Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsHypothyroidism and Rheumatoid ArthritisHypothyroidismTreatmentComplicationsJoint Pain Causes
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Hypothyroidism and Rheumatoid Arthritis
Hypothyroidism
Treatment
Complications
Joint Pain Causes
There is a connection between hypothyroidism and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Research shows people with RA are more likely to develop underactive thyroid disease, includinghypothyroidismandHashimoto’s thyroiditis.That connection appears to go both ways in that people with thyroid disease are also at a higher risk for RA.
Rheumatoid arthritis(RA) is an autoimmune disease that causes joint pain. It is an autoimmune process that causes severeinflammation(painful swelling) that attacks the linings of joints. RA can also affect the organs, including the skin, eyes, and heart.
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Rheumatoid arthritis and underactive thyroid disease often coexist. People with RA have an increased prevalence of autoimmune thyroid disease during the first five years before diagnosis. The risk increases around the time of diagnosis and decreases two to five years after diagnosis.
One study found the prevalence of thyroid disorders in people with RA to be 15.7%.Hypothyroidism was the most frequent disorder, affecting up to 30.4% of the study participants with RA.
The opposite is also true. Research shows people who have hypothyroidism are at a higher risk for developing RA. In particular, people with autoimmune thyroid diseases (like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis) have a higher risk for RA.
What Is Hypothyroidism?
Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland is underactive and is not making enough thyroid hormone to keep the body functioning properly. Adiagnosis of hypothyroidismcan be made when there is too little thyroid hormone in the blood.
Yourthyroidis the tiny butterfly-shaped gland in your neck and is made up of two lobes located on both sides of thetrachea(windpipe). A normal thyroid is not outwardly visible and cannot be felt when pressure is applied to the neck.
The thyroid gland produces and stores hormones to regulate metabolism (the rate at which cells perform their jobs). Thyroid hormone is also vital to the growth and development of the human body.
Signs of hypothyroidism will develop slowly and over several years. Symptoms may include:
See your healthcare provider if you have unexplained fatigue or have other signs of hypothyroidism, including a puffy face or a hoarse voice.
Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis
Much like RA, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is an autoimmune disease. This condition causes theimmune systemto mistakenly attack the thyroid gland.
Over time, these attacks will destroy thyroid tissue and reduce thyroid production, leading to an underactive thyroid. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis can be challenging to diagnose, and in many instances, a person with the condition may go undiagnosed for many years.
One of the first signs of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is an enlarged thyroid, causing the front of the neck to appear visibly swollen. Additional symptoms of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis include:
Tell your healthcare provider as soon as you start to experience symptoms of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, including feeling chronically tired, dry skin, and a pale, puffy face. This is especially important if you have a family history of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis or other autoimmune diseases.
Central Hypothyroidism
The main symptoms of central hypothyroidism include:
Postpartum Thyroiditis
Postpartum thyroiditis is a condition that occurs after pregnancy in which low thyroid hormone levels are detected about two to five months after delivery. It occurs in just over 7% of deliveries in the United States.Like RA and many other types of thyroid dysfunction, it is an autoimmune condition.
Postpartum thyroiditis can be difficult to distinguish from other common postpartum symptoms and might include:
However, in a 2014 study, those with postpartum thyroiditis indicated these symptoms were more severe compared to postpartum people with normal thyroid hormone levels.
Treatment for hypothyroidismis the same whether or not a person has rheumatoid arthritis. It is essential for people living with hypothyroidism to routinely follow up with anendocrinologistto make sure thyroid hormone levels remain in the normal range.
Medication
People with hypothyroidism require life-long treatment with synthetic thyroid hormone replacement. A medication with the generic namelevothyroxineis the most common medication used. The brand names includeSynthroid, Levoxyl, Unithyroid, and Tirosint.
Some common side effects of levothyroxine include:
In rare cases, seizures have occurred in patients starting levothyroxine. Many of the more common side effects might occur as a result of the medication dosage being higher than needed, so speak to a healthcare provider if side effects are troubling.
Studies have shown that differences in the preparations oflevothyroxinemade under different brand names might affect how well the drug works for individuals.If a pharmacist needs to substitute your medication for a generic version, check in with a healthcare provider to ensure the dose is right for you.
Studies have shown that differences in the preparations oflevothyroxinemade under different brand names might affect how well the drug works for individuals.
If a pharmacist needs to substitute your medication for a generic version, check in with a healthcare provider to ensure the dose is right for you.
To manage joint pain associated with hypothyroidism, a healthcare provider may recommend pain medications likenon-steroidal anti-inflammatorymedicines (NSAIDs). Examples of over-the-counter NSAIDs include:
Prescription NSAIDs includemeloxicamand Celebrex (celecoxib).
Medications for RAmay include:
Lifestyle
Various lifestyle factors can influence the course of both RA and hypothyroidism. Some factors that might be involved include:
Uncontrolled RA or hypothyroidism can cause complications. Both can cause skin issues,metabolic syndrome, and decreased bone density. In addition, both can lead to cardiovascular complications.
Other complications of RA include:
More common complications of hypothyroidism include:
Hypothyroidism and Other Causes of Joint Pain
For some people, hypothyroidism can cause joint and muscle pain, and for people with RA, this might mean increased symptoms.
Musculoskeletal symptoms of hypothyroidism may include:
Any pain, stiffness, and swelling you may experience that doesn’t improve with thyroid treatment should be discussed with your healthcare provider. They can look for possible causes of your muscle and joint pain.
If you have RA, let your healthcare provider know if your pain and symptoms worsen after a thyroid disease diagnosis. They can help determine which condition is causing symptoms and adjust your treatment plan.
Summary
The connection between RA and hypothyroidism goes both ways: people with either RA or hypothyroidism seem to be at an increased risk of developing the other condition.
In many cases, the cause of RA and thyroid disease is autoimmune. Most thyroid disorders can be well-managed with medication and are not life-threatening. If you have joint pain, your healthcare provider can help determine the cause and recommend the best treatment options.
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