What causes Hypothyroidism

[Bella68]

When my doctor told me I had Myxoedema (Hypothyroidism) She just said youve had your fair share of stress.  I have has stress and depression for some years.  No one in my family has this condition, on visiting a different doctor as there are many in my surgery I asked if stress can cause this condition, she said no it just one of those things.  Could you tell me if it may be due to stress or indeed is just one of those things?

Thank you.

Kind regards.  Bella

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

Most hypothyroidism is due to hashimoto's - an autoimmune attack on the thyroid.  This can be aggravated by stress but stress alone would not cause thyroid failure.

[isabella950]

are there any additional tests I should consider getting?
Is there a special diet- foods I should keep from eatting?
As with Bella 68 I have had huge amounts of stress being a elderly caregiver and  having 4 kiddos (oldest 17 youngest 3).

I was just put on Armor medication, is it true to wait 20 min before eatting drinking anything after taking medication. Not having coffee is killing me for that long. uuuuggghhh..

Any additional info you could give me on how to slow down and keep everything in check would be great.