IndexIntroductionCongenital hypothyroidismMedicinesIodine imbalanceOther risk factorsDuring and after pregnancyIntroductionInflammation of the thyroid gland is known as thyroiditis. It causes thyroid hormones to leak into the blood, increasing overall levels and leading to hyperthyroidism. After 1 to 2 months, hyperthyroidism can turn into hypothyroidism. It can be caused by a viral or bacterial infection, an autoimmune condition, or following pregnancy [James McIntosh, 2017]. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay Congenital HypothyroidismThe thyroid gland does not function properly from birth in cases of congenital hypothyroidism. Which can lead to physical and mental growth problems, early treatment can prevent these complications [James McIntosh, 2017]. Thyroid surgery and treatment 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 cause hypothyroidism. Thyroid radiation therapy can also lead to hypothyroidism. Radioactive iodine is a common therapy for hyperthyroidism. Destroys thyroid gland cells and decreases T4 production. 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] Medications Numerous medications can interfere with the production of thyroid hormone. These include amiodarone, interferon alpha, interleukin-2, lithium, and tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Pituitary gland abnormalities If the pituitary gland stops working properly, the thyroid gland may not produce the correct amount of thyroid hormone. Pituitary tumors or pituitary surgery can affect the function of the pituitary gland, which can negatively affect 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 giving birth, the gland may be damaged, causing underproduction of pituitary hormones. Iodine ImbalanceIodine is needed 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 increased risk of developing a thyroid disorder if they suffer from conditions such as Turner syndrome or autoimmune diseases such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis. The risk of hypothyroidism is greater in people with a family history of thyroid disease and in those over the age of 60. It most commonly affects women from middle age onwards, but can occur at any age. During and after pregnancy Pregnancy can cause hypothyroidism. The increased demands on the metabolism during pregnancy translates to increased demands on the thyroid. In one study, 85% of women who were pregnant and taking thyroid hormone replacement needed an average of 47% additional intake during pregnancy. If hypothyroidism occurs during pregnancy, it is usually due to Hashimoto's disease. This condition affects between 3 and 5 out of 1,000 women during pregnancy. Please note: this is just an example. Get a customized document from our writers now, 2017].