones. This condition is known as goiter.
• Subacute thyroiditis: It is the inflammation of our thyroid gland which is mostly painless and may cause the gland to produce excess hormones. This leads to temporary hyperthyroidism that generally persists for a few weeks but can even last for months.
• Consuming excess iodine: Excessive intake of iodine in our body increases the risk for hyperthyroidism that activates our thyroid gland and more thyroid hormone is produced in our body. Some sort of treatment and medication can also increase the chances of hyperthyroidism. If in case a patient is receiving intravenous iodinated contrast (iodine “dye”) then he may be at risk of getting hyperthyroidism. The medicine Amiodarone contains a high amount of iodine that may also cause hyperthyroidism. Other medicines that may cause hyperthyroidism are cough syrups, seaweed and seaweed-based supplements.
• Too much thyroid medicine: If a person is taking too much of medicines to treat hypothyroidism (underactive hypothyroidism) can also be affected.

Medical conditions that can result in hypothyroidism include:

• Thyroiditis:

This condition causes an inflammation of the thyroid gland that causes stored thyroid hormone to leak out of the thyroid gland and increases the blood hormone levels which can cause thyrotoxicosis, which is a condition in which the amount of thyroid hormone become too high, which may last for many months. Afterwards, the thyroid may become underactive with time and this condition becomes permanent; causing hypothyroidism.

These types of thyroiditis are of three types which cause thyrotoxicosis followed by hypothyroidism.

• Subacute thyroiditis – the thyroid gland is inflamed and gets enlarged.
• Postpartum thyroiditis- This occurs in 5% to 9% of women after giving birth and this condition is reported to be temporary in pregnant women
• Silent thyroiditis is probably an autoimmune condition in which the thyroid gland is enlarged but is generally painless
• Hashimoto’s thyroiditis: It is an autoimmune disease that occurs when the body makes antibodies attack its own cells in the thyroid and damage it. The thyroid becomes severely inflamed and can’t make sufficient thyroid hormones; that may lead to conditions like enlarged thyroid gland (goiter), tiredness, weight gain, and muscle weakness.
• Iodine deficiency: Iodine is an essential component used by the thyroid glands to produce hormones. Our body doesn't make iodine, so we need to get it through our diet by including iodized table salt rich in iodine. Other food products rich in iodine content are shellfish, saltwater fish, eggs, dairy products, and seaweed.                

Conclusion

The presence and severity of thyroid symptoms depend on the degree and cause of thyroid hormone deficiency. In many cases, an untreated thyroid condition can lead to more severe health problems, which is why it is so important for those experiencing symptoms to consult with their healthcare provider. While there is not always a single factor behind what causes thyroid problems, understanding what can lead to it helps patients make more informed decisions about treatment options, overall well-being, and the role of health insurance in managing healthcare expenses. By addressing all aspects of someone’s health together – both physical and emotional – maintaining optimal health becomes easier.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your general physician or another certified medical professional for any questions regarding a medical condition. Relying on any information provided in this blog is solely at your own risk, and ICICI Lombard is not responsible for any effects or consequences resulting from the use of the information shared.