Women are much more likely than men to develop hypothyroidism. The disease is also more common among people older than age 60.
You are more likely to have hypothyroidism if you
- have had a thyroid problem before, such as a goiter
- have had surgery to correct a thyroid problem
- have received radiation treatment to the thyroid, neck, or chest
- have a family history of thyroid disease
- were pregnant in the past 6 months
- have Turner syndrome, a genetic disorder that affects females
- have other health problems, including
- Sjögren’s syndrome, a disease that causes dry eyes and mouth
- pernicious anemia, a condition caused by a vitamin B12 deficiency
- type 1 diabetes
- rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease that affects the joints
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, a chronic inflammatory condition