Hyporthyroidism is a condition that is indicated by limited output of thyroid hormones by the thyroid glands. Although iodine deficiency could cause this condition, most of the time it is a result of an underlying illness. Most of them are autoimmune conditions, where the immune system attacks the person's own body parts, and in the case of hypothyroidism, the thyroid gland. Hypothyroidism is definitely a considerable health issue because it includes other systems of the body. Here are a few of the diseases that are frequently connected with hypothyroidism.
Graves' disease is an autoimmune disorder that is indicated by hyperthyroidism, the contrary disorder of hypothyroidism, wherein the thyroid glands generates too much thyroid hormones. People that have Graves' disease have a malfunctioning immune system that generates antibodies that imitate thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), causing the thyroid gland to produce too much. Treating Graves' disease will involve the use of antithyroid drugs, iodine-131 (a radioisotope of iodine), or thyroidectomy, which basically inhibits or fully eliminates the thyroid gland. This in turn will lead to the hypothyroid state of those who have Graves' disease.
One more autoimmune disorder that is related to an under active thyroid is Hashimoto's thyroiditis. It is one among the frequent cause of hypothyroidism in North America. In this illness, the immune system directly assaults the thyroid gland, mistaking it as a foreign body and leading to its destruction. In this case, antibodies such as leukocytes invade thyroid peroxidase, thyroglobulin, and TSH receptors. This will lead to the inflammation and consequently, the devastation of the thyroid gland hence creating the hypothyroid state. It is also believed that this condition is genetic.
One more autoimmune disease that is also connected with hypothyroidism is Addison's disease. Addison's disease is an endocrine condition wherein the adrenal glands produce insufficient amounts of cortisol and aldosterone. At times, this condition occurs along with Hashimoto's thyroiditis. This disorder is called Schmidt's syndrome. Besides the symptoms of Addison's disease and Hashimoto's thyroiditis, those who have Schmidt's syndrome may also develop immunoglobulin A deficiency, vitiligo, sarcoidosis, type 2 diabetes, alopecia, myasthenia gravis, Graves' disease, pure red cell aplasia, or pernicious anemia.