Re: What are the root causes of hypothyroidism and autoimmune thryoid disease?

[Guest guest]

HI ,

One of the best and simple explanations you can find at http://www.patient.co.uk/showdoc/23068762/. The most common cause is due to an 'autoimmune disease' called autoimmune thyroiditis. The immune system normally makes antibodies to attack bacteria, viruses, and other 'germs'. If you have an autoimmune disease, the immune system makes antibodies against certain tissues of your body.With autoimmune thyroiditis, you make antibodies that attach to your own thyroid gland which affect the glands function. The thyroid gland is then not able to make enough thyroxine, and hypothyroidism gradually develops. It is thought that something triggers the immune system to make antibodies against the thyroid. The 'trigger' is not known. Autoimmune thyroiditis is more common than usual in people with:

A family history of hypothyroidism caused by autoimmune thyroiditis.

Down's syndrome. Hypothyroidism develops in 1 in 3 people with Down's syndrome before the age of 25 years. Symptoms of hypothyroidism may be missed more easily in people with Down's syndrome. Therefore, some doctors recommend that all people with Down's syndrome should have an annual blood test to screen for hypothyroidism.

's syndrome. Again, an annual blood test to screen for hypothyroidism is usually advised for people with this condition.

An enlarged thyroid gland (diffuse goitre).

A past history of Graves' disease, or thyroiditis following childbirth.

A personal or family history of other autoimmune disorders. For example, vitiligo, pernicious anaemia, 's disease, Type 1 diabetes, premature ovarian failure, coeliac disease, Sjogren's syndrome.

Some people with autoimmune thyroiditis also develop a swollen thyroid gland (goitre). Autoimmune thyroiditis with a goitre is called Hashimoto's disease.People with autoimmune thyroiditis have a small increased risk of developing other autoimmune conditions such as vitiligo, pernicious anaemia, etc.

Surgery or radioactive treatment to the thyroid gland

These are common causes of hypothyroidism in the UK due to increasing use of these treatments for other thyroid conditions.

Other causes

Other causes of hypothyroidism are less common and include:

A side-effect to some medicines. For example, amiodarone and lithium.

Other types of 'thyroiditis' (thyroid inflammation) caused by infection or other rare conditions.

A pituitary gland problem is a rare cause. The pituitary gland that lies just under the brain makes a hormone called thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). This stimulates the thyroid gland to make thyroxine. If the pituitary does not make TSH, then the thyroid cannot make enough thyroxine.

Some children are born with an underactive thyroid gland (congenital hypothyroidism).

, as far as I am aware, there are no substitutes for thyroxine or triiodothyronine and supplements alone will not work if you have a diagnosis of hypothyroidism.

Hope this helps

Luv - Sheila

What are the root causes of hypothyroidism and autoimmune thryoid disease?

I am interested in getting your feedback on thisI have heard so many different reasons, some really bizarre..The most common theory seems to be that hashi's or hypothryoidism isan inherited condition. Undoubtedly there is some truth in this, but Ican't help thinking it is a little bit too simple. Surelyenvironmental factors play a role as well. The presence of a foodallergy or candida for example might play a role. In my case, a genetic predisposition (mother, father and brother arehypo), potential environmental factors, and perhaps viral agents allcame together in a great big assault on my system.I have accepted that I will probably be on some form of thyroidsupplement programme for the rest of my life. However, I can't helpthinking that if I addressed the root causes then my thyroid might getworking again without the need for supplements.Anyone agree/ disagree? I would appreciate your thoughts,thanks

No virus found in this incoming message.Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.488 / Virus Database: 269.14.6/1061 - Release Date: 10/10/2007 08:43

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

I don't think anyone TRULY knows what causes Hashi's or autoimmune

thyroiditis. I do really think that the latest theory about Candida

and hypothyroidism is quite believable and this is why I finally

decided to take my Candida seriously in an attempt to allow my

adrenals to heal, I'm not too sure that my thyroid is salvagable. I

agree that environmental factors are likely to play a huge part

because so many pollutents block thyroid uptake.

