What is hypothyroidism?
Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the production of thyroid hormone is less than the normal required rate. When this rate gets higher than the normal requirement, the condition is referred to as hyperthyroidism. Here, hypothyroidism means underactive thyroid. First, let us understand the term thyroid. This gland resembles a butterfly. It sites at the front of the human neck. It is regulated by the pituitary gland present inside the brain. The thyroid releases hormones that help in the regulation of the body and the use of energy. Hypothyroidism is one of the very common thyroid diseases. It provides energy to every organ present in the human body. How your heart will beat or how your digestive system will work is under the control of this gland, thyroid. Therefore, we can say that the improper amount of thyroid hormones makes our body function slowly. It affects women more as compared to men. It can affect the human at any age but most probably, it affects people who are in their 60s. A routine blood test can help in the diagnosis of hypothyroidism.
In this blog, we will be reading how hypothyroidism causes kidney problems.
What causes hypothyroidism in humans?
Certain reasons cause the problem of hypothyroidism in humans. One of the very most common reasons behind its cause is Hashimoto's thyroiditis, which is an autoimmune disease. It causes inflammation in the thyroid gland. Hashimoto is responsible for the production of antibodies that destroys the human thyroid gland. A viral infection can also be the reason behind thyroiditis. Let us read about some other reasons that can cause the problem of hypothyroidism.
1. People undergo thyroid surgery for the removal of thyroid and it may lead to the problem of hypothyroidism. Even after the removal of the thyroid, remaining glands are capable of producing hormones for the need of the body.
2. If a person has ever undergone radiation therapy in the neck area, it also causes hypothyroidism. Radiation destroys the thyroid cells and makes it hard for the gland to produce enough hormones.
3. Radioactive iodine treatment also causes complications of hypothyroidism. This treatment is normally for the patients of hyperthyroidism. The radiation thus produced in this treatment damages the thyroid glands cells.
4. Hypothalamus is a gland in the brain that produces a hormone called TRH. the insufficiency of this hormone can lead to a very rare type of hypothyroidism.
5. Iodine is needed by the thyroid gland for the production of the hormones. Less amount of iodine in the diet leads to the problem of hypothyroidism.
6. When a person uses the medicines for problems like cancer, heart disease, and other related problems it directly or indirectly affects the thyroid hormone production and cause hypothyroidism.
7. Any damage or disorder in the pituitary gland also leads to the problem of hypothyroidism.
8. Sometimes the thyroid gets inflamed during or after pregnancy. This condition is known as postpartum thyroiditis. Though the problem is reversible, it affects women majorly.
9. Some people are born with the problem of thyroid. This is called congenital hypothyroidism.
Hypothyroidism can cause many kidney problems. There are numerous effects of thyroid hormone on the kidneys. It causes many changes in the working of kidneys and cardiovascular functions.
How Hypothyroidism cause kidney problems?
The hormones of thyroid help in the growth of the body cells and protein synthesis. It has some accelerating effects on the development of the kidneys. When a human suffers from the problem of hypothyroidism, the effect of it can be seen on the mass of the kidneys. Hypothyroidism can cause kidney problems like kidney atrophy as it causes the breakdown of protein in the body. Even the children are on the verge of getting affected by it. It causes the problem of congenital kidney anomalies in them. Moreover, research has shown that the hormones of thyroid plays an important role in the development of the kidneys and functions related to it.
The hormones of thyroid has many effects on not only kidneys but also some other organs of the human body such as heart, and vascular system. The improper functioning of the thyroid causes changes in the working of kidneys and other cardiovascular functions.
A study says that hypothyroidism is the major reason behind the reduced flow of kidney plasma. It also affects the glomerular filtration rate (GFR). It makes the GFR low. The list of kidney problems caused due to hypothyroidism does not end here. The list goes on. It also causes problems such as hyponatremia, decreased rate of sodium reabsorption by the kidneys, and it lowers the urine dilution capacity of the kidneys.
In addition, there are some other problems that are related to or somehow affect other vital organs of the human body. These are hypertension, risks related to coronary heart disease, higher cardiovascular mortality, dyslipidemia, hyperhomocysteinemia.
We all know that all the organs in our body are interrelated and if there is a disturbance in one organ it affects the whole cycle of the body.
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