Ulcerative colitis and thyroid disease: what is the link?

The exact link between UC and thyroid disease remains unclear. However, some studies suggest that certain underlying factors may be behind both conditions.

A 2016 literature reviewExamination of studies decades ago found contradictory evidence of the incidence of two common types of thyroid disease, hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, among people with UC or Crohn’s disease. It was.

Hyperthyroidism is when the thyroid gland overproduces hormones, and hypothyroidism is when the thyroid gland does not produce enough.

Several studies in that review found that UC patients had a higher incidence of thyroid disease than the general population. Meanwhile, some studies in the report found that there was no significant difference in the rate of status, or even a low rate of thyroid disease among people with IBD.

That said, recent studies have revealed a potential link between UC and thyroid disease. For example 2017 study from Taiwan We found that 4.1% of adults with UC had previously been diagnosed with hyperthyroidism, compared to 2.66% of adults in the control group.

Graves’ disease is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism, National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive and Kidney Diseases..

According to notes from, it may be associated with genetic abnormalities, overgrowth of gut bacteria, and an excess immune system that is also prevalent among people with some ulcerative colitis. 2017 clinical trial..

Another type of thyroid disease, congenital hypothyroidism, may be associated with similar underlying factors behind UC. 2018 study.. Researchers have found that people with congenital hypothyroidism are more likely to have IBD and certain genetic abnormalities or mutations than controls.

Research into the possible link between thyroid disease and UC is ongoing and further research is needed before experts can reach conclusive conclusions.

Studies have not found that UC causes thyroid problems or vice versa.

Instead, some common underlying factors may lie behind the two conditions. These include:

• Immune system imbalance
• Genetic mutation
• hyperthyroidism
• Overgrowth of bacteria in the intestine

You may have both thyroid concerns and UC at the same time. If you have ulcerative colitis and are experiencing symptoms of thyroid disease, consult your health care professional.

by Women’s Health Office, These symptoms include:

• Lose or gain weight without changing your diet
• Feel cold or hot when others don’t
• Joint and muscle pain
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Weakness
• Menstrual changes such as lighter or heavier currents
• Puffy face
• Increased sweating
• Sleep concerns
• Shivering in my hands
• Nervous, anxious, frustrated, sad, depressed
• Dry or thinner skin
• Dry thin hair
• Changes in heart rate

There is no cure for UC or thyroid disease, but there are ways to treat and manage both conditions to improve quality of life.

Here are some ways to reduce the risk of UC flares:

• Pharmaceuticals (biopharmacy, corticosteroids, immunomodulators, etc.)
• Surgery to remove the colon (if the drug does not work)
• Dietary changes and avoidance of trigger foods
• Stress reduction techniques (physical activity, yoga, breathing, etc.)

Treatment of your thyroid condition depends on the illness you have. Among other potential treatments, you may need to take medication, receive radioiodine therapy, or have surgery to remove part or all of your thyroid gland.

If you have ulcerative colitis, thyroid disease, or both, your doctor can provide personalized treatment recommendations.

Clinical trials may continue to investigate the association between thyroid disease and UC, and treatments that may help both conditions.

Participating in clinical trials may give you the opportunity to try new treatments that suit your condition. However, there are risks.

You may receive standard treatment or placebo, and you may experience side effects. Therefore, it is important to weigh the potential shortcomings and benefits before enrolling in a clinical trial.

If you are interested in participating in clinical trials of UC and thyroid conditions, talk to your doctor to see if you know about future studies.You can also search for clinical trials from National Library of Medicine Or Crohn’s Disease and Colitis Foundation..

People with UC also have a type of thyroid disease, but the relationship between the two states is not yet clear. Doctors do not believe that UC causes thyroid disease. The reverse is also true.

However, there may be underlying factors that increase the risk of both conditions, such as genetic abnormalities.

Talk to your doctor if you have ulcerative colitis and are experiencing symptoms of thyroid disease. They may test your thyroid function to see how well your organs are working.

There is no cure for UC or thyroid disease, but medications and other treatments can help manage the condition and relieve symptoms.