How do you get thyroid disease?

Answer 1

Thyroid diseases sometimes result from inappropriate TSH levels, or may be caused by problems in the thyroid gland itself.

The most common cause of hypothyroidism is Hashimoto's thyroiditis, an autoimmune condition where the body makes antibodies that destroy parts of the thyroid gland. Surgical removal and certain medications (e.g., amiodarone, lithium) can also cause hypothyroidism.

Other causes of hypothyroidism include pituitary problems, hypothalamus problems, and iodine deficiency (rare in North America, but affects nearly 2 billion people worldwide).

Graves' disease is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism. This condition occurs when the immune system produces an antibody that stimulates the entire thyroid gland; this leads to overactivity and higher levels of thyroid hormones.

Secondary hyperthyroidism is caused when the pituitary gland makes too much TSH, leading to constant stimulation of the thyroid gland. A pituitary tumour may cause TSH levels to rise. More rarely, the pituitary gland becomes insensitive to thyroid hormones, no longer responding to high levels.

Another possible cause of hyperthyroidism is a condition called thyroiditis. This condition occurs when the thyroid gland becomes inflamed. Depending on the type of thyroiditis, this may lead to temporary hyperthyroidism that might be followed by hypothyroidism.

Answer 2

There are a number of thyroid diseases, which affect the thyroid gland located in the throat.

One disease called goiter, which is caused by lack of iodine, has become far less common as iodine supplements have been added to vitamin preparations and to food products (iodized salt, for example). Some people still get goiter even though they have iodine in their diet, because their thyroid doesn't use the iodine effectively. Goiter causes the thyroid to become enlarged, resulting in unattractive swelling of the neck and pressure on other tissues inside the neck.

The most commonly seen thyroid diseases today are hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism , which are caused by a shortage or excess of thyroid-stimulating hormone produced by the pituitary gland.

The thyroid can also be invaded by growths such as adenoma nodules, which are usually benign, and by cancer growths.

It is also possible for the thyroid to become inflamed, a condition called thyroiditis, which is usually treated successfully with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or with steroids.

Answer 3

EXPOSURE AND RADIATION such as occurred after the Chernobyl nuclear accident

• Overconsumption of isoflavone-intensive soy products, such as soy protein, capsules, and powders
• Some drugs, such as lithium and the heart drug cordarone, can cause hypothyroidism.
• An overconsumption or shortage of iodine in the diet can also trigger some thyroid problems. (This also applies to iodine-containing supplements, such as kelp and bladderwrack.)
• RADIATION TREATMENT to my head, neck or chest. Radiation treatment for tonsils, adenoids, lymph nodes, thymus gland problems, or acne
• NASIAL RADIAL THERAPY which took place during the 1940s through 1960s, as a treatment for tonsillitis, colds and other ailments, or as a military submariner and/or pilot who had trouble with drastic changes in pressure
• Overconsumption of uncooked "goitrogenic" foods, such as brussels sprouts, broccoli, rutabaga, turnips, kohlrabi, radishes, cauliflower, African cassava, millet, babassu, cabbage and kale
• Surgical treatments for thyroid cancer, goiter, or nodules, in which all or part of the thyroid is removed, leave you hypothyroid
• Radioactive iodine treatment (RAI) for Graves' disease and hyperthyroidism typically leave patients hypothyroid

HIGH RISK...

You have a family member with a thyroid problem

…You have another pituitary or endocrine disease

…You or a family member have another autoimmune disease

…You've been diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

…You've been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia

…You're female

…You're over 60

…You've just had a baby

…You're near menopause or menopausal

…You're a smoker

…You've been exposed to radiation

…You've been treated with lithium

…You've been exposed to certain chemicals (i.e., perchlorate, fluoride)

Answer 4

The thyroid is a butterfly shaped gland that sits at the base of our neck, near the Adam's apple. It's primary purpose is to produce hormones that regulate our metabolism. Thyroid disease occurs when the thyroid produces too much (hyperthyroidism) or too little (hypothyroidism) thyroid hormones.