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  • Essay / Thyroiditis and Medications

    Table of ContentsIntroductionCongenital hypothyroidismMedicationsIodine imbalanceOther risk factorsDuring and after pregnancyIntroductionInflammation of the thyroid gland is known as thyroiditis. This causes thyroid hormones to leak into the bloodstream, increasing their overall levels and leading to hyperthyroidism. After 1 to 2 months, hyperthyroidism may progress to hypothyroidism. It can be caused by a viral or bacterial infection, an autoimmune disease or following pregnancy [James McIntosh, 2017]. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay Congenital Hypothyroidism The thyroid gland does not function properly from birth in congenital hypothyroidism. Which can lead to physical and mental growth problems, early treatment can prevent these complications [James McIntosh, 2017]. Surgery and treatment of the thyroid gland as causes of hypothyroidism Surgery and treatment of the thyroid gland can lead to hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism can occur after part of the thyroid is removed during surgery. Conditions such as goiter, hyperthyroidism, thyroid nodules, and thyroid cancer can be treated by partially or completely removing the thyroid gland. Which can lead to hypothyroidism. Radiation therapy to the thyroid gland can also lead to hypothyroidism. Radioactive iodine is a common treatment for hyperthyroidism. It destroys the cells of the thyroid gland and reduces the production of T4. Radiation is also used to treat people with head and neck cancers, Hodgkin's disease, and other lymphomas, which can lead to damage to the thyroid gland [James McIntosh, 2017].DrugsA number of Medications can interfere with thyroid hormone production. These include amiodarone, interferon alpha, interleukin-2, lithium, and tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Pituitary AbnormalitiesIf the pituitary gland stops working properly, the thyroid gland may not produce the correct amount of thyroid hormones. Pituitary tumors or pituitary surgery can affect the functioning of the pituitary gland, which can harm the thyroid gland. Sheehan 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 childbirth, the gland may become damaged, causing it to underproduce pituitary hormones. Iodine Imbalance Iodine is necessary for the production of thyroid hormones, but the level must be balanced. Too much or too little iodine can lead to hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. Other Risk Factors People are at 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 in those over the age of 60. It most often affects women from middle age, but it can occur at any age. During and after pregnancyPregnancy can be a cause of hypothyroidism. Increased demands on metabolism during pregnancy lead to increased demands on the thyroid. In one study, 85 percent of pregnant women taking thyroid hormone replacement therapy needed an average 47 percent extra intake during pregnancy. If hypothyroidism, 2017].