Other causes of hypothyroidism include: Surgery . The most common of these primary causes is an autoimmune condition called Hashimoto’s disease. Less often, hypothyroidism may result from one of the following: Although anyone can develop hypothyroidism, you're at an increased risk if you: Untreated hypothyroidism can lead to a number of health problems: Myxedema. In most cases, this occurs when a baby's liver can't metabolize a substance called bilirubin, which normally forms when the body recycles old or damaged red blood cells. © 1998-2021 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). Too much or too little iodine in the diet can cause hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism Definition: Hypothyroidism, also known as underactive thyroid disease, is a disorder wherein the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones. An underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) is when your thyroid gland does not produce enough of the hormone thyroxine (also called T4). Accurate thyroid function tests are available to diagnose hypothyroidism. Congenital hypothyroidism. There can be a number of causes, including autoimmune disease, hyperthyroidism treatments, radiation therapy, thyroid surgery and certain medications.Your thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland situated at the base of the front of your neck, just below your Adam's apple. The most common cause of hypothyroidism is an autoimmune disorder known as Hashimoto's thyroiditis. This content does not have an English version. Initially, babies born without a thyroid gland or with a gland that doesn't work properly may have few signs and symptoms. The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland that sits at the front of your neck. Hypothyroidism may be due to a number of factors, including: Autoimmune disease. Treatment with synthetic thyroid hormone is usually simple, safe and effective once you and your doctor find the right dose for you. A problem with the pituitary gland could lead to an underactive thyroid. This article gives an explanation of each of the possible causes of hypothyroidism. Birth defects. The signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism vary, depending on the severity of the hormone deficiency. The Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children website has more information about congenital hypothyroidism and how it's treated. There can be a number of causes, including autoimmune disease, hyperthyroidism treatments, radiation therapy, thyroid surgery and certain medications. Causes. Page last reviewed: 27 April 2018 If you've finished what you're doing can you answer some questions about your visit today? Hypothyroidism symptoms: Can hypothyroidism cause eye problems? A lot of the information I have found helpful surrounding a root cause approach to hypothyroidism has looked at healing from only the perspective of someone having Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis (the largest cause of hypothyroidism in developing nations). Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. Causes of Hypothyroidism 1. Infants with untreated hypothyroidism present at birth are at risk of serious problems with both physical and mental development. Sometimes this process involves your thyroid gland. Iodine deficiency is a type of hypothyroidism associated with goiter. “Autoimmune” means it is caused by your immune system. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.org," "Mayo Clinic Healthy Living," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. Both iodine deficiency and excess can cause hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism. Its signs and symptoms include intense cold intolerance and drowsiness followed by profound lethargy and unconsciousness. This means that the pituitary gland cannot send the thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) to the thyroid gland to … You’ve made your mind up: you’re sick of your hypothyroidism ruling your life – it’s time to change your lifestyle. Autoimmune disorders occur when your immune system produces antibodies that attack your own tissues. Even men suffer from hypothyroidism. This rare, life-threatening condition is the result of long-term, undiagnosed hypothyroidism. Ferri FF. Accessed Oct. 13, 2018. These hormones also influence the control of vital functions, such as body temperature and heart rate. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. , infertility and heart disease which usually fights infection, attacks the gland! To play without a thyroid gland fails to produce hormones of sperm to... Linked below jaundice ) a lack of dietary iodine is added to salt of factors, autoimmune! 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