4 Hypothyroid Disorders

Four common thyroid disorders and how they are treated.

Gaining weight, difficulty paying attention, and lack of energy are all symptoms of a thyroid disorder.

Hypothyroidism, or a lack of the thyroid hormones, is a serious health condition with a variety of causes.

This article will define 4 types of hypothyroidism, discuss causes and risk factors, list signs and symptoms, and offer treatment options.

Thyroid Disorder #1- Hashimoto's thyroiditis

The most common type of hypothyroidism is Hashimoto's thyroiditis, an autoimmune thyroid disorder. Autoimmune diseases ,commonly believed to be started by a bacterial or viral infection, cause the immune system to attack its own body.

In Hashomoto's thyroiditis, the thyroid gland is the victim.

Because the thyroid helps regulate the basal body metabolism, lack of the hormone affects the entire body- everything from appetite to body temperature.

Thyroid Disorder #2- Postpartum hypothyroidism

Postpartum hypothyroidism is a form of thyroiditis that occurs after giving birth. It is unfortunately misdiagnosed often, as many new mothers are generally fatigued.

Postpartum hypothyroidism initially causes thyrotoxicosis (too much thyroid in the blood) and then hypothyroidism (too little hormone in the blood).

The exact cause is unknown, but it is generally believed to be an autoimmune disease. There are several risk factors for developing it. Secondary hypothyroidism can remain in about 20 % of patients.

Risk Factors Include:

Other autoimmune diseases such as Type one Diabetes Mellitus.
Positive anti- thyroid antibodies.
History of previous thyroid dysfunction or previous postpartum thyroiditis.
Family history of thyroid disease.

Infants born to mothers suffering from this disorder should be carefully monitored, as it may have affected their development as well.

Lack of thyroid hormone in infants and children can have devastating affects. The presenting signs are different with adults as well.

Medline Plus has more information on autoimmune diseases.

Thyroid Disorder #3- Thyroiditis

Inflammation of the thyroid gland is known as thyroiditis.

If caused by infection or trauma to the gland, it may be painful and tender. If the cause if autoimmune or iatrogenic, there is generally no pain associated with it.

There are several types of thyroiditis.

Subacute granulomatous thyroiditis
Subacute lymphocytic thyroiditis
Drug induced hypothyroidism

Although these can occurs in all ages and both sexes, women between 20-50 have the highest risk. If this disease does resolve, there is a risk that hypothyroidism can reoccurs in later years.

It is known that immune disorders, viruses, bacterial infections and high fevers can cause this disorder.

Thyroid Disorder #4 -Graves disease

Graves disease (another autoimmune disease) causes hyperthyroidism, which can lead to hypothyroidism. Medications known to affect adversely the thyroid include amiodarone, lithium and chemotherapy.

Excessive amounts of iodine in the diet can contribute to thyroid disorders. Occasionally, a definitive cause cannot be found.

Thyroid Cancer

The incidence of thyroid cancer is coming down over time. Early inappropriate use of X-rays led to an increase, which is resolving as time passes.

In the early to middle 20th century, doctors used high dose X-rays to treat children for enlarged tonsils, acne and other issues affecting the head and neck.

At one point in time there was a commercial device used to measure feet that exposed people to radiation as well. Both of these are no longer done.

This exposure can caused papillary or follicular thyroid cancer.Radioactive fallout also causes thyroid cancer. Atomic weapons testing, nuclear power plant accidents and releases from weapons that produce atomic weapons are all sources of fallout.

It is known that exposure to I-131 increases the risk of thyroid diseases, including cancer.

Medullary thyroid cancer is genetic. The gene called RET, if altered, causes an extremely high percentage of people to develop that particular form of cancer. Doctors treating a person for this form of cancer may suggest that all family members be tested.

If a family member has this form of cancer, others in your family are at higher risk for other types of cancer as well.

Some other risk factors include:

People with a family history of goiter or certain polyps in the colon.
Ladies are two to three times more likely than men to develop thyroid cancer.
If you are over 65, anaplastic cancer is more likely.
White people develop thyroid cancer more than those with darker colored skin.
Lack of iodine in the diet. Thyroid cancer seems to be less common in countries that supplement their diet with iodine.

The signs and symptoms of thyroid diseases are subtle, increasing over time.

They reflect the changes occurring within the body due to the slowing of basal metabolism. In early stages, hypothyroidism is easily missed. This is because the symptoms can be misdiagnosed, or considered to be a natural side affect of aging or other circumstances in life.

Severe fatigue, weight gain and increased sensitivity to cold are more noticeable than other symptoms.

As the hormones continue to drop, slowed speech, low blood pressure and pulse, a hoarseness in the voice and constipation are noted along with menstrual problems.

The symptoms increase in severity, causing changes in the person appearance- goiter may be present, dry-thick-coarse hair may occur, confusion, and depression may be apparent.

Thyroid Disorder Treatments

Treatment of the thyroid disorders depends on the cause.

In postpartum hypothyroidism, all that may be needed is regular blood tests to be sure the gland is regaining its functions. Medications for pain, antibiotics for infection, and steroids to reduce swelling and inflammation may also be prescribed, depending on symptoms.

Synthetic thyroid hormones (such as synthroid, levoxyl, levothroid, & unithroid) are generally prescribed for hypothyroidism and large goiters, but there is a natural desiccated thyroid hormone (such as armour) made from pig thyroids available.

For thyroid cancer, surgery is the best treatment.

This may be followed up with radiation to the thyroid if the surgery does not remove all thyroid tissue. Conventional medical treatment is necessary- homeopathic remedies, supplements (such as Magnesium, L Tyrosine, Zinc & Copper), thyroid products, and foods can help support treatment.

Foods That May Cause Thyroid Disorders

There is considerable controversy in the medical community about the consumption of soy products.

It has been reported that soy may interfere with the absorption of thyroid medications. There have been some studies that suggest this, but no definitive ones.

This is not the only food or medication thought to interfere with thyroid medications. Here are some additional foods & supplements that may interfere with absorption:

High fiber food
iron and calcium supplements
and antacids with magnesium or aluminum

If you do choose to include soy foods in your diet, be sure to wait for least four hours after taking the medication. Generally, the medication is taken on an empty stomach.

Other Considerations

Food that is high in B-vitamins, iron, and antioxidants will support thyroid function.

Fresh vegetables, sea vegetables, blueberries, cherries, tomatoes squash and bell peppers are some good examples.

Avoid cruciform vegetables such as: broccoli, brussel sprouts, cauliflower and other greens, as these interfere with thyroid function.

Alcohol and caffeine are good to avoid, as they impact several illnesses and medication.

Vitamins and supplements are often suggested to help improve thyroid response.

Fish oil helps decrease inflammation and stabilize the immune system. Ask your doctor before starting these, because they interact with blood thinners and make bleeding disorders worse. L-tyrosine is used by the thyroid to make thyroid hormone. DO NOT take this if you are taking thyroid replacement already, or if you suffer from hypertension or mania.

Iodine supplements only help if the hypothyroidism is caused by a lack of iodine in the diet. Too much iodine can cause hypothyroidism.