A recent study reviewed the link between rheumatoid arthritis and the risk of developing hypothyroidism. Results showed a significantly higher risk in women with rheumatoid arthritis.
The results of the study were published in Medicine recently. The researchers focused on the effect of comorbidities on hypothyroidism. They found that older women with rheumatoid arthritis had a risk of developing hypothyroidism at a rate of 3.6 times more frequently than for women with no history of rheumatoid arthritis. Women had a three times higher risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis compared to men of the same age. The risk of developing hypothyroidism increased with age. The odds were 12 in 1,000 in the 20- to- 39 age group. This risk increased to 20 per 1000 in people above the age of 60.
Hypothyroidism can cause a number of side effects such as cardiac arrhythmia, mood changes, extreme fatigue and other effects that can make it difficult for you to go to work and earn an income. If you suffer from hypothyroidism, you may qualify for Social Security disability benefits. A diagnosis by itself will not be sufficient for you to qualify for disability benefits. Your symptoms must be severe enough to interfere with your ability to earn a sustainable income.