A risk factor is something that raises the chances of getting a health problem. A person can get hypothyroidism with or without the ones listed below. The chances of getting it are greater in people who have many.
This problem is more common in women and people who are over 65 years of age. It is also more common in people who have other people in their family who have it.
Health problems that can raise the risk are:
- Pregnancy—Women who have had postpartum thyroiditis before are more likely to get it again in the future.
- A family history of problems with the immune system, such as:
- Radiation to the head or neck
- Past thyroid surgery
References
Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid). National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases website. Available at: https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/endocrine-diseases/hypothyroidism. Accessed May 4, 2022.
Hypothyroidism in adults. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/hypothyroidism-in-adults. Accessed May 4, 2022.
Revision Information
- Reviewer: EBSCO Medical Review Board James P. Cornell, MD
- Update Date: 05/04/2022