What Causes Hypothyroidism?

Are you wondering what causes hypothyroidism? Hypothyroidism can be quite distressing because of the unwanted symptoms that accompany this medical condition-especially weight gain, loss of energy and depression. Fortunately, there are several simple treatments for hypothyroidism, meaning this problem can usually be managed easily and quickly as long as you see a doctor and get proper medication.

Hypothyroidism is caused by the under-functioning of your thyroid, a butterfly-shaped gland at the base of your neck that releases hormones. The two main hormones released by your thyroid are thyroxine and triiodothyronine. These two hormones are responsible for monitoring your body's temperature and metabolism. They also influence your heart rate, production of protein and how much calcium is in your blood.

Your thyroid responds to messages sent from your pituitary gland and your hypothalamus; if these messages are properly sent, your thyroid produces the appropriate amounts of thyroxine and triiodothoyronine. If those messages are disrupted, your thyroid will produce either too much or too little of these hormones. If your thyroid produces too little of these hormones, you develop hypothyroidism. As a result, you feel tired, sluggish, crabby and depressed. Your body begins to accumulate extra weight and you feel cold.

Hypothyroidism can be caused by several different factors, including the following:

• Pituitary gland malfunction: If your pituitary gland isn't functioning properly, those messages don't get sent to your thyroid and the proper hormones aren't released.
• Autoimmune disease: If your body begins to produce antibodies against your thyroid, your thyroid will stop functioning properly. This is the most common cause of hypothyroidism.
• Over-treatment of hyperthyroidism: It's not uncommon for someone experiencing treatment for hyperthyroidism-too much production of those two hormones-to experience the other side of the problem if the anti-thyroid medications work too well.
• Cancer treatments: Sometimes radiation or other cancer medications can cause under-functioning of the thyroid.
• Iodine deficiency: This is rare unless you avoid eating salt altogether, since iodine is now added to table salt.
• Certain medications: If you are taking a medication like Lithium, this may inhibit your thyroid function.