Is hypothyroidism genetic? Hypothyroidism is a prevalent endocrine condition in Mexico and worldwide, although many may be unaware of their condition due to its often nonspecific symptoms. In Mexico, it is estimated that 8.71% of adults suffer from clinical or subclinical hypothyroidism. This figure corresponds to approximately 5.1 million adults.
Thyroid dysfunction has multiple health implications. Thyroid disorders are quite common And if they are not diagnosed or treated in time, they can worsen. Furthermore, they are risk factors for other diseases such as heart conditions, diabetes, hypertension, etc. [2].
The thyroid gland is responsible for producing and releasing thyroid hormones (T3 or triiodothyronine and T4 or thyroxine) that help in most bodily functions, so this gland is of utmost importance to the organism and life itself.
Among the functions to which the thyroid contributes are regulating metabolism, heart rate, body temperature, the gastrointestinal tract, memory, and body weight.
According to data from the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 750 million people worldwide have some type of thyroid condition, representing 101% of the global population. Of that percentage, 60% are unaware they have a thyroid problem.
What is hypothyroidism?
The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located in the front of the neck, above the collarbone. Its main function is to produce thyroid hormones [4]. Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) is a a disorder in which the thyroid gland, or thyroid, does not produce enough of certain crucial hormones: thyroid hormones [3].
The hormones produced by the thyroid gland, triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4), have a major impact on health. They affect all aspects of metabolism and influence the control of vital functions such as the regulation of body temperature and heart rate [3].
Causes of hypothyroidism
There are several causes that can lead to hypothyroidism. For example, autoimmune disorders. An autoimmune disorder or disease is one in which the body fails to recognize certain parts of itself and attacks them with antibodies. This is the case with Hashimoto's thyroiditis, in which the immune system attacks the thyroid gland, causing hypothyroidism [5, 6].
Other causes of the development of hypothyroidism include the following:
- Thyroiditis or inflammation of the thyroid gland.
- Thyroid surgery.
- Radiotherapy.
- Certain medications.
- Genetic factors.
And, less frequently [3]:
- Congenital hypothyroidism.
- Pituitary gland disorders.
- Pregnancy
- Iodine deficiency
Diet for hypothyroidism
One could say that There is no specific diet for hypothyroidism. There is no scientific evidence to suggest that eating or avoiding certain foods improves thyroid function in people with this disease. However, it does There are some foods known to support normal thyroid function, as is the case with iodine.
In developed countries, iodine is found as an additive in salt and many foods, so iodine deficiency disorders are practically eradicated. With a balanced diet, iodine supplements are unnecessary. In any case, avoiding extremes in your diet will preserve thyroid health. [7].
If you suffer from hypothyroidism, you should keep in mind that you must take your thyroid hormone replacement medication as instructed by your specialist, usually on an empty stomach. It's important to know that too much fiber in your diet can hinder the proper absorption of the medication. There are no prohibited medications for hypothyroidism, Yes, there are some that can have the same effect as fiber. For example, it would be necessary to separate the intake of these products from the taking of medication [7]:
- Walnuts
- Soybean flour
- Cottonseed flour
- Iron supplements or multivitamins containing iron
- Calcium supplements
- Antacids containing aluminum, magnesium, or calcium
- Some ulcer medications, such as sucralfate
- Some cholesterol-lowering medications, such as those containing cholestyramine and colestipol.
Is hypothyroidism genetic?
Although hypothyroidism is not entirely genetic, as it is usually explained by various factors, some types have both genetic and environmental causes. This is the case, for example, with Congenital hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland does not produce normal amounts of hormones at birth, or even before.. Generally, the birth of babies with problems in thyroid hormone production is usually hereditary. However, there are also cases of babies who develop congenital hypothyroidism because the pituitary gland does not produce enough TSH or because the thyroid gland cannot respond to TSH [8].
Furthermore, recent GWAS-type genetic studies (which look for disease-related markers throughout the entire genome) show that there are some genes that appear to be risk factors for the development of hypothyroidism., such as the family of genes known as the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) complex, which helps the immune system distinguish its own proteins from those produced by viruses, bacteria, and other agents. Other genes that have been described in relation to hypothyroidism include the INSR, PDE8B, and VAV3 genes, among others. The great diversity of genes described in relation to this disease is indicative of great heterogeneity in the genetic etiology of hypothyroidism [9].
Zogen and hypothyroidism
Thanks to health test Health Check With Zogen, you can find out your genetic predisposition to hypothyroidism through gene analysis. Ask us any questions you may have, and our experts will answer them without obligation.
Literature
[1] More than one million people in Spain have hypothyroidism. Health News published May 2021; accessed Nov. 2022] Available at: https://actualidadsanitaria.com/enfermedades/mas-de-un-millon-de-personas-en-espana-tienen-hipotiroidismo/
[2] Estimation of the prevalence of hypothyroidism in Castile and León and its evolution from 1992 to 2000 through the consumption of thyroid hormones. Rev. Esp. Salud Publica vol.75 no.4 – Alfonso Díaz Madero and Adela López Ferreras [published Jul./Aug. 2001; accessed Nov. 2022] Available at: https://scielo.isciii.es/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S1135-57272001000400008#:~:text=La%20prevalencia%20del%20hipotiroidismo%20en%20la%20poblaci%C3%B3n%20general%20es%20del,un%206%25%20en%20mujeres1.
[3] Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid). Mayo Clinic [published Nov. 2020; accessed Nov. 2022] Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/es-es/diseases-conditions/hypothyroidism/symptoms-causes/syc-20350284
[4] MedlinePlus in Spanish [Internet]. Thyroid diseases [accessed Nov. 2022]; Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/spanish/thyroiddiseases.html#:~:text=Los%20problemas%20tiroideos%20incluyen%3A,no%20produce%20suficiente%20hormona%20tiroidea
[5] MedlinePlus in Spanish [Internet]. Hypothyroidism [accessed Nov. 2022]; Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/spanish/hypothyroidism.html
[6] Hypothyroidism. University Clinic of Navarra – Dr. Juan Carlos Galofré Ferrater [accessed Nov. 2022] Available at: https://www.cun.es/enfermedades-tratamientos/enfermedades/hipotiroidismo
[7] Diet to treat hypothyroidism: Can certain foods boost thyroid function? Mayo Clinic – Ann Kearns, MD [published Dec. 2019; accessed Nov. 2022] Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/es-es/diseases-conditions/hypothyroidism/expert-answers/hypothyroidism-diet/faq-20058554
[8] Information to understand what congenital hypothyroidism is. Mass General Brigham for Children [published Apr. 2015; accessed Nov. 2022] Available at: https://www.massgeneral.org/children/hypothyroidism/informacion-para-comprender-que-es-el-hipotiroidismo-congenito
[9] Eriksson N, Tung JY, Kiefer AK, Hinds DA, Francke U, Mountain JL, Do CB. Novel associations for hypothyroidism include known autoimmune risk loci. PLoS One. 2012;7(4):e34442. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0034442. Epub 2012 Apr 6. PMID: 22493691; PMCID: PMC3321023.
Source: https://24genetics.es/el-hipotiroidismo-es-genetico/
