Main Page | Risk Factors | Symptoms | Diagnosis | Treatment | Screening | Reducing Your Risk | Talking to Your Doctor | Resource Guide
A risk factor is something that increases your chances of getting a disease or condition.
It is possible to develop hypothyroidism with or without the risk factors listed below. Your chances of developing hypothyroidism increase depending on the number of risk factors you have. If you have a number of risk factors, ask your healthcare 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:
Age
Your risk of hypothyroidism increases with age, especially after age 65 years.
Gender
Women are more likely to develop the condition than men.
Genetic factors
If any of your family members have hypothyroidism, you are at greater risk.
Race/Ethnicity
Hypothyroidism occurs more often in Caucasians than in African Americans.
References:
Hypothyroidism. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://dynamed.ebscohost.com/about/about-us. Updated November 19, 2012. Accessed November 20, 2012.
Hypothyroidism. National Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases Information Service website. Available at: http://endocrine.niddk.nih.gov/pubs/Hypothyroidism. Updated February 27, 2012. Accessed November 20, 2012.
Last reviewed November 2012 by Brian Randall, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Copyright © 2012 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.
