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Causes of Hypothyroidism

Two main hormones are produced by the thyroid gland: thyroxine (T-4) and triiodothyronine (T-3), both of which influence all of the cells in your body. Both of these hormones maintain the body’s metabolism, body temperature, influence your heart rate, and helps regulate the body’s production of protein. In addition, the thyroid gland produces another hormone called calcitonin that regulates the amount of calcium that is in your bloodstream.

The pituitary gland and the hypothalamus control the rate of release of both thyroxine and triiodothyronine. After the signal from the hypothalamus, the pituitary gland makes a hormone that is called thyroid-stimulating hormone or TSH for short. The pituitary gland then releases TSH in accordance with the amount of thyroxine and triiodothyronine that are in the blood, and in return the thyroid gland regulates the regularity of its hormone production contingent upon the amount of TSH it receives. When the thyroid fails to produce enough hormones, the result is hypothyroidism.

The thyroid’s failure to produce enough hormones can be the result of several different factors including but not limited to any of the following:

• Autoimmune disease

• Hyperthyroidism treatments

• Radiation therapy

• Thyroid surgery

• Various medications

Though less common that the above reasons, hypothyroidism can also be caused by congenital diseases, pituitary disorder, pregnancy, or an iodine deficiency.

Whatever the cause of hypothyroidism may be in an individual, the most important factor is to be treated. This is especially true in the case of gestational hypothyroidism as it can cause miscarriage. That doesn’t mean that it isn’t important at other times as well, but for infants and pregnant women the need for treatment is even greater. Infants who have untreated hypothyroidism may have problems developing normally, and thus may be shorter than their normal counterparts as well as having a potential to suffer from mental retardation. The treatment for the condition is simple and effective, so there is no reason that one should allow himself or herself to simply “live with” the condition.

If you suspect you may have hypothyroidism, and you fit into any of the potential categories above, bring it to the attention of your health care provider so that he or she can diagnose it as soon as possible and start you on a regimen of treatment right away.