Discover Hidden Thyroid Causes: Life-Changing Insights

The thyroid is a small and butterfly-shaped gland located in the front of the neck.  It is a vital part of the endocrine system and controls the body's functions by producing and secreting several hormones like thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). These hormones play a key role in regulating bodily functions like metabolism, energy levels, heart rate, and overall growth.

Therefore, maintaining thyroid health is essential to ensure that your bodily functions take place smoothly. Otherwise, it leads to problems like hyper and hypothyroidism that affects your physical and psychological well-being. 

So, knowing all about the causes of thyroid helps you take the first step in its effective management and nip this problem in the bud. 

Thyroid Disorders

Here is an overview of the common and autoimmune thyroid disorders that you should know:

Common thyroid disorders

• Hyperthyroidism 

During hyperthyroidism, the thyroid gland becomes overactive and produces excessive hormones. Thus, it accelerates many bodily functions, leading to several diseases like Graves’ ophthalmopathy, heart problems (stroke, blood clots, etc.), osteoporosis, fertility issues, etc.

• Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is the opposite situation of hyperthyroidism. Here, the thyroid gland produces less than required hormones that hamper bodily functions. As a result, it leads to conditions like goitre, anaemia, myxedema, low body temperature, etc. 

Autoimmune thyroid diseases

• Hashimoto's disease

Hashimoto's disease occurs when the human body develops antibodies such as thyroid peroxidase (TPO) or/thyroglobulin (Tg), which damages the thyroid gland. These antibodies cause inflammation in the thyroid gland, which, in turn, gets significant over time. Hashimoto's thyroiditis is typically hereditary, but environmental factors like air pollution, viral infection, pesticides, etc., stimulate this condition. Additionally, this disease is common in women but often found in men.  

• Graves' disease

Graves' disease is another autoimmune thyroid disease that affects the thyroid gland. It happens when the body produces an excessive amount of thyroid hormone, which affects other organs of the body. The common causes of Graves’ disease include excessive consumption of iodine, smoking, bacterial infections, pregnancy, etc. Genetics also play a part in this.

Causes of Thyroid Disorders

Thyroid can happen due to several causes. These include genetic factors, environmental causes, and imbalances in nutrition. So, let’s dissect them one by one:

1.Genetic factors 

• Family history: Some people have previous records of thyroid-related issues in their family. In that case, they are likely to develop thyroid disorders. 
• Specific genes: Medical studies have found that variation in certain genes increases the risk of developing thyroid diseases. Some of these genes come under the Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) complex family.

2. Environmental influences 

• Radiation: Exposure to radiation causes damage to the thyroid gland, leading to thyroid disorders. Specifically, radiation around the neck and head area causes this disorder. 
• Medication: Some medicines develop the risk of thyroid disorders. Particularly, the medicines with lithium injure the thyroid gland. 

3.Nutrition and dietary deficiencies

• Iodine deficiency: The thyroid gland needs iodine to produce thyroid hormones. Thus, iodine deficiency is one of the root causes of thyroid issues. 

Autoimmune Causes

The autoimmune thyroid diseases include Hashimoto's Thyroiditis (HT) and Grave's Disease (GD). HT occurs due to hypothyroidism, and GD occurs by thyrotoxicosis, and their pathogenesis incorporates sarong immune genetic mechanisms. 

Also, there are some specific genes that develop these diseases. HLA-DR is the prime immune regulatory gene that develops the risks of the thyroid, while other genes, such as PTPN22 and CD25. CD40 and CTLA-4 can lead to these conditions as well. 

Risk factors for developing autoimmune thyroid diseases

• Sex: Women are more likely to develop autoimmune thyroid diseases. 
• Genetics and family record: If a person belongs to a family having thyroid disorder, he/she has a high risk of developing these diseases.
• Other autoimmune diseases: Other autoimmune diseases such as type 1 diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis can develop autoimmune thyroid, specifically Hashimoto's disease. 
• Iodine intake: Excessive iodine consumption triggers the risk of autoimmune thyroid. 

Iodine Imbalance

Iodine imbalance is one of the major driving forces behind the development of thyroid disorders. So, it is important for you to understand the role of iodine here. 

Effects of iodine deficiency on the thyroid

• Swelling in the neck: This is the most common symptom of iodine deficiency. Generally, the swelling appears in front of the neck. This is known as goitre. 
• Fatigue and weakness: 80% of people feel tired and weak due to low thyroid hormone levels, which is a result of iodine deficiency. 
• Hair loss: Thyroid hormones help in hair growth. Thus, people with low thyroid hormone levels suffer from hair loss as their hair follicles stop growing. 
• Overweight: Unexpected weight gain is another symptom of iodine deficiency. It occurs when the body doesn't have iodine to generate thyroid hormones. 

