There are a variety of factors affecting thyroid function. These factors are different for hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.
In fact, these factors may be different for each person suffering from thyroid disease. A doctor needs to go to the root of the disorder to understand its nature, causes, and treatability.
Some of these include hypothyroidism risk factors. These risk factors for thyroid disease include –
- Family history of thyroid disorders
- Daily diet
- Lifestyle
- Other autoimmune conditions
- Deficiency diseases
- A history of radiation to the neck or chest area
The Conditions Which Can Cause Hypothyroidism
Yes. Thyroid conditions can be cured. All symptoms of thyroid diseases can be reversed. However, to achieve that we need to first understand what’s causing your thyroid problems. Here are some of the most common causes of hypothyroidism among adults -
Nutrient Deficiencies
Iodine deficiency is a major cause of hypothyroidism. The thyroid gland requires iodine for producing thyroid hormones. Iodine deficiency can result in the reduction of these thyroid hormones. Other nutritional deficiency includes deficiency of selenium and zinc. Mineral deficiencies are one of the top risk factors for thyroid disease.
A non-functional thyroid gland
In every 1 out of 4000 newborns, the thyroid gland is non-functional. Although rare, this always results in hypothyroidism. A blood test of all newborns is done almost immediately after birth to check the level of thyroid hormone in their blood.
Hashimoto’s Disease
It is an autoimmune disease in which the body cells attack the thyroid gland. That reduces its capacity to produce thyroid hormones to a large extent. Close to 80% of all people with hypothyroidism have Hashimoto's thyroiditis.
Postpartum Thyroiditis
Postpartum Thyroiditis happens when a woman’s thyroid gland becomes inflamed after childbirth. It is a rare condition and affects only 3 in 100 women. Most women who experience postpartum thyroiditis do not recover without hypothyroidism treatment. They need proper thyroid testing, diagnosis, treatment plan, and diet changes to reverse thyroid functions.
How Knowing Thyroid Risk Factors can Help us
Knowing the risk factors for thyroid disease can help us prevent hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. Monitoring our thyroid levels can give us a good idea if we are developing thyroid disorders.
The presence of hypothyroidism risk factors does increase a person’s chances of developing an underactive thyroid. However, it is not a certainty. With proper diet, exercise and supplements one can prevent thyroid disorders or nip them in the bud.
