Underactive Thyroid: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Causes of an Underactive Thyroid

Hypothyroidism is caused when the thyroid gland does not make enough hormones, certain conditions, such as Thyroiditis, which is causes by an inflamed gland, can trigger a release of stored hormones suddenly, resulting in a spike of activity, leading to the thyroid becoming underactive once it has passed. Similarly, there is an autoimmune disease called ‘Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis’ that causes an underactive thyroid, due to the immune system taking the tissues within the body.

1. Pregnancy: Pregnancy can cause changes in thyroid function, potentially leading to an underactive thyroid, as the body produces more estrogen during this time, it can interfere with the body’s ability to use thyroid hormones effectively.
2. Non-functioning thyroid gland: Alternatively know as thyroid agenesis, or thyroid dysgenesis, this is a rare condition where the thyroid gland fails to develop or function properly, leading to a deficiency in thyroid hormones.
3. Iodine Deficiency: If the body is lacking the required amount of iodine, it will impact the process of the thyroid gland making hormones.

Can an underactive thyroid cause weight gain?

Your metabolism is regulated by thyroid hormones, in turn helping the body burn calories, and therefore maintain a healthy weight, but when the thyroid gland fails to produce enough hormones to do this, it will cause the metabolism to slow down, resulting in weight gain. Despite this, always check with your healthcare provider if you are experiencing this problem, as weight gain can be a symptom of many other conditions as well.