Consequences of excess iodine consumption

Sometimes, exposure to a mixture that contains iodine results in the following reactions:

• Itchy rash
• Hives (urticaria)
• Anaphylaxis; a sudden allergic reaction that causes swelling of the tongue, hives, etc
• Anaphylactic shock; a severe form of anaphylaxis with symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, and dizziness

Thyroiditis: Inflammation of the Thyroid

Thyroiditis refers to the inflammation of the thyroid gland, which can lead to temporary or long-term thyroid dysfunction. So, learn its subtypes and long-term effects:

Types of thyroiditis and their causes

• Hashimoto's thyroiditis: Hashimoto's thyroiditis is the most common cause of hypothyroidism. It happens due to anti-thyroid antibodies. 
• Radiation-induced thyroiditis: This kind of thyroiditis happens due to the usage of radiation therapy in cancer treatment. Also, radioactive iodine treatment in hyperthyroidism can develop this. 
• Subacute thyroiditis: In this case, a painful condition developed due to the virus. Generally, it is preceded by upper respiratory infections.
• Painless or silent thyroiditis: This type of thyroiditis is caused by anti-thyroid antibodies. 
• Postpartum thyroiditis: It's an autoimmune condition that happens due to anti-thyroid antibodies. Generally, it occurs after one year of giving birth. But it's a rare case. 

Long-term effects of thyroid inflammation

• Weight gain
• Fatigue
• Heart disease
• Fatigue
• Muscle weakness
• Memory problems

Drug-induced Thyroid Disorders

Sometimes, your medication can also be a reason for thyroid disorders. Here are the reasons and management plans:

Medications that affect thyroid function

• Amiodarone: This medicine is used to treat irregular heart rhythms. But, as it consists of iodine, it can lead to thyroid disorders.
• Lithium: Lithium is used to cure regular depression, hypomania, etc. However, excessive consumption can lead to hypothyroidism.
• Glucocorticoids: These drugs are helpful in the treatment of diseases caused by inflammation. However, usage of this drug can stimulate thyroid disorders.
• Some cancer medications:  Some of the chemotherapy medications lead to thyroid disorders.

Managing thyroid health while on certain drugs

Be aware of the side effects of the medications you're taking. So, consult a doctor to know the side effects of those medicines on the thyroid gland. Also, the report by the doctor should be evaluated in case of developing new symptoms. 

• Avoid taking other medications during the thyroid medication. 
• The patient should take thyroid medicines on an empty stomach. 
• In case of a complex thyroid issue, the patient must get advice from a thyroid specialist. 
• Enormous consumption of alcohol and caffeine causes thyroid hormone metabolism. So, there should be restrictions on taking caffeine and alcohol. 

Impact of Radiation Exposure

Here is how excessive exposure to radiation can lead to thyroid disorders:

Nuclear exposure and thyroid cancer risk

The thyroid gland can't differentiate between regular iodine and radioactive iodine. So, it will absorb whatever it gets. As most nuclear accidents release radioactive iodine, it will be absorbed into the body. This means the thyroid cells consume too much radioactive iodine, causing thyroid cancer. This type of cancer develops after several years of exposure. Young children and infants have the highest risk due to this disease.

Safety measures to protect thyroid health during nuclear exposure

Potassium iodide, or KI, prevents the body from absorbing radioactive iodine. So, KI can protect the thyroid gland from absorbing radioactive iodine from air, water, milk, and other foods. KI is a non-prescribed drug that can be purchased from pharmacies and online.

Lifestyle Influences

Changes in lifestyle also influence thyroid disorders. Here is all you need to know:

Stress and its impact on the thyroid gland

Stress alone can't cause thyroid disorders. However, it can make the situation worse. For instance, it will slow down the body's metabolism. Thus, it further causes weight gain. Triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) hormone levels decrease this time. 

Smoking and thyroid dysfunction

Smoking causes a disorder in thyroid function. It decreases TSH and increases thyroid hormones. Tobacco smoking also plays a vital role in thyroid autoimmunity. Many studies have found that smoking has a direct impact on Graves' hyperthyroidism. Smoking increases the development of disease and the effectiveness of the treatment.   

Conclusion

There may be several causes of thyroid disorders. It can be iodine deficiency, genetic, environmental, dietary, or other lifestyle-related complications. Whatever the reason, it requires proper diagnosis and treatment. So, you should contact a physician if you realise any thyroid-related symptoms. Early detection and proper treatment of the disease can reduce the risks.