Thyroiditis and Medication

Introduction

Inflammation of the thyroid gland is known as Thyroiditis. It causes thyroid hormones to leak into the blood, raising their overall levels and leading to hyperthyroidism. After 1 to 2 months, hyperthyroidism may develop into hypothyroidism. It can be caused by viral or bacterial infection, an autoimmune condition or following pregnancy [James McIntosh, 2017].

Congenital hypothyroidism

Thyroid gland does not function properly from birth in cases of congenital hypothyroidism. Which can lead to physical and mental growth problems, early treatment can prevent these complications [James McIntosh, 2017].

Thyroid surgery and treatment as causes of hypothyroidism Surgery and treatment of thyroid gland can lead to hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism can occur after removing a part of the thyroid during surgery. Conditions like goiters, hyperthyroidism, thyroid nodules, and thyroid cancer can be treated by partially or fully removing the thyroid gland. Which may result in hypothyroidism. Radiation therapy of thyroid gland can also lead to hypothyroidism. Radioactive iodine is a common therapy for hyperthyroidism. It destroys the cells of the thyroid gland and decreases the production if T4.

Radiation is also used to treat people with head and neck cancers, Hodgkin’s disease, and other lymphomas, which can lead to damage of the thyroid gland [James McIntosh, 2017].

Medication

A number of drugs can interfere with thyroid hormone production. These include amiodarone, interferon alpha, interleukin-2, lithium, and tyrosine-kinase inhibitors. Pituitary gland abnormalities

If the pituitary gland stops functioning properly, the thyroid gland may not produce the correct amount of thyroid hormone. Pituitary tumors or pituitary surgery can affect the function of the pituitary gland, and this can adversely affect the thyroid gland. Sheehan’s syndrome is a condition that involves damage to the pituitary gland [James McIntosh, 2017]. If a woman loses a life-threatening amount of blood or has severely low blood pressure during or after child birth, the gland can be damaged, causing it to under-produce pituitary hormones.

Iodine imbalance

Iodine is needed for the production of the thyroid hormones, but the level must be balanced. Too much or too little iodine can lead to hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.

Other risk factors

People have a greater risk of developing a thyroid disorder if they have conditions such as Turner syndrome or autoimmune diseases like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis. The risk of hypothyroidism is higher in people with a family history of thyroid disease and those aged over 60 years. It most commonly affects women from middle age onward, but it can occur at any age.

During and after pregnancy

Pregnancy can be a cause of hypothyroidism. Increased demands on metabolism during pregnancy results in increased demands on the thyroid. In one study, 85 percent of women who are pregnant and taking thyroid hormone replacement needed an additional intake of 47 percent on average, during pregnancy. If hypothyroidism occurs during pregnancy, it is usually due to Hashimoto’s disease. This condition affects between 3 and 5 out of every 1,000 women during pregnancy.

Uncontrolled hypothyroidism increases the risk of miscarriage, preterm delivery, and a rise in blood pressure during late pregnancy, or preeclampsia. It can also affect brain development and growth rates. Women who have been pregnant within the last 6 months have a higher risk of thyroiditis and hypothyroidism [James McIntosh, 2017].