Through the hormones it produces, the thyroid gland influences almost all of the metabolic processes in your body. Thyroid disorders can range from a small, harmless goiter (enlarged gland) that needs no treatment to life-threatening cancer. The most common thyroid problems involve abnormal production of thyroid hormones. Too much of these vital body chemicals results in a condition known as hyperthyroidism. Insufficient hormone production leads to hypothyroidism.

Although the effects can be unpleasant or uncomfortable, most thyroid problems can be managed well if properly diagnosed and treated.

What Causes Thyroid Problems?

All types of hyperthyroidism are due to an overproduction of thyroid hormones, but the condition can occur in several ways:

* Graves' disease: The release of excess hormones is triggered by an autoimmune disorder. For some unknown reason, the body attacks the thyroid, causing it to spill out too much hormone.
* Toxic adenomas: Nodules develop in the thyroid gland and begin to secrete thyroid hormones, upsetting the body's chemical balance; some goiters may contain several of these nodules.
* Subacute thyroiditis: inflammation of the thyroid causes the gland to "leak" excess hormones, resulting in temporary hyperthyroidism that generally lasts a few weeks but may persist for months.
* Pituitary gland malfunctions or cancerous growths in the thyroid gland: Although rare, hyperthyroidism can also develop from these causes.

Answered by Sidh Vicky , an ibibo Citizen, at 10:49 AM on October 13, 2008

There is really no clear-cut, textbook answer to this question because conditions, like people, are complex and are the result of many factors.

First, is poor nutrition. Some studies have shown that people who develop thyroid problems, most notably hypothyroidism, suffer from iodine deficiencies. Since iodine is a trace mineral found in food that combines with tyrosine to make both T3 and T4, both of the hormones produced in the thyroid, a lack of it can lead to under-production of thyroid hormones.

There is information out there that says that certain foods can interfere with the production of thyroid hormones. These include: soy, millet, or cassava. If a person eats too much of these, he or she can throw their thyroid off.

Other studies find that deficiencies in vitamin A, magnesium and iron can also cause the thyroid to malfunction.

The second factor is stress. When a person is under stress, certain hormones are released in the body, such as cortisol. Chronic stress can cause hormone disturbances and hormonal deficiencies which affect the endocrine system, and the thyroid. Of course, low thyroid function can mimic stress and other mental illnesses, most notably depression, so it’s hard to know which comes first. Therefore, the situation is a virtual catch-22 once you get into it.

Third is genetics. Like most conditions, if a member of your family has struggled with the condition, then you will too. So if you have a parent, aunt, sibling, etc. with a thyroid dysfunction, then your thyroid may just malfunction too!


The next factor is pregnancy, which also includes the postpartum period. Pregnancy is a time in a woman’s life when her whole body undergoes massive changes and suffers great stress. It’s hard to distinguish between the symptoms of thyroid malfunction and some of the more common discomforts of pregnancy such as weight gain and fatigue.

Answered by Mohd Saqib , an ibibo Master, at 1:56 AM on September 27, 2008

Clinically speaking, there are three situations that occur in the thyroid gland itself which cause a thyroid malfunction. These include:

Too little production of thyroid hormones. Therefore, hypothyroidism is a condition and a thyroid dysfunction.
Too much thyroid hormone is produced. That, of course, is hyperthyroidism.
Extra flesh collects around the thyroid gland forming a nodule. This nodule may or may not be cancerous.
Some studies have shown that people who develop thyroid problems, most notably hypothyroidism, suffer from iodine deficiencies. Since iodine is a trace mineral found in food that combines with tyrosine to make both T3 and T4, both of the hormones produced in the thyroid, a lack of it can lead to under-production of thyroid hormones.

There is information out there that says that certain foods can interfere with the production of thyroid hormones. These include: soy, millet, or cassava. If a person eats too much of these, he or she can throw their thyroid off.

Other studies find that deficiencies in vitamin A, magnesium and iron can also cause the thyroid to malfunction.

