Introduction
Thyroid problems can manifest in several different ways. Causes of diseases of the thyroid gland can differ. There are different causes that can be related to the different types of thyroid diseases.
Hypothyroidism and Hyperthyroidism and Their Causes
The most common diseases of the thyroid gland are Hypothyroidism or Hyperthyroidism. Hypothyroidism is where the thyroid gland isn’t active enough and Hyperthyroidism is just the opposite which means the thyroid glad is overactive.
Let’s begin by taking a look at what causes Hypothyroidism.
This can be caused by atrophy of thyroid tissue. It could be due to surgical removal or radioactive treatments that may have been given to the person as a method of treatment for Hyperthyroidism.
Some very common causes are diabetes, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic hepatitis, medications or Sjogren’s syndrome. Antibodies released with these diseases can cause the thyroid hormone production to decrease.
Hypothyroidism can also be present at birth in some individuals. Sometimes this is discovered in the newborn child.
Another factor that can cause under activity is thyroiditis. This happens when production of the thyroid hormone is defective. When there is an increased amount of the TSH which is Thyroid Stimulating Hormone, it can cause a goiter to occur. This is evident when an enlargement on the front of the neck can be seen.
Now that you have an idea about what can cause Hypothyroidism, let’s take a look at what can cause Hyperthyroidism.
One of the most common causes is Grave’s Disease. This is present when there is abnormal stimulation of the thyroid gland. This can result in a goiter.
Thyroiditis is also another common cause. This causes inflammation of the thyroid gland and overproduction of the thyroid stimulating hormone.
A tumor on the pituitary gland can also cause Hyperthyroidism. Having such a tumor causes the thyroid hormone production to increase which leads to overstimulation of the thyroid gland.
It is also possible for Hyperthyroidism to be caused by certain medications. One very common medication that is known to contribute to its cause is Cordarone which is a commonly used heart medication.
Those are the 2 most common diseases of the thyroid gland and their causes. Although those are the most common diseases, they aren’t the only diseases that can occur.
Goiters, Nodules, Cancer
Other diseases of the thyroid gland are goiters or nodules. These growths don’t cause any symptoms themselves. Most are found due to abnormal levels of thyroid hormone production which is detected in blood tests on routine physical examinations. They can also be detected when a person or doctor notices a lump on the neck. It can sometimes be felt even if it’s not seen.
When there are multiple goiters, this can be caused by radiation exposure or a deficiency of iodine. Sometimes this will affect more than one member of a family and this condition can be inherited.
Lastly we have thyroid cancer. The most common type of thyroid cancer is papillary thyroid carcinoma. This is generally a result of radiation exposure in younger years of life.
For more information about thyroid gland diseases and what causes them, you can visit www.emedicinehealth.com.
Tips and Comments
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