Diseases Associated With Hypothyroidism
Graves’ disease is an autoimmune condition that is indicated by hyperthyroidism, the contrary condition of hypothyroidism, in which the thyroid glands generates excessive thyroid hormones. Individuals who have Graves’ disease have a malfunctioning immune system that generates antibodies that imitate thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), causing the thyroid gland to produce too much. The treatment of Graves’ disease entails the use of antithyroid medications, iodine-131 (a radioisotope of iodine), or thyroidectomy, which basically inhibits or completely gets rid of the thyroid gland. This in turn will result in the hypothyroid condition of those who have Graves’ disease. One more autoimmune disorder that is linked to hypothyroidism is Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. It is the most common cause of hypothyroidism in North America. In this illness, the immune system directly attacks the thyroid gland, confusing it as a foreign body and causing its destruction. In this case, antibodies like leukocytes invade thyroid peroxidase, thyroglobulin, and TSH receptors. This may lead to the inflammation and subsequently, the destruction of the thyroid gland thus developing the hypothyroid condition. It is also believed that this condition is hereditary. Yet another autoimmune disorder that is also associated along with hypothyroidism is Addison’s disease. Addison’s disease is an endocrine problem wherein the adrenal glands generate insufficient levels of cortisol and aldosterone. Sometimes, this condition appears along with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. This condition is called Schmidt’s syndrome. In addition to the symptoms of Addison’s disease and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, individuals who have Schmidt’s syndrome may also acquire immunoglobulin A deficiency, vitiligo, sarcoidosis, type 2 diabetes, alopecia, myasthenia gravis, Graves' disease, pure red cell aplasia, or pernicious anemia. |
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