Hypothyroidism results when the thyroid gland fails to produce enough hormones . Hypothyroidism may be due to a number of factors, including: Autoimmune disease. The most common cause of hypothyroidism is an autoimmune disorder known as Hashimoto's thyroiditis.
When did hypothyroidism begin?
In 1850 , the first case of hypothyroidism or myxedema was described. Less than 50 years later, effective treatment was introduced. Another 50 years later, autoimmune thyroiditis was ascertained as the most frequent cause of hypothyroidism (in areas with no iodine deficiency).
What race is hypothyroidism more common in?
Gender: Hypothyroidism is more common in women than men. It is much more common in young women than young men, but as men get older, they start to catch up. Race: Hypothyroidism is common in Caucasians and Asians . African-Americans are at lower risk.
Is hypothyroidism genetically inherited?
Genetic causes account for about 15 to 20 percent of cases of congenital hypothyroidism. The cause of the most common type of congenital hypothyroidism, thyroid dysgenesis, is usually unknown. Studies suggest that 2 to 5 percent of cases are inherited .
What was the original source of thyroid hormone?
Thyroid hormones (T 4 and T 3 ) are produced by the follicular cells of the thyroid gland and are regulated by TSH made by the thyrotropes of the anterior pituitary gland.
Does hypothyroidism shorten your life?
Thyroid patients who consistently take the right dose of thyroid replacement medication can lead healthy lives and may even have increased longevity. However, untreated hypothyroidism can lead to a decreased quality of life and increase your risk for long-term complications like heart disease.
Why there is no cure for hypothyroidism?
How is hypothyroidism treated? Hypothyroidism is not curable, but it is totally correctable . The American Thyroid Association recommends synthetic thyroxine, which mimics the hormones released by your thyroid gland.
Who is prone to hypothyroidism?
Although hypothyroidism most often affects middle-aged and older women , anyone can develop the condition, including infants. Initially, babies born without a thyroid gland or with a gland that doesn't work properly may have few signs and symptoms.
Why thyroid disorders are more common in females?
The risk for women is about 10 times higher than for men. One reason for this is that thyroid disorders are often triggered by autoimmune responses , which happen when the body's immune system starts to attack its own cells.
What ethnicity gets Hashimoto's disease?
In contrast, Hashimoto thyroiditis incidence was highest in whites and lowest in blacks and Asian/Pacific Islanders . The authors write that the differences in incidence by race/ethnicity found in this study may be due to different environmental exposures, genetics, or a combination of both.
At what age do thyroid problems start?
The disease is hereditary and may develop at any age in men or women, but it's much more common in women ages 20 to 30 , according to the Department of Health and Human Services . Other risk factors include stress, pregnancy, and smoking.
At what age is hypothyroidism usually diagnosed?
Also called underactive thyroid, hypothyroidism affects women more frequently than men. It commonly affects people over the age of 60 years old, but it can begin at any age . It may be discovered through a routine blood test or after symptoms begin.
Is hypothyroidism a disability?
There are a variety of thyroid gland disorders than can negatively impact your life, two of which are hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. If you have been diagnosed with a thyroid gland disorder, you may qualify for social security disability benefits if your condition is severe enough.
What foods are bad for thyroid?
The thyroid gland is a shield-shaped gland located in your neck. It secretes the hormones T3 and T4 that control the metabolism of every cell in the body. Foods that are bad for the thyroid gland include foods from the cabbage family, soy, fried foods, wheat , foods high in caffeine, sugar, fluoride and iodine.
What is the main cause of thyroid problems?
Problems with the thyroid can be caused by: iodine deficiency . autoimmune diseases , in which the immune system attacks the thyroid, leading either to hyperthyroidism (caused by Graves' disease) or hypothyroidism (caused by Hashimoto's disease) inflammation (which may or may not cause pain), caused by a virus or ...
Who named the thyroid?
In 1500 polymath Leonardo da Vinci provided the first illustration of the thyroid. In 1543 anatomist Andreas Vesalius gave the first anatomic description and illustration of the gland. In 1656 the thyroid received its modern name, by the anatomist Thomas Wharton .