The second factor is stress. When a person is under stress, certain hormones are released in the body, such as cortisol. Chronic stress can cause hormone disturbances and hormonal deficiencies which affect the endocrine system, and the thyroid. Of course, low thyroid function can mimic stress and other mental illnesses, most notably depression, so it’s hard to know which comes first. Therefore, the situation is a virtual catch-22 once you get into it.

Third is genetics. Like most conditions, if a member of your family has struggled with the condition, then you will too. So if you have a parent, aunt, sibling, etc. with a thyroid dysfunction, then your thyroid may just malfunction too!
The next factor is pregnancy, which also includes the postpartum period. Pregnancy is a time in a woman’s life when her whole body undergoes massive changes and suffers great stress. It’s hard to distinguish between the symptoms of thyroid malfunction and some of the more common discomforts of pregnancy such as weight gain and fatigue.

INFORMATION SOURCE SITE :http://health.learninginfo.or g/causes-thyroid-problems.htm

Answered by Sanya Tahir , an ibibo Master, at 3:27 PM on September 15, 2008

The function of the thyroid gland is to supply thyroxin, the thyroid hormone, to individual cells for the purpose of metabolism. Oxygen is used in this procedure. When insufficient oxygen is supplied, you become what we call a slow oxidizer and hypothyroidism (or under active thyroid) results. If you have too much oxygen and then become a fast oxidizer, then hyperthyroidism results (overactive thyroid).

A lack of the hormone thyroxin thickens the blood, which can potentially lead to heart problems( i.e heart attack) where too much thyroxin thins the blood and can lead to excessive bleeding.

Another name for hyperthyroidism(overactive thyroid) is Grave's disease. Another condition known as Graves disease can lead to an under active thyroid.

Symptoms of an overactive thyroid can include extreme nervousness, anxiety, protruding eyes, excessive perspiration, high body heat, extreme hunger, rapid pulse and loss of hair. Goitre(or a large thyroid gland) can occur fro the overproduction of thyroxin. When any organ in the body is overworked, it can become enlarged.

Symptoms of an under active thyroid are fatigue, dry skin and hair, low body temperature, mental sluggishness, low intellectual capacity and goiter. You can also get dark circles around the eyes. Any organ that perceives that it is not getting enough of a specific chemical will enlarge itself in an effort to use more of what's available.

The cause of thyroid problems can be many however a dysfunction of the pituitary gland can cause a deficiency or overproduction of the thyroid stimulating hormone(TSH). Less thyroxin leads to a slowing of metabolism and slower burning of calories, whereas an overproduction leads to more rapid burning of calories.

A decrease in nutrients that supply the thyroid gland can also lead to thyroid problems. These include iodine tyrosine and Vitamin B1.

An attack by the bodies own antibodies can lead to self destruction of the thyroid cells( autoimmune disease).

Radiation therapy for enlarged or infected tonsils. Too much calcium slows the thyroid, too much potassium speeds up the thyroid.

There are many avenues of natural and conventional treatment for thyroid problems. The more alternative therapies have proven to be quite effective including diet, supplements, herbs and amino acids. However conventional treatment is still used but does has some serious problems associated with it including nasty side effects.

Answered by Yogeshwar , an ibibo Specialist, at 3:17 PM on September 15, 2008

well, Thyroid Problems Causes

* Hypothyroidism

o Loss of tissue: Treatment of hyperthyroidism by radioactive destruction of thyroid tissue or surgical removal of thyroid tissue can result in hypothyroidism.

o Antithyroid antibodies: These may be present in people who have diabetes, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic hepatitis, or Sjögren syndrome. These antibodies may cause decreased production of thyroid hormones.

o Congenital: Hypothyroidism can be present from birth. This is commonly discovered early with nationwide newborn screening for this disease.

o Defects in the production of thyroid hormone: Hashimoto thyroiditis occurs when there are defects in the production of thyroid hormone, resulting in an increased amount of TSH. The increased TSH results in a goiter (enlargement of the thyroid gland itself that can be seen as an obvious swelling in the front of the neck).

o Medications: Some medications, particularly lithium, may cause a drug-induced hypothyroidism.

