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What Causes Hashimoto's Thyroiditis?

Posted on Thu, 7 May 2015

Question: I have chronic pain under my skin

Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (19 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
More information needed.

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks for using HCM.

It could be related to nerve endings (neuropathy), could be related to underskin tissue diseases ( collagenosis).

More information needed about the pain location, duration, aggravating factors etc. in order to have a better understanding of your problem.

If you like to share more information about your problems, or have further questions, feel free to discuss.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (45 minutes later)

I have pain under my skin. It usually starts on the back of my thighs, radiating around all of my thighs. On "bad days", it also hurts across my abdomen, my back, my buttocks, and the backs of my upper arms. It hurts to move, sit, wear clothes. The more I walk or move around, the worse it gets. No physical signs on my skin of anything going on. Lasts about 48 hours and then subsides. Sleeping for several hours also seems to alleviate the pain somewhat. I do have Hashimotos Thyroiditis, an autoimmune disorder, for which I am taking thyroid replacement hormone. I have had the thyroiditis for 15 years.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Could be related to Hashimoto's.

Detailed Answer:
Hi again, I have gone through your question and understand your concerns.

Causes of your pain met be Hashimoto's thyroiditis ( worsening of this condition) that among other symptoms can cause muscle aches, stiffness and tenderness, joint pain as well.

Another possibility of your symptoms may be rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disorder too, co existent with Hashimoto's in some cases.

There's need for hip joints x-rays and blood tests to evaluate thyroid function and rheumatoid arthritis.

I suggest you to discuss with your treating Doctor above mentioned possibilities about your concerns.

Hope this answers your question. If you have additional questions or follow up questions then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your questions.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (37 minutes later)

Thyroid levels are good; just had bloodwork 3 weeks ago. I am within my range of "feeling good". I had blood work for RA, which the levels were slightly elevated. My concern is that my muscles and joints DO NOT ache. Could RA results coincide with something else? There is no specific trigger for the pain, from what I can tell. I thought it was certain foods I was eating and tried elimination diet and still came up with the symptoms months later. It seems to strike more in temps less than 50 degrees F, so it happens more in the winter months. This past winter has been the worse thus far. It also seems to happen consistently on days that I work. I work retail, and the days Im more active are the days that it flares up.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (33 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
RA can induce peripheral neuropathy.

Detailed Answer:
Hi again and thanks for asking back.

RA can induce peripheral neuropathy in some cases, and this can explain your symptoms.

In addition to this, worsening of symptoms by cold weather is a feature of autoimmune diseases including RA.

Nerve conduction study (EMG) is a simple test to assess possible neuropathy and differentiate in some degree the cause/s.

Hope I helped you. Wishing you good health.

Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D