Abstract:
Hypothyroidism and Hashimoto's thyroiditis are of significant public health concern because of how common they are and the impact they have on people’s lives. Hashimoto's thyroiditis, an autoimmune disease, causes long term inflammation of the thyroid gland, leading to thyroid problems and often developing into hypothyroidism. This is a cross-sectional study to explore the correlation between environmental risk factors such as pollutants, toxins, exposure to radiation, endocrine disruptors, water and soil contamination with heavy metals cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) and lifestyle factors such as diet, physical activity, stress, iodine uptake, smoking, and alcohol consumption with hypothyroidism and Hashimoto's. Samples of 100 patients, ranging in age from18 to 50 years, were collected. Demographic data including body weight, gender, height, and body mass index (BMI) blood pressure were collected through a comprehensive questionnaire. Hormonal analysis showed that levels of TSH (8.10 ± 2.10 µIU/m) was significantly (p<0.001***) higher in patients compared to the control group (2.01 ±0.54 µIU/mL), fT3 (2.21 ± 0.40 ng/mL)was significantly (p<0.001***) lower in patients then in controls (3.22 ± 0.32ng/mL), fT4 (0.60 ± 0.14 pg/mL) was also significantly lower (p <0.001***)inpatients compared to the control group (1.10 ± 0.18 pg/mL). This study found that thyroid dysfunction was significantly associated with vitamin D deficiency(OR=2.269, p <0.0001***), high iodine intake (OR=1.570, p-value<0.0001***), artificial sweetener use (OR=1.604, p <0.0001***), physical inactivity (OR=0.693, p <0.0001***), fatigue (OR=1.177, p <0.0001***), and female gender (OR=0.94, p 0.005**). Although cadmium exposure was highly prevalent among patients, it did not emerge as an independent predictor, suggesting its effect may be influenced by coexisting lifestyle or demographic factors. An important finding was that individuals exposed to cadmium who were physically active still showed higher rates of thyroid dysfunction (p0.049*), indicating that toxic exposure may outweigh the benefits of exercise. This study concludes that sedentary lifestyles, unhealthy dietary habits, and environmental contaminants all contribute to thyroid disease. To lower modifiable risk factors, public health measures should place a high priority on routine screening, environmental regulation, and health education.
Page(s):
201-201
DOI:
DOI not available
Published:
Journal: 4th International Conference of Sciences “Revamped Scientific Outlook of 21st Century, 2025” , November 12,2025, Volume: 1, Issue: 1, Year: 2025
Keywords:
BMI
,
hypothyroidism
,
Pb
,
endocrine disruptors
,
Hashimotos thyroiditis