Other Conditions Linked to Hashimoto's and Graves' Disease

Addison’s Disease, Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), Lupus and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome are other conditions linked to Hashimoto’s and Graves’ Disease. Addison’s Disease occurs when “your adrenal glands fail to make cortisone and steroid hormone-the adrenal products your body needs to function properly” (Rosenthal 65). Please note that Addison’s Disease does not occur frequently in thyroid patients. However, it does occur commonly with pernicious anemia, which, as we stated in the previous blog, is more common in thyroid patients (Rosenthal 66).

The second condition we are going to talk about is the Inflammatory Bowel Disease. This is a term that also encompasses Crohn’s disease and colitis. It is where “the lower intestine becomes inflamed, causing abdominal cramping, pain, fever, and mucusy, bloody diarrhea” (Rosenthal 66). This disease can be controlled with medicine and occurs more frequently in thyroid patients. Lupus imitates other conditions, and is the third condition I am going to go over tonight. “This autoimmune condition affects many body tissues, causing arthritic symptoms, skin rashes, and kidney, lung, and heart problems” (Rosenthal 66). Lupus is rare among thyroid patients; however, if a person has lupus, he or she will often suffer from a thyroid condition (Rosenthal 66).

The last condition we are going to discuss tonight is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. This is more common among thyroid patients then the general public. It occurs when the nerves in the wrist become compressed, causing all feeling in the hand to be blocked. Symptoms of this include “numbness, tingling, or burning pain in middle and index fingers and thumb” (Rosenthal 67). Sometimes, this numbness can extend to your elbow and other fingers.

I have yet to experience any of these other conditions. My grandmother, on the other hand, is currently suffering from a goiter. As soon as she got it, the doctors took her off of the thyroid medicine. Therefore, before self-diagnosing or self-treating, be sure to see a doctor. He or she can diagnose you and make sure you are on, or not on, the right medications.

The information for this blog was found in M. Sara Rosenthal’s book, The Thyroid Sourcebook.