If anyone has seen an article that shows scientists have proven the

link between Candida and autoimmune thyroiditis I'd be really

interested in seeing it please.

Luv Bella

>

> I am interested in getting your feedback on this

> I have heard so many different reasons, some really bizarre..

>

> The most common theory seems to be that hashi's or hypothryoidism

is

> an inherited condition. Undoubtedly there is some truth in this,

but I

> can't help thinking it is a little bit too simple. Surely

> environmental factors play a role as well. The presence of a food

> allergy or candida for example might play a role.

> In my case, a genetic predisposition (mother, father and brother

are

> hypo), potential environmental factors, and perhaps viral agents

all

> came together in a great big assault on my system.

> I have accepted that I will probably be on some form of thyroid

> supplement programme for the rest of my life. However, I can't help

> thinking that if I addressed the root causes then my thyroid might

get

> working again without the need for supplements.

>

> Anyone agree/ disagree? I would appreciate your thoughts,

>

> thanks

>

>

[Guest guest]

http://jcem.endojournals.org/cgi/content/full/87/12/5385

If anyone has seen an article that shows scientists have proven the link between Candida and autoimmune thyroiditis I'd be really interested in seeing it please.Luv Bella> > The most common theory seems to be that hashi's or hypothryoidism is> an inherited condition. Undoubtedly there is some truth in this, but I> can't help thinking it is a little bit too simple. Surely> environmental factors play a role as well. The presence of a food> allergy or candida for example might play a role. > In my case, a genetic predisposition (mother, father and brother are> hypo), potential environmental factors, and perhaps viral agents all> came together in a great big assault on my system.> I have accepted that I will probably be on some form of thyroid> supplement programme for the rest of my life. However, I can't help> thinking that if I addressed the root causes then my thyroid might get> working again without the need for supplements.> > Anyone agree/ disagree? I would appreciate your thoughts,> > thanks> >

No virus found in this incoming message.Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.488 / Virus Database: 269.14.6/1061 - Release Date: 10/10/2007 08:43

[Guest guest]

>

>

> I am interested in getting your feedback on this

> I have heard so many different reasons, some really bizarre..

>

> The most common theory seems to be that hashi's or hypothryoidism is

> an inherited condition

Hi ,

I have Hashimotos - and as far as I can get information NOBODY in my

family has had ANY autoimmune disease - I am the first and hopefully

the last! I am inclined to look at childhood exposure to toxins and

viral/bacterial infections. I was a child in Lancashire when the

Windscale fire happened - who knows if that had an effect on me -

nobody would ever tell us. I have lots of mercury fillings and I

believe that caused me at some stage to have candida, although I

didn't know that at the time. I have also been reading about a

connection between the HepB vaccination and the possibility of it

triggering " autoimmune responses " . I had this vaccination as part of

a healthy and safety directive connected with my job - and I really

don't think I ever felt on top form since having it. There is also

the Fluoride connection. We lived in the Birmingham area for over 3

years and I hated the place. The water was fluoridated. I drank a

lot of coffee - who knows if that played a part!

With regard to " cures " - there is a herbal product on the market which

claims to help save what is left of your thyroid gland. It is quite

expensive. I tried it for a while, but couldn't afford to buy it any

more. I do think that it had a positive effect on me - which I have

now lost through not keeping up with it. I takes about 2 years to

work - if it is it going to. When I think about it, it must clear out

the candida and therefore stop the autoimmune response. I does say

that depending on the damage to the gland, you may still have to take

some hormone for the rest of your life.

Hope this helps.

Regards,

Anne

>

[Guest guest]

Well I should have known that Sheila would have that proof!

Thanks for that but from skimming that article it certainly would

seem that there isn't one defining cause but actually dozens.

Many thanks Sheila

Luv Bella

>

> http://jcem.endojournals.org/cgi/content/full/87/12/5385

>

>

>

>

> If anyone has seen an article that shows scientists have proven

the

> link between Candida and autoimmune thyroiditis I'd be really

> interested in seeing it please.

