Thyroid disease is sparked by over- or underproduction of thyroid hormones.
An overproduction of thyroid hormones is called hyperthyroidism, and an underproduction of thyroid hormones is called hypothyroidism.
Causes of Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidismoccurs when the thyroid overproduces thyroid hormones.
Verywell / Emily Roberts
Autoimmune disorders such asGraves' diseasecan also cause hyperthyroidism.
What Is the Thyroid?
The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland in the front of the neck.
Cindy Chung / Verywell
Its primary function is to produce the hormonestriiodothyronine(T3) and thyroxine (T4).
These hormones travel through the body and help regulate metabolism.
They also aid in brain development, digestive function, muscle control, and balancing mood.
What Is Autoimmune Thyroid Disease?
Risk Factors
Some people are at higher risk of developing thyroid problems than others.
Your risk can be affected by things like genetics, your gender, and your lifestyle habits.
As a result, problems often arise when estrogen balance changes, such as in pregnancy or menopause.
Can stress trigger thyroid problems?
It is unclear whether stress can cause thyroid problems, though it can worsen symptoms.
Lifestyle Risk Factors
There are certainlifestyle factorsthat increase the risk of thyroid disorders.
Hypothyroidism can happen as a side effect of exposure to radioactive iodine or radiation therapy.
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National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Graves' disease.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Hashimoto’s disease.
Feen Rnjom M.Radiation-induced hypothyroidism after treatment of head and neck cancer.Dan Med J.
2020;12(5):e8094.
doi:10.7759/cureus.8094
British Thyroid Foundation.Psychological symptoms and thyroid disorders.
2020;71(2).
doi:10.26402/jpp.2020.2.03
American Thyroid Association.Thyroid patient information.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Thyroid disease.
