many factors may increase your risk for developing hypothyroidism. these include: age and sex. older adults are more likely to develop hypothyroidism than younger people and women are more likely than men to develop thyroid disease. 6 family history. hypothyroidism tends to run in families. previous thyroid problems. thyroid disease an enlarged thyroid ( goiter ) and surgery or radiation therapy to treat thyroid problems increase the likelihood of developing hypothyroidism in the future. some lifelong conditions. diabetes an autoimmune disease that causes patches of light skin ( vitiligo ) pernicious anemia and premature gray hair (leukotrichia) are seen more often in people with hypothyroidism. iodine deficiency. this is rare in the united states but common in areas where iodine is not added to salt food and water. medicines. some medicines can interfere with normal thyroid function particularly lithium carbonate amiodarone (such as amiodarone cordarone and pacerone ) and interferon alfa (such as infergen rebetron and wellferon). up to 20% of women older than 60 have mild (subclinical) hypothyroidism ; about 2% to 5% of people with subclinical disease develop hypothyroidism every year. 4 6 many of the same factors that increase your risk for hypothyroidism also increase your risk for mild hypothyroidism. webmd medical reference from healthwise this information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information. © 1995-2011 healthwise incorporated. healthwise healthwise for every health decision and the healthwise logo are trademarks of healthwise incorporated.
what increases the risk of getting hypothyroidism?