5 Autoimmune Diseases Related to Hyperthyroidism

Autoimmune diseases inflict damage to the body because the immune system mistakes healthy tissue for foreign invaders that it's programmed to attack.

Autoimmune diseases tend to come in packs, so patients with hyperthyroidism, may have an increased risk of developing another illness.

Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which a person’s thyroid gland produces too many thyroid hormones, Endocrine Web reports. Such output typically causes an individual’s metabolic rate to increase, leading to symptoms such as an irregular or a rapid heartbeat, insomnia, irritability, and hand tremors.

Here are some autoimmune diseases that correlate with hyperthyroidism:

1. Graves' Disease

The most common autoimmune disease known to be caused by hyperthyroidism is Graves’ disease, according to Everyday Health.

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Graves' disease causes production of an antibody. This antibody is known as thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulin, which attacks the thyroid gland and makes it produce more thyroid hormones than it would normally, Everyday Health reports.

2. Rheumatoid Arthritis

Studies have looked at thyroid function in patients with a history of rheumatoid arthritis as well as joint changes in those with hyperthyroidism. The National Center for Biotechnology Information suggests genetics could be a connection between thyroid diseases and RA.

The NCBI recommends those diagnosed with the arthritis also get checked for thyroid dysfunctions.

Health Central adds that having both RA and a thyroid disease can increase the chances of developing a cardiovascular disease as well. Both are risk factors for heart disorders.

3. Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Similar to rheumatoid arthritis, studies show that risks of developing systemic lupus erythematosus increase when diagnosed with hyperthyroidism, according to the Oxford journal Rheumatology.


4. Multiple Sclerosis

The NCBI reported a significant appearance of multiple sclerosis and Graves’ disease.

While the impacts of age and sex are unknown on the occurrence, the way in which both autoimmune diseases attack the body may be similar, leading to the link.

5. Type 1 Diabetes

The percentage of people with diabetes and hyperthyroidism is double that of the general population, according to Clinical Diabetes.

Patients that are diagnosed with both conditions should be wary since hyperthyroidism is linked to decreased glycemic control and more demand of insulin.

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