Diseases Connected to Hypothyroidism

Health & Fitness

  • Author Wendy Green
  • Published January 22, 2011
  • Word count 351

Hyporthyroidism is a medical problem that's recognized by limited output of thyroid hormones by the thyroid glands. Though iodine deficiency can lead to this disorder, generally it is a result of an underlying problem.

Majority turn out autoimmune diseases, in which the immune system assaults the person's own body parts, and in the case of hypothyroidism, the thyroid gland. Hypothyroidism is a very considerable ailment as it entails other systems of the body. Below are a few of the health ailments which are typically connected to hypothyroidism.

Graves' disease is an autoimmune disorder which is shown by hyperthyroidism, the opposite problem of hypothyroidism, where the thyroid glands creates excessive thyroid hormones. Individuals who have Graves' disease have a malfunctioning immune system that creates antibodies which mimic thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), resulting in the thyroid gland to make an excessive amount. The management of Graves' disease will require the use of antithyroid medications, iodine-131 (a radioisotope of iodine), or thyroidectomy, that essentially suppresses or fully eliminates the thyroid gland. As a result will result in the hypothyroid state of those who have Graves' disease.

An additional autoimmune disease that is related to hypothyroidism is Hashimoto's thyroiditis. It's amongst the most widespread cause of hypothyroidism in North America. In this condition, the immune system immediately attacks the thyroid gland, mistaking it as a foreign body and bringing about its devastation. In this case, antibodies like leukocytes interrupt thyroid peroxidase, thyroglobulin, and TSH receptors. This might lead to the inflammation and therefore, the destruction of the thyroid gland thus getting the hypothyroid state. It is also theorized that this condition is hereditary.

Another autoimmune disorder that is also linked to hypothyroidism is Addison's disease. Addison's disease is an endocrine disorder wherein the adrenal glands develop inadequate amounts of cortisol as well as aldosterone. Sometimes, this disorder appears along with Hashimoto's thyroiditis. This disorder is called Schmidt's syndrome. Besides the symptoms of Addison's disease and Hashimoto's thyroiditis, folks who have Schmidt's syndrome could as well develop vitiligo, diabetes type 2, myasthenia gravis, pure red cell aplasia, pernicious anemia, Graves' disease, alopecia, sarcoidosis, or perhaps immunoglobulin A deficiency.

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