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Top 10 Causes of Thyroid Problems
There are many causes of thyroid problems. Some may be due to genetic factors whilst other may be
environmental, nutritional or physical.
Some of the causes may be easily corrected whilst others may
require medical intervention. In order to determine if any of these factors may be a problem for you,
proper testing is required by a knowledgeable healthcare professional.
In this article we will cover some of the major causes of thyroid problems and this may help you identify whether or not you may have some form of thyroid dysfunction.
Here are some of the
major causes of thyroid problems:
High stress
Chronically high stress levels, which results in high cortisol levels, impair the conversion of
T4 into T3
(the more active thyroid hormone) and increases the conversion of T4 into reverse T3 (rT3), which blocks the
thyroid hormone receptors on cells.
However, using adaptogenic herbs like, Rhodiola rosea, Withania somnifera root and Siberian ginseng can all
be useful in reducing the stress response in your body. All 3 of these Adaptogens are contained in
BCN's Thyron.
Adrenal fatigue
In the case of
adrenal fatigue
the adrenal glands have trouble producing enough cortisol. Whilst excess
cortisol
negatively affects thyroid hormone production so does too little cortisol. Therefore, there is
an optimum level of cortisol required for proper thyroid hormone production and function in the body.
Cortisol has the effect of keeping the cell membranes 'refreshed' and sensitive to the thyroid hormones.
If inadequate levels of cortisol are being produced by the body it is theorised that the receptors on the
cell membranes may become 'de-sensitised' to the action of the thyroid hormones.
Nutritional deficiencies
There are several nutrients that are required by the body in order to produce optimum levels of
thyroid hormones. The main one include: iodine, selenium, tyrosine, zinc, vitamin C, vitamin A and a
range of B vitamins. All of these nutrients are found in
BCN's Thyron.
Toxicity
Toxicity in the body may have a negative impact on thyroid hormone production. The toxicity may come in
many forms. For example, other 'halogens' like fluoride (from our water) and bromide (from some breads,
vegetable oils, pesticides, plastics, etc.) displace iodine and therefore, may reduce the production of
thyroid hormones.
Heavy metals like mercury or chemicals in cigarette smoke may also contribute to thyroid problems.
Ageing
Hypothyroidism is common in elderly people. Simply because ageing results in a reduced functioning of most
organs and systems of the body, the thyroid gland and its ability to produce adequate amounts of
thyroid hormones decreases as we get older.
Menopause
Dramatic hormonal changes in a person's body result in a tendency to have thyroid problems. As a result,
when a woman goes through
menopause
she increases her risk of developing hypothyroidism.
Goitrogenic foods
These foods interfere with iodine uptake into the thyroid gland and therefore may cause thyroid problems.
This effect tends to occur only when they are eaten consistently and in excess. Some of these foods include:
soy products, cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, brussel sprouts and cabbage, green leafy
vegetables like kale and root vegetables like turnips and radishes.
Candida and other digestive problems
Yeast Candida is normal in the digestive tract. However, when antibiotics are taken, birth control pills
are used, someone has too much sugar in their diet, during pregnancy or takes certain steroid hormones,
an overgrowth of Candida may occur.
The immune system then attacks the Candida and as a result, our sometimes over-zealous immune system
attacks our thyroid gland as well. A similar situation may occur when foods containing gluten are consumed.
These cause an inflammatory response in the gut which again, results in an immune system response.
Oestrogen dominance
An excess of oestrogen in the presence of low progesterone levels may cause thyroid hormones to become
bound and inactive because high oestrogen cause an increase in thyroxine binding globulin (TBG) in the
bloodstream. That is one of the reasons why menopausal women experience symptoms of hypothyroidism for
the first time in their lives.
Post-partum (post-pregnancy) hypothyroidism
It is not uncommon for some women to experience hypothyroidism after having a child. The first signs are:
fatigue, post-partum depression or re-occurring sickness. There are a number of possible causes including:
genetic factors, blood sugar problems, hormonal changes or an over-reaction by the immune system.
Since the process of producing thyroid hormones in the human body is such a delicate process, it is easy
to see how a variety of factors can impact it. If you believe one or more the causes mentioned here may
be affecting your thyroid gland's functioning and especially if you experience some of the
symptoms of low thyroid,
then it is strongly recommended that you visit your doctor and request a full thyroid hormone profile test.
This should include tests for TSH, T4, T3 and rT3.
You may also like to consider using a natural thyroid-boosting supplement like
Thyron. It will provide your
body with all the nutrients you need to optimise your thyroid functioning.
Please Add Your Comments Here!
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Here is the complete list of thyroid articles:
Can You Get Off Thyroid Medication?
T3 and T4 Thyroid Hormones
Thyroid Disease Caused By Inflammation
5 Common Thyroid Problems
The Ideal Thyroid Diet For You
Thyroid Diet Foods and Nutrients
The Importance of a Healthy Thyroid Gland
What Causes Thyroid Disease Symptoms?
Do You Have Low Thyroid Symptoms?
Alternative Thyroid Treatments
How Stress Affects Your Thyroid
What is Hashimoto Thyroiditis?
Reverse T3- The Hidden Cause of Thyroid Problems
Should You Use a Thyroid Supplement?
The Causes of Thyroid Problems
Underactive Thyroid and Nutritional Deficiencies
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