what can cause hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland doesn't produce enough hormones, often due to autoimmune issues or other factors. Common causes include Hashimoto's thyroiditis, iodine deficiency, and treatments like surgery or radiation.

Primary Causes

Hashimoto's thyroiditis tops the list in iodine-sufficient areas like the US, where the immune system attacks the thyroid, leading to gradual hormone decline. This autoimmune condition accounts for most cases, with women affected up to 10 times more than men.

Iodine deficiency remains the global leader, especially in certain regions, as it's essential for hormone synthesis—think of it like missing a key ingredient in a recipe. Recent data from 2025 notes it's rare in the US due to fortified foods, but emerging deficiencies pop up elsewhere.

Treatment-Related Triggers

Surgical removal of the thyroid or radioactive iodine for hyperthyroidism often results in permanent hypothyroidism. Radiation to the neck, say for cancer, damages gland cells over time.

Medications like lithium or amiodarone can interfere with function, while postpartum thyroiditis hits some women after childbirth due to immune shifts.

Less Common Factors

Cause Category| Examples| Notes 17
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Congenital| Missing or underdeveloped thyroid at birth| Affects 1 in 2,000–4,000 newborns; screening catches it early. 3
Central (Secondary)| Pituitary or hypothalamus issues| Rare, disrupts hormone signals to thyroid. 1
Inflammatory| Viral thyroiditis, infiltrative diseases like sarcoidosis| Temporary or progressive damage. 2

Imagine your thyroid as a factory: sabotage (autoimmune), raw material shortage (iodine), or shutdown orders (surgery) all halt production. Forums buzz about undiagnosed cases tied to stress or diet in 2025 trends, but experts stress testing TSH levels first—no speculation beats bloodwork.

TL;DR: Hashimoto's, iodine issues, and thyroid treatments cause most cases; see a doctor for personalized checks.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.