Main causes of thyroid problems
Autoimmune diseases:
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis: The body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland and slows down its function. This causes hypothyroidism.
Graves’ disease: The immune system causes the thyroid gland to overwork. This causes hyperthyroidism.
Iodine Deficiency: Iodine is essential for the production of thyroid hormones. If the amount of iodine in the diet is too low, the gland may become swollen (goiter) or function may decrease.
Genetics: If your parents or close relatives have thyroid problems in your family, you are more likely to develop them.
Hormonal changes: Hormonal changes that occur in women during pregnancy, postpartum, and menopause can affect the thyroid gland.
Medication side effects: Some medications (for example, medications for some mental illnesses) can affect the production of thyroid hormone.
Thyroid Nodules: Tumors that develop in the thyroid gland can overproduce or slow down the function of the gland.