* Hyperthyroidism

o Graves disease: This thyroid condition results from abnormal stimulation of the thyroid gland by a material in the blood termed the long-acting thyroid stimulator (LATS). LATS overstimulates the thyroid causing a goiter. It also causes Graves eye disease, including a "bug-eyed" look and "frightened stare." This can progress to severe eye pain or eye muscle weakness. It also causes raised, thickened skin over the shins or tops of the feet.

o Toxic multinodular goiter: This occurs when part of the thyroid gland produces thyroid hormones all by itself, without regard to TSH stimulation. It usually occurs in people with a long-standing goiter—usually in the elderly. Toxic multinodular goiter is different from Graves disease because of the general lack of eye complications and less severe signs of hyperthyroidism.

o Thyroiditis: This inflammatory disorder of the thyroid gland includes such conditions as de Quervain thyroiditis or Hashimoto thyroiditis. In these conditions, you may have periods of increased thyroid hormone release due to the inflammation, causing a hyperthyroid state. As thyroid failure occurs due to the inflammatory response, hypothyroidism may occur.

o Pituitary adenoma: This tumor of the pituitary gland causes independent TSH production leading to overstimulation of the thyroid gland.

For more: http://www.emedicinehealth.com /thyroid_problems/page2_em.htm #Thyroid%20Problems%20Causes

Answered by Satya ~ , an ibibo Master, at 1:58 PM on September 15, 2008

too little production of thyroid hormones can cause this problem.Sometimes stress can eb one cause.Too much intake of soya or millet can create thyroid dysfunction.Deficiency of VItamin A and magnesium can also cause thyroid deficiency.In the case of one of my relatives, it was chronic stress. Her grandmother also had the same problem and she died later.In the case of women anything can be a reason- post delivery, post menopause.When auto immune disorder takes place, the antibodies attack the thyroid gland and it becomes dysfunctional.

Answered by Vida Writer , an ibibo Master, at 4:11 PM on September 14, 2008

The thyroid gland,which sits in front of the wind pipe just below the Adams's Apple,produces iodine containing hormones that control the body's metabolic rate.Iodine is needed in the diet for the normal functioning of the thyroid gland.And its deficiency results in a condition called Endemic Goitre.
Iodine deficiency is the one of the main reason for the thyroide problem.

Answered by SUKUMARAN , an ibibo Master, at 1:42 PM on September 14, 2008

well,Thyroid Problems Causes

* Hypothyroidism

o Loss of tissue: Treatment of hyperthyroidism by radioactive destruction of thyroid tissue or surgical removal of thyroid tissue can result in hypothyroidism.

o Antithyroid antibodies: These may be present in people who have diabetes, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic hepatitis, or Sjögren syndrome. These antibodies may cause decreased production of thyroid hormones.

o Congenital: Hypothyroidism can be present from birth. This is commonly discovered early with nationwide newborn screening for this disease.

o Defects in the production of thyroid hormone: Hashimoto thyroiditis occurs when there are defects in the production of thyroid hormone, resulting in an increased amount of TSH. The increased TSH results in a goiter (enlargement of the thyroid gland itself that can be seen as an obvious swelling in the front of the neck).

o Medications: Some medications, particularly lithium, may cause a drug-induced hypothyroidism.
for more information you visit this side
www.emedicinehealth.com/ thyroid_problems/article_em.ht m

Answered by Debashis , an ibibo Master, at 9:25 AM on September 14, 2008

Through the hormones it produces, the thyroid gland influences almost all of the metabolic processes in your body. Thyroid disorders can range from a small, harmless goiter (enlarged gland) that needs no treatment to life-threatening cancer. The most common thyroid problems involve abnormal production of thyroid hormones. Too much of these vital body chemicals results in a condition known as hyperthyroidism. Insufficient hormone production leads to hypothyroidism.

Although the effects can be unpleasant or uncomfortable, most thyroid problems can be managed well if properly diagnosed and treated.

And for more information visit the source site:
http://women.webmd.com/ guide/understanding-thyroid-pr oblems-basics

Answered by Dinesh , an ibibo Master, at 7:11 AM on September 14, 2008

dear rinku!
Thyroid problems will occur due to decreased or increased levels of thyroid hormone.

Answered by Cuty * , an ibibo Specialist, at 6:51 AM on September 14, 2008