Description of Condition
Hypothyroidism is the condition of the thyroid gland that does not produce enough thyroid. Thus, the causes of this disorder affect the thyroid gland either directly or by impacting the pituitary gland, which is responsible for sending thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) to the thyroid and activating or slowing down hormone production.
Hashimoto’s Disease
The most common reason for developing hypothyroidism is Hashimoto’s disease (Chiovato et al., 2019). It is an autoimmune condition, meaning that one’s immune system views the thyroid gland as a foreign object, producing antibodies that attack the gland’s cells (Chiovato et al., 2019). As a result, the thyroid cannot function properly, leading to the underproduction of thyroid hormones.
Thyroiditis
Other causes that affect the gland directly include thyroiditis, medical treatments that affect thyroid production, surgeries, pregnancy, genetic conditions, and mineral deficiencies. First, thyroiditis is a thyroid gland inflammation due to an infection or another disease (Chiovato et al., 2019). As a result of the inflammation, the thyroid gland cannot regulate hormone production, releasing hormones inconsistently and causing the gland’s reduced activity (Chiovato et al., 2019).
Hyperthyroidism Treatment
Second, hypothyroidism may result from a person treating hyperthyroidism with strong medication (Chiovato et al., 2019). Drug therapy for mental health disorders and cancer or surgery on the thyroid gland may also cause it to underperform (Chiovato et al., 2019). For some individuals, problems with the thyroid gland are genetic or developed at birth.
Pregnancy and Other Causes
People may also develop hypothyroidism during pregnancy, although such cases are most likely related to Hashimoto’s disease. Iodine deficiency is another possible cause of hypothyroidism, as this mineral is used to produce the hormone (Chiovato et al., 2019).
The thyroid gland also depends on the pituitary gland, and malfunction of this organ may lead to low thyroid hormone levels. For instance, tumors in the pituitary gland can lead to its failure (Chiovato et al., 2019). As a result, the thyroid gland does not receive TSH, and the body does not get enough hormones to sustain its functions.
Reference
Chiovato, L., Magri, F., & Carlé, A. (2019). Hypothyroidism in context: Where we’ve been and where we’re going. Advances in Therapy, 36, 47-58. Web.