How does hypothyroidism develop?
Causes of hypothyroidism include congenital defects, surgical removal of the thyroid gland, irradiation of the thyroid gland, inflammatory conditions and Hashimotos thyroiditis. Hashimotos thyroiditis, an inherited autoimmune disorder in which the bodys immune system attacks and damages the thyroid tissue, is the most common cause of hypothyroidism. It is eight times more common among women than men. Lymphocytic thyroiditis, another type of inflammation of the thyroid, is caused by white blood cells called lymphocytes. This condition is common after pregnancy, affecting up to 8 percent of women. The initial phase of lymphocytic thyroiditis is normally caused by an excessive amount of thyroid hormone leaking from an inflamed thyroid gland, followed by a hypothyroid state that can last up to six months. Although most women eventually return to a normal state of thyroid functioning, some may remain hypothyroid. Radioactive treatments for an overactive thyroid gland, or hyperthyroidism, wh
