A risk factor is something that raises your chances of getting a disease or health problem.

You can get hypothyroidism with or without these risks. Your chances are higher when you have more risk factors. If you have a number of risk factors, ask your doctor what you can do to lower them.

Health Problems

There are many health problems that can raise your risk, such as:

• Pregnancy—1 in 10 women get postpartum thyroiditis. Women who have had it one time are more likely to have it again in the future.
• A family history of immune system problems, such as:
  • Pernicious anemia
  • Type 1 diabetes
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Systemic lupus erythematosus
  • Sjogren syndrome
• Having received radiation to the head or neck
• Prior thyroid surgery

Age

Your risk of hypothyroidism gets higher with age, especially after age 65.

Gender

Women are more likely to have this health problem than men.

Genes

You are at higher risk if any of your family members have hypothyroidism.