What Causes Hypothyroidism?

There is no one answer to what causes hypothyroidism. There are several reasons why a person can develop this condition as you will see.

Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce sufficient amounts of hormones necessary for a variety of metabolic processes. In most cases, the underlying hypothyroidism cause is a problem with the thyroid gland itself.

In a few cases, it may be a problem in the pituitary gland or the brain, which both play a part in governing thyroid gland activity. The brain signals the pituitary gland to make a hormone called TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone). TSH, in turn, signals the thyroid gland to produce hormones. Under normal conditions, thyroid hormones, specifically thyroxine (T-4) and triiodothyronine (T-3) regulate metabolism, control body temperature, and govern heart rate. Thyroid hormones are also involved in protein production and in regulation of blood calcium levels.

The inability of the thyroid gland to make enough hormones is what causes hypothyroidism. The condition compromises many processes in the body. If you are trying to find out what causes hypothyroidism – that is, what makes the thyroid gland stop producing enough hormones - you may be surprised at the list of possibilities. Included on the list are a condition known as Hashimoto's Thyroiditis, treatments for hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) or thyroid tumors, radiation of the head or neck to treat cancer, and drug interference. In addition, hypothyroidism can be caused by hormonal imbalances that occur during menopause, perimenopause, or postpartum. Now let's talk a bit about all these...

Hashimoto's Thyroiditis: Hashimoto's Thyroiditis, a malfunction of the immune system that causes the body to turn against healthy thyroid cells, is the most common hypothyroidism cause. This autoimmune condition causes loss of thyroid cells due to repeated inflammation from the immune response. Eventually, enough cells are lost to cause the thyroid gland to become ineffective, and it no longer produces sufficient amounts of thyroid hormones.

Radiation Treatments: Treatments that damage the thyroid gland and cause a significant loss of thyroid cells are radiation treatments of the head and neck and surgical removal of all or part of the thyroid gland, which may be considered necessary because of over-activity (hyperthyroidism) or thyroid tumors.

Medications: In some cases, medications inhibit production of thyroid hormones and cause hypothyroidism. Examples are lithium, amiodarone, and propylthiouracil.

Hormonal Changes: For women in particular, the production of thyroid hormones can also be effected by hormonal changes, making a diagnosis of hypothyroidism common among women during menopause, perimenopause and after giving birth.

Estrogen dominance combined with low levels of progesterone is thought to be the basis of hypothyroidism caused by hormonal imbalance, which may explain why more than 20% of women in the U.S. are diagnosed with hypothyroidism during menopause. This is particularly significant, since many of the symptoms associated with menopause are actually symptoms of hypothyroidism, making accurate diagnosis important in order to ensure appropriate treatment.

Dark Pigmentation Around Neck

Dark pigmentation around the neck is known as Acanthosis nigricans. It is a skin condition characterized by dark, thick, velvety skin in body folds and creases. Most often, acanthosis nigricans affects your armpits, groin and neck. With acanthosis nigricans, you may naturally be concerned about the appearance of your skin. Some steps may help lighten the affected areas of your skin. There is no specific treatment for acanthosis nigricans , but treating any underlying conditions, such as diabetes and obesity, may cause the changes in your skin to fade. Symptoms Skin changes. Skin changes are the only signs of acanthosis nigricans. You'll notice dark, thick, velvety skin in body folds and creases usually in your armpits, groin and neck. Sometimes the lips, palms or soles of the feet are affected as well. Slow progression. The skin changes appear slowly, sometimes over months or years. Feasible itching. The affected areas may itch.

What signs and symptoms can occur if thyroid function is affected?

Thyroid gland: A gland that makes and stores hormones that help regulate the heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, and the rate at which food is converted into energy. Thyroid hormones are essential for the function of every cell in the body. They help regulate growth and the rate of chemical reactions (metabolism) in the body. Thyroid hormones also help children grow and develop. The thyroid gland is located in the lower part of the neck, below the Adam's apple, wrapped around the trachea (windpipe). It has the shape of a butterfly: two wings (lobes) attached to one another by a middle part. The thyroid uses iodine, a mineral found in some foods and in iodized salt, to make its hormones. The two most important thyroid hormones are thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), which is produced by the pituitary gland, acts to stimulate hormone production by the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland also makes the hormone calcitonin, which is...

How To Use Green Tea For Weight Loss

Green Tea For Weight Loss There is absolutely no denying the fact that the hype associated with green tea herb weight loss programs has a lot of substance and scientific assistance. Since information flow is so swift and quick nowadays that it becomes almost impossible to identify fact from fiction, research from rumor and real result from an advertising claim. However, some hints and tips can give you head-start in your pursuit of shedding pounds through green tea weight reduction program. Green tea herb and it is advantages First of all, it is necessary to understand that this revolutionary weight reduction product, as termed by many, is actually tea in the purest and most unprocessed form. Camellia Sinensis is a plant or bush that golf course tea is extracted. The full process of making golf course tea involves nothing more than steaming the leaves, which preserves its 75 % natural ingredients.

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