Risk Factors for Hypothyroidism
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Editorial Staff and Contributors 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 doctor what you can do to reduce your risk. Medical ConditionsThere are several medical conditions known to increase your risk of hypothyroidism. These include:
AgeYour risk of hypothyroidism increases with age, especially after age 65 years. GenderWomen are more likely to develop the condition than men. Genetic factorsIf any of your family members have hypothyroidism, you are at greater risk. Race/EthnicityHypothyroidism occurs more often in Caucasians than in African Americans.
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. Updated August 2016. Accessed February 20, 2017. Hypothyroidism in adults. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at:
http://www.dynamed.... Updated July 12, 2016. Accessed February 20, 2017. Last reviewed February 2017 by James P. Cornell, MD Last Updated: 3/15/2015
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