What Are the Causes of Thyroid Problems?

Jul 11, 2010 | By
Charis Grey 



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Hormones that are created in the thyroid gland help regulate the rate at which the body burns fuel. Thyroid gland dysfunction can cause either overproduction or underproduction of thyroxine, triiodothyronine, or calcitonin, three hormones that the gland produces. An imbalance in thyroid hormones can result in a slowing or speeding of metabolism. Increases in thyroid hormone cause the heart rate to accelerate, with nervousness and insomnia frequently reported. Slowed heart rate and fatigue are often experienced in cases where thyroid hormone levels are decreased.

 

Autoimmune Disorders



Autoimmune disorders occur when your immune system mistakenly mounts an unwarranted defensive attack against something it has deemed to be a threat. In certain diseases, such as Graves’ disease and Hashimoto’s disease, the healthy cells of the thyroid gland are targeted for attack by the immune system. Graves’ disease is the most common cause of abnormal elevations in thyroid hormone levels, also known as hyperthyroidism. The Merck Manuals says Graves’ disease occurs often in families, indicating a genetic source of the disease. Hashimoto’s disease, also known as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, is another autoimmune disorder. But in this case, thyroid hormone levels are decreased by the actions of an antibody produced by the immune system.

Tumors

 

Benign and cancerous tumors can cause problems in the thyroid gland. The University of Maryland Medical Center says benign tumors such as adenomas can secrete large amounts of thyroid hormone that cause hyperthyroidism. Cancerous thyroid nodules are less common. They often manifest as painless lumps in the throat that can eventually cause vocal hoarseness and difficulty swallowing.

 

Too Much Iodine

 

The thyroid gland needs iodine in order to manufacture hormones. When you consume too much iodine, you can get hyperthyroidism. Merck lists expectorants and X-ray contrast agents as possible sources of excess iodine. Prescription drugs such as amiodarone, a heart medication, and lithium, used to treat bipolar disorder, can also contribute to hyperthyroidism. Anti-epilepsy drugs, antidepressants and interferon are also sometimes at fault in causing irregular thyroid hormone levels.

 

Pituitary Disorders

 

Disorders of the pituitary gland are an additional, but rare, cause of hyperthyroidism. The pituitary gland is the source of thyroid stimulating hormone, or TSH. Lab Tests Online says pituitary disorders can be caused by hereditary factors, trauma, tumors and numerous other influences.

 

References

• Lab Tests Online: Pituitary Disorders
• University of Maryland Medical Center: Thyroid Tumors
• University of Maryland Medical Center: Hypothyroidism - Causes
• Merck: Hyperthyroidism

Article reviewed by Anton Alden Last updated on: Jul 11, 2010 

 http://www.livestrong.com/article/171245-what-are-the-causes-of-thyroid-problems/