Nov 22, 2024
Is your immune system attacking your thyroid? Understanding the causes
Siddhartha JanaThyroid problems are becoming more common as a result of autoimmune responses that damage the thyroid gland, affecting up to 12% of the population.
Source: Canva
The thyroid gland produces thyroxin, a hormone that regulates metabolism and energy levels.
Source: Canva
Environmental factors such as stress, viral infections like Epstein-Barr, and radiation exposure can cause the immune system to target the thyroid in genetically predisposed individuals.
Source: Canva
Chronic stress increases cortisol levels, which can disturb immunological homeostasis and cause autoimmune thyroid diseases.
Source: Canva
Viral infections, particularly Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV), have been associated to thyroid dysfunction, as the virus may resemble thyroid cells, triggering an immunological response.
Source: Canva
Other viruses, such as Coxsackievirus, mumps, HTLV-1, and parvovirus B19, can also cause autoimmune reactions in those with genetic predispositions.
Source: Canva
Radiation exposure, particularly in the head and neck, can cause thyroid cells to secrete components that the immune system misidentifies as foreign invaders.
Source: Canva
People who have been exposed to radiation therapy or ambient radiation may be more likely to develop autoimmune thyroid problems, especially if they have specific genetic variants.
Source: Canva
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