Question: Can you tell me the cause of thyroid disease? I have it and so do many of my relatives. I’m wondering if it is hereditary or something to do with our lifestyle.

Dr. Hibberd's answer:
Thyroid disorders can range from a small, harmless goiter (enlarged gland) that needs no treatment to cancer. Usually, the common problems are an abnormal production of thyroid hormones. Too much thyroid hormone results in a condition known as hyperthyroidism, and insufficient hormone production leads to hypothyroidism. There are no foods that will cause a goiter, but chronic iodine deficiency will cause goiter. Now that bread, many foods, and salt is iodized, iodine-deficient goiter is rarely seen in the U.S. It is, however, still present in countries with malnutrition and food supply issues such as in Africa, India, Southeast Asia, and many impoverished Third World countries.