> Luv Bella

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi

Well everyone might think I am mad! But I have often wondered it it

has anything to do with having your tonsils out at a very young age! I

do also think it is an inherited disposition but the only children who

have ever been fat in my family are the ones that have at their

tonsils out! Well, its just a thought.

Luv

>

>

> I am interested in getting your feedback on this

> I have heard so many different reasons, some really bizarre..

>

> The most common theory seems to be that hashi's or hypothryoidism is

> an inherited condition. Undoubtedly there is some truth in this, but I

> can't help thinking it is a little bit too simple. Surely

> environmental factors play a role as well. The presence of a food

> allergy or candida for example might play a role.

> In my case, a genetic predisposition (mother, father and brother are

> hypo), potential environmental factors, and perhaps viral agents all

> came together in a great big assault on my system.

> I have accepted that I will probably be on some form of thyroid

> supplement programme for the rest of my life. However, I can't help

> thinking that if I addressed the root causes then my thyroid might get

> working again without the need for supplements.

>

> Anyone agree/ disagree? I would appreciate your thoughts,

>

> thanks

>

>

[Guest guest]

Another one: http://www.journals.uchicago.edu/cgi-bin/resolve?id=doi:10.1086/323611 & erFrom=-9016447469349162123Guest

If anyone has seen an article that shows scientists have proven the link between Candida and autoimmune thyroiditis I'd be really interested in seeing it please.Luv Bella>

..

No virus found in this incoming message.Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.488 / Virus Database: 269.14.6/1061 - Release Date: 10/10/2007 08:43

[Guest guest]

Yes, tonsillectomies are believed to cause damage to the thyroid and

other tissue.

Luv Bella

>

> Hi

>

> Well everyone might think I am mad! But I have often wondered it it

> has anything to do with having your tonsils out at a very young age!

I

> do also think it is an inherited disposition but the only children

who

> have ever been fat in my family are the ones that have at their

> tonsils out! Well, its just a thought.

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

I have not had a definite diagnosis of hashi's, but seem to have

all the features though I did have a definite diagnosis of hypo with a TSH

of 126. My grandmother had hypo, my aunt went hyper, then I went hypo, all

of us following childbirth, which is a traumatic upheaval of hormonal

rhythm- which makes life for a woman more complicated anyway. 9:1 ratio of

f:m sufferers.

So traumatic life events seem to be causal- I have heard of this occurring

after a car accident- whiplash and other neck trauma. I think that more

women than men suffer as most women go through the upheaval of pregnancy and

childbirth and men are only subject to the other hazards of life to which we

are all at risk.

Sadly I have never heard of anyone who 'gets it going again' symptoms only

appear after 90% of the organ has been destroyed, so by that time there is

no going back. But we can do much to try to make life easier for ourselves.

You may be interested in http://www.ithyroid.com which has some interesting

comments to make about the effects of vitamins and minerals.

In my case, a genetic predisposition (mother, father and brother are

hypo), potential environmental factors, and perhaps viral agents all

came together in a great big assault on my system.

However, I can't help thinking that if I addressed the root causes then my

thyroid might get working again without the need for supplements.

thanks

[Guest guest]

Hmmm! perhaps we should do a poll (only we can't now on this Forum). I will ask Lee if it is possible to put something on the website so people can answer that particular question about whether they have had their tonsils removed. I know I did when I was 8 years old, I bled like a stuffed pig and I have heard of surgeons really doiong quite a bit of damage when they performed the operation.

Luv - Sheila

Yes, tonsillectomies are believed to cause damage to the thyroid and other tissue.Luv Bella>> Hi > > Well everyone might think I am mad! But I have often wondered it it> has anything to do with having your tonsils out at a very young age! I> do also think it is an inherited disposition but the only children who> have ever been fat in my family are the ones that have at their> tonsils out! Well, its just a thought.

No virus found in this incoming message.Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.488 / Virus Database: 269.14.13/1074 - Release Date: 16/10/2007 14:14