Are Thyroid Disorders Genetic?
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Most people raise the question: Are thyroid disorders genetic? Before answering, let's understand more about thyroid disorders and their global impact. May 25th is World Thyroid Day, and we at DNA LABS INDIA believe that every disease can be prevented if detected earlier. So, let's be aware of thyroid disorders this week and how to avoid them.
If you haven't heard about World Thyroid Day, don't worry, you're not alone.
World Thyroid Day was created in Leipzig, Germany, in September 2007 by the members of the Thyroid Federation and many Scandinavian countries in the European Thyroid Association (ETA). In 2008, the ETA and American Thyroid Association (ATA) joined forces to create, for the first time ever, a day devoted globally to the thyroid gland. In 2009, May 25th was firmly established as World Thyroid Day (WTD) and endorsed by all sister associations. Since then, it has been celebrated annually around the globe together with its extension, International Thyroid Awareness Week.
Why World Thyroid Day?
"Thyroid Day" – why, you ask? What's the big deal about the thyroid? It's just a small gland that is part of the endocrine system. It isn't that significant, right? Wrong! While many are aware that the thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of the neck, they can't tell you what it does, let alone what happens when it doesn't work properly. The thyroid takes part in various bodily functions ranging from metabolism to regulating body temperature.
One of the most common disorders of the thyroid is hypothyroidism. This is the condition of the thyroid when it is underactive, meaning it isn't producing, converting, or transporting enough thyroid hormone. The hypothyroid symptom list is extremely lengthy, but the most common symptoms include fatigue, weight gain/difficulty losing weight, cold hands and feet, and brain fog. Unfortunately, many people go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed, and even more are not receiving proper treatment. Not only hypothyroidism, but there are many other conditions including hyperthyroidism, Graves' Disease, and Hashimoto's Thyroiditis.
Genetic Basis of Thyroid Disorders
Thyroid disorders often have a hereditary component. Mutations in genes such as TSHR, TPO, DUOX1, DUOX2, and SLC5A5 can lead to congenital hypothyroidism or thyroid dyshormonogenesis. Modern genetic testing using Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) and Whole Exome Sequencing (WES) can identify these mutations with high accuracy, enabling early intervention and management.
Screening for Thyroid Disorders
The most common cause of hypothyroidism worldwide is iodine deficiency, but in developed countries, Hashimoto's thyroiditis is the most common cause. Almost 27 million people in the U.S. alone have thyroid disease, and half do not get the correct diagnosis or treatment. In those cases, the condition will worsen with time and can even evolve into another life-shortening disease.
Here are some genetic screening tests for thyroid disorders:
Does a Newborn Suffer from Thyroid Disorder?
Hypothyroidism at Birth – Are Thyroid Disorders Hereditary?
Yes, babies can have hypothyroidism from birth, especially if any family members had hypothyroidism. Sometimes the baby is born without a thyroid gland or the gland isn't completely developed at birth. There are also cases where, although the newborn's thyroid is developed, it doesn't produce enough thyroid hormones.
Benefits of Genetic Screening
By diagnosing or detecting gene mutations, not only thyroid disorders but many other diseases can be prevented, as genes pass from parents to children. To break the cycle, it's better to get tested for early prevention. Getting genetic screening does not mean you will have the disease; rather, this information will help you and your family prevent symptoms by changing lifestyle and food habits.
Information Gain: Thyroid Disorder Types and Genetic Testing
| Disorder | Key Genes | Inheritance | Testing Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Congenital Hypothyroidism | TPO, TSHR | Autosomal Recessive | NGS Panel |
| Thyroid Dyshormonogenesis | SLC5A5, DUOX1, DUOX2 | Autosomal Recessive | NGS Panel |
| Thyroid Hormone Metabolism Abnormal | SECISBP2 | Autosomal Recessive | WES |
Thyroid Disorder DNA Test Centres in India
DNA Labs India is a leading molecular diagnostic and genetic testing laboratory because it's dedicated to making a difference in patients' lives through the discovery and commercialization of transformative tests to assess a person's risk of developing disease, guide treatment decisions, and assess the risk of disease progression and recurrence.
How Can I Book Thyroid Disorder DNA Tests in India?
Visit the website www.dnalabsindia.com for any DNA test. We can help you with recommending the right DNA test for you. We have services in over 180 cities in India. Contact us on the below-mentioned numbers or visit our sample collection centre near your location.
It is very easy to book a thyroid disease DNA test. It is safe, secure, confidential, and best of all, an easy process. Avoid the hassle of taking a day off from work, traffic, and pollution. Our highly qualified sample collector will visit your home for sample collection as per your convenient time slot booked by you.
Written by: Dr. [Name] | Medically Reviewed by: Dr. [Name] | Last Updated: [Date]