Causes of Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland in the neck secretes excess thyroid hormones which in turn results in speeding up of the metabolism of the body. This disease is quite common in women as compared to men and usually affects the person at the age of 20-40. This disease clutches the human being under the extreme condition of stress or when a woman is pregnant. Some of its common signs are palpitations, increased heart rate, moist skin, shakiness, anxiety, tremors, insomnia, swollen and bulging eyes, short breath and thickening of the skin. Hypothyroidism is the grievous outcome of the mal functioning of the thyroid gland.

There are numerous causes of hypothyroidism like complications in thyroid gland, autoimmune disorders and distressed brain activities. The most common cause of this disease is Hashiloto’s thyroiditis which is characterized by the reddened thyroid gland that at times leads to damaging of the thyroid cells. If an individual is frequently exposed to medications which involves the use of radioactive iodine, surgery and lithium then the chances of an individual been prone to hypothyroidism is quite high. Lithium is like a poison for the thyroid gland as it makes the gland underactive which is at times used for treating depression. If an individual has ever been treated with radioactive iodine can fall under the threat of hyperthyroidism. Radioactive iodine hampers bulging of goiter which diminishes the secretion of hormones. If more than desired cells are affected by this therapy the chances of an individual to be affected by hypothyroidism multiplies manifold times.

Another reason due to which an individual may fall under the threat of this disease is surgery in past of the patient. If an individual has been operated for treating the thyroid gland or cancer then the chances of an individual falling under the threat is quite high as the thyroid gland that has been removed during a surgery then the insufficient production of hormones may lead to this ailment. Hypothyroidism can also be caused due to disorder of Hypothalamic-pituitary, though the thyroid gland works efficiently as pituitary gland is the master gland. When Thyroid Stimulating Hormone which monitors the release of thyroid hormones or T4 secreted by pituitary gland is less in number triggers hypothyroidism. Many a times the underdevelopment of thyroid gland is due to heredity and this accounts for congenital hypothyroidism. Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis is the outcome of the inefficient immune system which causes the wastage of thyroid cells which leads to hypothyroidism.

It is almost impossible to detect this ailment as it cannot be detected in a normal blood test; the doctors have to diagnose this disease by judging the symptoms. Sensitive blood tests needs to be done so as to know the intensity of the disease.

Hypothyroidism can easily be combat by the intake of proper and healthy diet which is rich in various nutrients. The diet must include seafood, radish, beetroot, bananas and oatmeal, whereas cabbage, sweet potatoes, broccoli, maize, soya, parsely, sodium chloride, fats, red meat, sugars and egg should be avoided. Iodine is the best way to fight this deadly ailment. Also, there are few herbs which are quite beneficial in overcoming the problem of hypothyroidism.

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