Autoimmune diseases ?

I have hashimoto's hypothyroidism, an autoimmune disease. Will my anitbodies travel to other body parts in time? If not, why not? If my immune system is dysfunctioning in one area, does it not make sense that it will dysfunction in other areas in time? Help me understand? My sister had just this, and not has lupus. Am I next?

Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the body lacks sufficient thyroid hormone ( thyroxin) . Since the main purpose of thyroid hormone is to "run the body's metabolism", it is understandable that people with this condition will have symptoms associated with a slow metabolism.


The most common cause of thyroid gland failure is called autoimmune thyroiditis (also called Hashimoto's thyroiditisor chronic thyroiditis) , a form of on-going thyroid inflammation caused by the patient's own immune system. It is caused by a reaction of the immune system against the thyroid gland.


Hashimoto's thyroiditis frequently results in hypothyroidism or lowered thyroid function.

The outcome is usually very good because the disease remains stable for years or progresses slowly to a condition of thyroid hormone deficiency (hypothyroidism) that can be treated with thyroid replacement therapy.


Chronic thyroiditis is most common in women and individuals with a family history of thyroid disease. It is estimated to affect between 0.1% and 5% of all adults in Western countries. This thyroid gland disorder can occur at any age, but it is most often seen in middle aged women.


tThyroid hormones - The two major hormones produced and released by the thyroid gland are thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). These hormones travel to other body tissues through the bloodstream and play a key role in regulating metabolism, growth, and many other body functions

One of the most common symptoms thyroid patients on treatment complain of, is 鈥渇atigue鈥? Other symptoms they continue to experience include joint/muscle pain, mild emotional symptoms and decreased libido. Why is this? What aspect of autoimmune hypothyroidism would continue to cause a degree of continuing symptoms, despite treatment?

Research articles concluded that elevated levels of these antibodies can cause fibromyalgia type symptoms in persons with only sub-clinical hypothyroidism. Other articles stated that the autoimmune thyroid disease can have a degree of systemic (system wide) effect, so that the immune system response affects not only the thyroid area but other parts of the body as well. This may explain in part as to why autoimmune thyroid disease patients are at HIGHER RISK for developing other autoimmune diseases than the general population


I was amazed that other Doctors I had seen and even the drug manufacturer鈥檚 websites, do not mention the role of thyroid antibodies, in causing ongoing symptoms, despite proper hormone replacement medication treatment

I am not sure why more is not being said about this area because it makes complete sense that highly activated immune system activity, means a bodily response manifesting in different degrees of symptoms, depending upon how highly elevated antibody levels are. Inflammation from the autoimmune disease process also manifests in symptoms, which means the disease process itself is also what causes the illness and not the resulting hypothyroidism alone

Hopefully, this won't happen to you. It's the lack of the draw when it comes to autoimmune and genetics disorders. The best way to prevent aside from taking thyroid meds is to fortify you immune system. Bombard yourself with vitamins,e.g. Vit C) minerals,( e.g. calcium with magnesium and zinc) and a good nutrition.

I found the article below on coconut oil which is good for hypothyrodism:

http://www.coconutdiet.com/thyroid_healt...

It just depends on your immune system. Just because you have Hashimoto's doesn't mean you will have other problems, but it may turn out that way. About.com has some great info about hashimoto's and probably Lupus too.

Once you have one autoimmune disease, you are at higher risk for developing another, but right now what you have are anti-THYROID antibodies so, no, those will not attack another body part. You are right, though, in that once your body's immune system malfunctions once, you are at increased risk for it happening again.

I have done a study in immunology and at the end of the day if you have a lack of secretary immunoglobulin A then you get autoimmune problems.

The body is very interconnected and yes you might get anything.

First boost your immune system, have a look at Elderberry, zinc, vit C and for starters. Do not take any iodine or kelp you will be in trouble.

Once you have one disease then it follows that the immune system will bite back anywhere.

Don't get stressed but build yourself up.

I've recently been diagnosed with Celiac Disease which is also an autoimmune disorder. I have heard from a physician and others with CD that if you have one autoimmune disorder, it is not uncommon to develop another. Celiac Disease has been linked with other autoimmune disorders including thyroid problems, type 1 diabetes, and Reynaud's syndrome.

Hi, although there are many differing opinions with good intentions and documentations, your thyroid disease should be monitored by an endocrynologist.

Autoimmune disorders and diseases (connective tissue disorders, including lupus) are diagnosed and taken care of by rheumatologists.

It's best to go see one at your nearest hospital or University that has a Rheumatology Center/Clinic that can help you. Most major cities have one. Just looking online for the answer won't give you the depth of answer you need and deserve.

Having someone knowledgeable with credentials, sit with you and give you a face to face explanation, show you how this certain aspect of a certain autoimmune disorder is affecting you, may help you to understand things better than guessing and assuming a global theory and applying it to you.

Good luck.