Common Thyroid Issues and Their Causes

The thyroid is a gland located in the neck that produces hormones which regulate metabolism and energy. Unfortunately, many people experience issues with their thyroids, such as hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid) or hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid). In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the common causes of these issues and what you can do to address them.

Nutritional Deficiencies

One of the most common causes of thyroid issues is nutritional deficiencies. This typically occurs when your body does not have enough essential vitamins and minerals, such as iodine, selenium, zinc, vitamin B12, or iron. These nutrients are important for proper functioning of the thyroid gland and if they are deficient then it can lead to problems with the function of your thyroid.

It’s important to note that nutritional deficiencies can be caused by a variety of factors including poor diet, certain medical conditions (such as celiac disease), and even certain medications (such as proton pump inhibitors used to treat acid reflux). It’s important for individuals experiencing nutritional deficiencies to speak with their doctor about the best course of action for addressing them.

Autoimmune Disease

Another common cause of thyroid issues is autoimmune disease. Autoimmune diseases occur when your body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own healthy tissue. In cases where this happens to the thyroid gland it can lead to either hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism depending on which type of autoimmune disorder you have. Some examples include Hashimoto’s disease, Graves’ disease, and other forms of autoimmune thyroiditis. If you suspect that you may have an autoimmune disorder it’s important to speak with your doctor immediately so they can diagnose and treat you appropriately.

Medication Side-effects

Certain medications can also cause thyroid issues due to side-effects they may have on the function of the gland itself. For example, some chemotherapy drugs used in cancer treatment can affect how well your body produces hormones from your thyroid gland leading to hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism depending on which drug is being used and at what dose. Additionally, some blood pressure medicines known as beta blockers can also affect how well your body produces hormones from your thyroid gland leading to similar symptoms as mentioned above. If you suspect that a medication you are taking may be causing problems with your thyroid it’s important to discuss this with your doctor before making any changes or discontinuing use altogether without consulting them first!

Thyroid issues are incredibly common but thankfully there are ways to address them if caught in time! It’s always worth discussing any concerns regarding your thyroid health if you suspect any issues. At The Institute of Natural Health, we have a team of practitioners who are passionate about getting your hormones and your thyroid in check. Call us at 314-293-8123 to learn more and meet with a practitioner.