Five Causes of a Swollen Thyroid

The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland that is located just under your voice box. It is normally the size of a quarter, but many conditions can cause a swollen thyroid. Some of them include Graves' disease, pregnancy, iodine deficiency, and thyroiditis. This article will discuss some of the common causes of a swollen thyroid.

Iodine

Most cases of a swollen thyroid are caused by an inadequate intake of iodine. Iodine is found in iodized salt and shellfish. The thyroid uses this substance to make hormones. When there is not enough iodine in the blood, the gland will not have enough to make the necessary amounts of hormones. When the pituitary gland tries to stimulate it to increase its production, it will lead to a swollen thyroid gland.

Graves' disease

Another cause of a swollen thyroid gland is Graves' disease. Grave's disease is an autoimmune disorder in which antibodies produced by the immune system cause the thyroid gland to produce too much hormone. This over-stimulation, known as hyperthyroidism, leads to non-painful swelling of the thyroid gland.

Hashimoto's disease

Hashimoto's disease is also one of the leading causes of a swollen thyroid gland. This disorder is characterized by the destruction of your thyroid gland by your own immune system. The swollen thyroid occurs as it becomes more damaged and loses its ability to produce hormones.

Pregnancy

Pregnant women are also at risk of having a swollen thyroid. During pregnancy, women's bodies naturally produce more hormones than normal. One of these hormones, known as human chorionic gonadotropin, can cause a slight the thyroid gland to swell slightly.

Thyroiditis

One of the final causes of a swollen thyroid is thyroiditis. This condition occurs whenever the thyroid gland experiences inflammation. Some types of thyroiditis are extremely painful, especially when you swallow or put pressure on the gland. This inflammation can occur due to hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism.

These are some of the common causes of a swollen thyroid. The thyroid uses iodine to produce hormones, so it will swell if you don't consume the necessary amount of iodine. Pregnant women also produce a hormone that may cause the gland to swell. A swollen thyroid may also result from Hashimoto's disease, in which the gland is destroyed by your own immune system. If you notice an irregular lump on the front of your neck, you should consult a doctor in order to determine the cause of the swollen thyroid.