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Risk Factors for Hypothyroidism

A risk factor is something that increases your likelihood of getting a disease or condition.

It is possible to develop hypothyroidism with or without the risk factors listed below. However, the more risk factors you have, the greater your likelihood of developing hypothyroidism. If you have a number of risk factors, ask your health care provider what you can do to reduce your risk.

Medical Conditions

There are several medical conditions known to increase your risk of hypothyroidism. These include:

• Pregnancy � 5 to 8% of women develop postpartum thyroiditis. This condition is characterized by hyperthyroidism that is followed by hypothyroidism. Improvement usually results without treatment, but recurrences can occur and treatment is sometimes needed.
• A history of other autoimmune diseases, such as:
  • Pernicious anemia
  • Diabetes
  • Underactive adrenal or parathyroid glands
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Lupus

Age

Your risk of hypothyroidism increases with age.

Gender

Women are more likely than men to develop hypothyroidism.

Genetic factors

If any of your family members have hypothyroidism, you are at greater risk.

SOURCES:

American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists

Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 15th edition. McGraw-Hill;2001.

Last reviewed September 2004 by Kimberly Rask, MD, PhD

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