4 Autoimmune Diseases Related to Hypothyroidism

An autoimmune disease can sometimes be the cause of hypothyroidism, since the thyroid can get caught up in the body's attack on itself.

Hypothyroidism is a disease where the thyroid gland, a part of the endocrine system found in the neck, does not produce sufficient amounts of thyroid hormones. This can cause numerous effects, including decreased metabolic rates, fatigue, depression, and more.

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According to the Mayo Clinic, the most common cause of hypothyroidism is Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, which itself is an autoimmune disease. A doctor diagnoses a patient with Hashimoto’s disease when the person’s body attacks the thyroid gland.

Scientists remain unsure of the cause of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, but genetics, hormones, excesses in iodine, and radiation exposure have been suggested.

However, it's not just Hashimoto's that can affect the thyroid. Here are three additional autoimmune diseases that can be connected to hypothyroidism:

1. Rheumatoid arthritis

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis are more likely to develop hypothyroidism, and patients with Hashimoto’s disease are at a higher risk of being diagnosed with RA, Everyday Health reports.

While the cause of the link is unknown, some research suggests DNA may play a role. One study showed patients being treated for hypothyroidism had double the risk of having RA if they tested positive for genes connected to the condition, said Everyday Health.

The National Center for Biotechnology Information noted some joint abnormalities can result from hypothyroidism, as well. It recommends patients with rheumatoid arthritis be tested for thyroid diseases, as well.

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2. Lupus

Patients with lupus are more likely to develop thyroid disease, especially hypothyroidism, according to Oxford Journals. In their study, compared to the general population, there was a 3 percent increase in patients with lupus who also have hypothyroidism.

Science Direct notes research shows hypothyroid patients are more likely to develop lupus than rheumatoid arthritis.

Experts recommend patients with lupus consider being tested for thyroid diseases.

3. Type 1 Diabetes

Clinical Diabetes reports 30 percent of patients with hypothyroidism are more likely to develop type 1 diabetes than the typical population. Additionally, hypothyroidism is linked to conditions that may affect patients with diabetes. These include elevated triglyceride and low-density lipoprotein, or LDL, cholesterol levels. Although hypoglycemia is uncommon in patients with hypothyroidism, hypopituitarism is more likely.

Hypothyrodism typically does not cause changes in blood glucose control, though less insulin may be required, according to Diabetes Self-Management.

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