Risk factors Although just about anyone can develop hypothyroidism, you’re at an increased risk if you are a woman, older than 60, have a family of thyroid disease, or have an autoimmune disease.
Carolina noted: “One of the most significant risk factors increasing the likelihood of the onset of hypothyroidism is having an existing autoimmune disease, such as type 1 diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis.
“The reason behind this is the increased tendency for the immune system to attack the thyroid gland – decreasing the production of the hormone thyroxine which is essential in the role of controlling metabolic function.”
SymptomsThe NHS notes hypothyroidism shares many symptoms with other conditions, making it easy to confuse with something else.