Hypothyroidism stems from any single cause or a combination of several causes like complications of thyroid gland diseases and autoimmune disorders, exposure to medical treatments, or afflicted brain activities. It commonly arises from a chronic thyroid disease known as Hashiloto’s thyroiditis. This thyroid disorder is characterized by enlarged or inflamed thyroid gland, which can ultimately result in severe damage of thyroid cells, if not detected or cured accordingly. The thyroid cells and tissues are damaged because of the antibodies attacking the body’s own thyroid tissue, instead of protecting them. Several autoimmune diseases namely, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, Vitiligo, Addison’s disease, and anemia may also develop into hypothyroidism
Another frequently reported cause of hypothyroidism is exposure to medical treatments like radioactive iodine, lithium, and surgery. An individual who has received some dose of lithium because of a previous or ongoing treatment for a psychiatric disease called manic depressive disorder can likely have an underactive thyroid gland over time. Similarly, a person who has undergone radioactive iodine therapy, which is a kind of treatment for hyperthyroidism and goiter, may also experience manifestations of hypothyroidism. Radioactive iodine can be used to hamper further bulging of the goiter or to prevent secretion of excess hormones by getting rid of these overactive thyroid hormones. When the radioactive iodine therapy causes elimination of more than the needed quantities of cells and tissues, more thyroid tissues are ruined, which lead to hypothyroidism.
Another medical treatment that can possibly cause hypothyroidism is surgery. A person whose thyroid gland has been surgically removed to cure a thyroid gland disease, cancer for instance, can also suffer from hypothyroidism. Since a portion or all of the thyroid gland of that person has already been detached, produced thyroid hormones may be insufficient.
Hypothalamic-pituitary disorders can also instigate hypothyroidism. A person with a perfectly working thyroid gland but defective pituitary gland can suffer from hypothyroidism. When the pituitary gland of a person produces low Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH), which controls the production and release of a thyroid hormone called T4, there will be a deficient activity of the thyroid gland, which in effect, triggers hypothyroidism.
In addition, hypothyroidism stems from childbearing and aging. Recent studies and research have documented that a failing thyroid was found present in individuals above fifty years old, which supports the argument that aging can affect production of thyroid hormones. Pregnant women are also highly susceptible to this thyroid disease because of the hormonal imbalances commonly experienced by expectant mothers. Heredity also accounts for the development of an underactive thyroid gland. This speaks true for individuals suffering from congenital hypothyroidism.
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A Guide To Hypothyroidism
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In developing countries today, hypothyroidism has become one of the most common yet most under-diagnosed medical conditions. Hypothyroidism is an endocrine abnormality in which the thyroid gland secretes inadequate thyroid hormones, resulting in various health risks and disorders. The deficient activity of the thyroid gland...
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Thyroid Disease
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Swelling in the neck is the most visible form of thyroid disease. Lack of iodine in the diet affects the thyroid gland and leads to swollen necks known as goiter. Located in the neck, thyroid is an endocrine gland that produces essential hormones. Thyroxine is...
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Thyroid Problems
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Thyroid problems are one of the most common ailments that can affect the human body. Thyroid is an endocrine gland and produces essential hormones like thyroxin. Hormones produced by thyroid gland are very crucial for the metabolism of the body. Hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and tumors are...
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Thyroid
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The thyroid is a small, butterfly shaped gland located at the front of the neck. The thyroid produces the thyroid hormones, including the two major ones, namely the tri-iodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4), which are essential for regulating the metabolic activities, growth, and several other...
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Hypothyroidism Treatments
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The prevailing diagnostic test for diagnosing hypothyroidism is the blood test in which thyroxine (T4) and Thyroxine Stimulating Hormone (TSH) are measured. Most thyroid specialists rely solely on blood tests that other endocrinologists find erratic. These doctors view blood testing as an accessory to diagnosis,...
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Symptoms of Hypothyroidism
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When the thyroid gland is unable to produce a satisfactory level of thyroid hormones, hypothyroidism may develop. The hormones produced by the endocrine or thyroid gland are responsible for the regulation of a person’s metabolism; hence, an injury to this gland or an abnormality in...
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Thyroid Cancer
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Thyroid cancer develops as a result of the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the thyroid gland, resulting in a tumor. Some of these tumors are benign or non cancerous while some are malignant or cancerous. The malignant tumors spread to the nearby tissues and...
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Thyroid Medication
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Thyroid is an important endocrine gland producing thyroxin that is involved with the metabolic function of the body. Hypothyroidism is treated with thyroid medications, which are either synthetic or of animal origin. Several medications available are used as a replacement for T3, T4, or their...
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Prostate Cancer Treatment
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Prostate cancer is a complex heterogeneous disease that acts differently in different men. Therefore, treatment varies amongst individuals. A wide array of treatments exists for prostate cancer, which includes surgery, radiation, hormone deprivation therapy, chemotherapy, dietary changes and the use of various herbal supplements. A...
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HGH Hormones
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HGH or Human Growth Hormone is produced by the pituitary gland and is made up of 191 amino acids. This is the main hormone regulating the growth and division of body cells and all organs. HGH also promotes tissue repair, cell regeneration in the bones,...