What Is the Reason for an Underactive Thyroid?
If you are suffering from an underactive thyroid, or hypothyroidism, your thyroid is not producing enough thyroid hormone in order for your body to maintain its normal daily functions. If you think you may have an underactive thyroid, see your doctor to have your thyroid gland checked.
Types
Primary hypothyroidism happens when too little thyroid hormone is produced. You may also have secondary hypothyroidism. This is when the pituitary gland is malfunctioning. If your hypothalamus, the part of the brain that maintains body systems balance, is malfunctioning, you could have tertiary hypothyroidism. Late stage hypothyroidism is myxedema.
Statistics
About 5% to 10% of the U.S. population is afflicted with hypothyroidism. If you are over 50 years of age, the risk goes up to 13%. Hypothyroidism is the most common form of thyroid disorder in the U.S.
Risks
You are at an increased risk for hypothyroidism if you have a family history of thyroid disease or thyroid cancer. If you have an autoimmune disease, like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, type 1 diabetes, pernicious anemia (a vitamin B12 deficiency), or Addison's disease, you are at an increased risk for an overactive thyroid.
Causes
Stress can trigger a thyroid imbalance by acting as a catalyst. When you are under stress, your brain emits chemical messages that cause responses from your endocrine system. Over time, your endocrine process response to a great deal of stress can cause an immune system disturbance, which makes you more vulnerable to a thyroid imbalance.
Hashimoto's thyroiditis
Hashimoto's thyroiditis causes your immune system to lose the ability to tell the difference between the self and the foreign. Your immune system begins producing antibodies to attack the thyroid gland.
Tags: immune system, Hashimoto thyroiditis, increased risk, Reason Underactive, Reason Underactive Thyroid
