Is Fibromyalgia Caused by Thyroid Disease?

Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain condition characterized by widespread muscle and joint pain. Although the causes of fibromyalgia aren’t known, thyroid disease—hypothyroidism in particular—often co-occurs with fibromyalgia and shares many similar symptoms, implying a possible common origin.

Significance

• According to the National Fibromyalgia Association, nearly 10 million Americans suffer from fibromyalgia, making it one of the most common pain disorders.

Symptoms

• Thyroid disease and fibromyalgia share many symptoms. According to Mayo Clinic, symptoms of thyroid disease include fatigue, joint pain and muscle tenderness and stiffness, all of which are chief symptoms of fibromyalgia.

Co-Morbidity

• According to the Fibromyalgia Symptoms website, up to 15 percent of people with underactive thyroid also suffer from fibromyalgia. Whether thyroid disease is a causative factor in fibromyalgia or simply results from the same underlying cause is not known.

Complications

• Untreated hypothyroidism can lead to mental illness, goiter and heart problems such as high cholesterol and an enlarged heart, according to Mayo Clinic. Complications of fibromyalgia usually result from pain and include decreased productivity and quality of life.

Considerations

• Medications exist for treating both hypothyroidism and fibromyalgia pain. If you experience chronic, widespread pain, unexplained weight gain or other symptoms typical of these conditions, talk to your doctor about your treatment options.