What Causes Low Thyroid?

The thyroid gland produces thyroid hormones T4 and T3. These hormones are important for regulation of metabolism, protein synthesis, long bone growth, vitamin metabolism, etc. When there is an imbalance in the level of thyroid hormones it leads to many permanent or temporary health implications. When the level of thyroid hormone is less than the normal levels, it leads to hypothyroidism. Thyroid hormone deficiency can be caused by a number of factors. Let us see what causes low thyroid levels in the following paragraphs.

What Causes Thyroid Hormone Deficiency

Hypothyroidism is a condition that occurs due to an underactive thyroid gland. Hypothyroidism is commonly seen in women over 50 years of age. Hypothyroidism causes include, autoimmune diseases, radiation therapy, thyroid surgery, medications and treatment for hyperthyroidism. Let us have a look at what causes low thyroid causes in detail.

Hashimoto's Thyroiditis
The most common cause for low thyroid levels is Hashimoto's thyroiditis. This is an autoimmune disease that causes the body's own immune system to attack the thyroid gland. This causes the tissues of the gland to be destroyed gradually causing reduction in production of hormones. If one suffers from type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, Addison's disease, they should get themselves checked for presence of hypothyroidism.

Treatment for Hyperthyroidism
Some people suffer from over production of hormones that causes hyperthyroidism. When a patient is given treatment for hyperthyroidism it results in low thyroid levels. Radioactive iodine or anti-thyroid medications can lead to permanent hypothyroidism in some cases.

Radiation Therapy
Patients suffering from cancer undergoing radiation therapy can find a drop in their thyroid levels. The chemotherapy or radiation therapy affects normal cells in the body as well, and in some cases can lead to hypothyroidism.

Gland Surgery
In some cases, patients are required to undergo a surgery to completely or partially remove the thyroid gland. This surgery causes reduction, or permanent halt, in production of the thyroid hormones, thus leading to low thyroid levels.

Medications
Medications such as lithium, radioactive iodine, can lead to hypothyroidism. Radioactive iodine, as we know, is used to treat hyperthyroidism. Lithium is used to treat psychiatric disorders like maniac depression. These medications can lead to hypothyroidism. Thus, make sure you speak to your doctor about the effect of your medication.

Pregnancy
Many pregnant women often suffer from hypothyroidism during, or after, their pregnancy. This condition occurs due to production of antibodies that attacks their thyroid gland. It is important to treat hypothyroidism in pregnancy, as it may lead to miscarriage or premature delivery.

Pituitary Disorder
One of the very rare causes of hypothyroidism is pituitary gland failure. Pituitary gland secretes thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). When the production of TSH decreases, it leads to decrease in secretion of thyroid hormones.

Iodine Deficiency
Another rare cause of low thyroid is iodine deficiency. Iodine is a trace mineral that is very important in the production of thyroid hormones. In America, it is very rare to observe iodine deficiency as it is present in table salt. However, in regions of the world where iodized salt is not used, it can cause deficiency of iodine, leading to low thyroid.

In some cases, children suffer from congenital hypothyroidism, a condition present from birth. This was all about what causes of low thyroid levels. As you can see, these conditions that lead to thyroid hormone deficiency are very specific. If one suffers from any of the above hypothyroidism causes, they should get their thyroid levels checked. Their doctor will be able to suggest effective low thyroid treatment. If left untreated, it can also lead to myxedema. This condition is the most advanced form of hypothyroidism. Also, women are more likely to develop low thyroid, than men. Hope, the above information has proved useful to understand causes of low thyroid levels.