Can lupus cause thyroid problems? If so, what affect does removal of the thyroid have on the body?
Autoimmune thyroid problems are relatively common in lupus, but lupus is probably not causing the thyroid disorders. Some genes contributing to lupus also predispose a person to thyroid problems. Also, a protein called “interferon alpha” is increased in the blood of lupus patients, and contributes to both lupus and autoimmune thyroid disease. It may be that specific genes, together with interferon alpha, contribute to the development of both lupus and thyroid diseases independently, rather than lupus causing the thyroid problem. Removing the thyroid will cause the usual problems associated with low thyroid hormone, has not reported to affect lupus.
