Hypothyroidism

Lesson 3: Hypothyroidism Basics

What Causes Hypothyroidism?

Now that we have a good working definition of hypothyroidism and a basic understanding of the risk factors for contracting this condition, I think it’s a great time for us to discuss some of the causes of hypothyroidism. Don’t you?

We already know that there’s a lot of gray area when discussing hypothyroidism. Not a lot of definitive information is out there about this condition. I feel that one of the areas especially lacking is this one – the causes of hypothyroidism.

Basically, there are two common ways in which one can become hypothyroid. The first occurs from an autoimmune inflammation of the thyroid. We discussed this situation, more commonly referred to as autoimmune thyroiditis, in the section on autoimmune thyroid conditions in lesson two.

The most common form of autoimmune thyroid inflammation is Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis. Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis is a chronic autoimmune inflammation of the thyroid gland. When a person has Hashimoto’s the immune system does not work with the thyroid. It erroneously reads thyroid hormone as a negative substance and makes antibodies to attack the thyroid.

Over time, this causes damage to the thyroid gland and impedes the production of thyroid hormones. As a result, the person with Hashimoto’s usually become hypothyroid.

People with other autoimmune conditions, specifically those discussed in lesson two (such as Addison’s Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Lupus, Rheumatoid Arthritis et. al.), are more prone to autoimmune thyroiditis and Hashimoto’s. Therefore, they are more likely to develop hypothyroidism as well.

The second, common way to develop hypothyroidism occurs when an individual has certain medical treatments which have the condition as a side effect. For example, some people with Graves’ Disease, i.e. autoimmune hyperthyroidism, may have, as part of their treatment, a portion of their thyroid removed. When this occurs, thyroid hormone production is significantly impaired, causing hypothyroidism.

People with this Graves, certain nodules and thyroid cancer come under this umbrella not only if their thyroid is removed, either in whole or in part, but also if they have undergone radioactive iodine (RAI) treatments. Radioactive iodine treatments are used to shrink the thyroid. In many cases, they do their job very well and create a deficiency of thyroid hormone.

It’s sort of interesting to me that hyperthyroid and thyroid cancer treatments are one of the major causes of hypothyroidism, but I digress. If you’d like to sound off on this issue, I’d love to know what you think in the discussion area.

Now that we are aware of the two major causes of hypothyroidism, why don’t we get ourselves a little dirty by delving into some of the lesser known (or accepted may be the better term) and more tenuous causes of this condition?

I already mentioned that people with certain autoimmune conditions tend to contract hypothyroidism more often; but, what other conditions could cause one to also become hypothyroid? Hmmmmm.

Some of these include:

Other theories regarding causes of hypothyroidism seem to range from the plausible to the incredible. I read about a possible neck trauma/hypothyroid link. I know I was in a car accident in 2001. My hypothyroid symptoms were horrible afterwards. Not immediately, of course. Perhaps the neck damage I sustained affected my thyroid.

Sometimes, smokers notice that when they quit, their metabolisms slow down. We did mention previously that a history of smoking was a risk factor for hypothyroidism. Could it be a cause too?

One source I read said that snake bites could lead one to become hypothyroid. I am not sure about that theory. It seems to be pretty difficult to prove.

• What do you think about some of these theories?
• Do you agree? Disagree?,
• Do you have some of your own?

Suggested Reading
Chapter 3 in Living Well With Hypothyroidism. It will help you understand these concepts better.

  1  2  3  4  5