Hypothyroidism is the disease state caused by insufficient production of hormone by the gland. About three percent of the general population is hypothyroid. Factors such as iodine deficiency or exposure to radioactive Iodine can increase that risk. There are a number of causes for hypothyroidism. Historically, and still in many developing countries, iodine deficiency is the most common cause of hypothyroidism worldwide. In iodine-replete individuals, hypothyroidism is mostly caused by Hashimoto's thyroiditis, or by a lack of the thyroid gland or a deficiency of hormones from either the hypothalamus or the pituitary.
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