Potential Causes
The underlying cause of fibromyalgia is not yet confirmed, but this issue has been very controversial. As for the thyroid disease, it is considered as a type of autoimmune disease in which the autoantibodies will damage the thyroid tissues.
Others have assumed that both fibromyalgia and thyroid disease are caused by a similar underlying process that can make a person become predispose to both conditions. However, none of these theories have been confirmed yet. Some of the possible causes are the following:
Autoimmunity
The autoimmune theory of the thyroid disease, also known as Hashimoto’s disease, is supported by the presence of antibodies in patients with thyroid disease and in some healthy individuals too. One study has also found a possible link of autoimmune disease to fibromyalgia. It was found that those with fibromyalgia have a higher degree of positivity that is related to thyroid antibody. The researchers behind the study have also cited several other studies resulting in a higher prevalence of antibodies among people with fibromyalgia when compared to the general public.
The theories surrounding the possible causes of fibromyalgia and hypothyroidism are varied. However, many experts believe that the underlying autoimmune disease is the main cause of the development of both of these conditions.
