Hyperthyroidism triggered from Covid - anyone experience this?

[wintermom]

My friend's dh was just diagnosed with hyperthyroidism after contracting Covid a month ago. He had some of the typical Covid sysptoms (fatigue, low-grade fever), plus on-going hot flashes at night. He finally went to ER and the diagnosis was made. He contacted some of his siblings, and they've experienced similar reactions, so it appears to has some kind of genetic link. 

Just a heads-up for others who've noticed some different symptoms from Covid.

ETA: This is a slim, very active man of about 50 who competes in biathlon, runs, skis and cycles regularly. No previous health issues at all. 

Edited February 7, 2022 by wintermom

[Spryte]

Thanks for the heads up.

I hope they all get some good treatment that works well.

It doesn’t feel surprising, that this might happen, but it’s disappointing. I have hypothyroidism, POTS, and Addison’s (among other issues) triggered by a long period with undiagnosed viruses and infections. The initial issues are finally gone (or in remission), but they triggered many “souvenir” lifelong problems. 
 

ETA: Not sure it’s applicable, but I contracted my original viral and bacterial infections as a young adult, very fit, and while doing long distance backpacking. So it was definitely not lifestyle related. I would imagine Covid would not care about lifestyle with regard to leaving one with these types of souvenirs either.

Edited February 7, 2022 by Spryte

[Pawz4me]

Yes, it's known that viruses can trigger many autoimmune issues, so I agree with @Sprytethat this isn't really surprising.

[wintermom]

13 minutes ago, Pawz4me said:

Yes, it's known that viruses can trigger many autoimmune issues, so I agree with @Sprytethat this isn't really surprising.

I don't know where you are getting this information. Viruses aren't listed as typical causes of hyperthyroidism on the Mayo Clinic website. Not even as a risk factor. 

I think this is quite new (as is most things related to Covid). I found this link: https://www.endocrineweb.com/covid-19-post-infection-thyroid-disease

[J-rap]

22 minutes ago, wintermom said:

I don't know where you are getting this information. Viruses aren't listed as typical causes of hyperthyroidism on the Mayo Clinic website. Not even as a risk factor. 

I think this is quite new (as is most things related to Covid). I found this link: https://www.endocrineweb.com/covid-19-post-infection-thyroid-disease

Some thyroid conditions are considered autoimmune conditions, and I think viruses can trigger them.  Probably different than thyroiditis (n the article you linked) though.  Interesting article!  Hopefully it's a temporary condition.

It does seem like thyroid conditions often run in the family, so I guess it wouldn't surprise me that other people in his family are experiencing similar symptoms.

[Dmmetler]

Autoimmune thyroid can have spurts of high thyroid activity before it goes hypo for good, though, so that could still be part of it. If they check for thyroid antibodies, and they're present, it's a good Indicator that it is both autoimmune and that it will eventually go hypo. 

[Pawz4me]

37 minutes ago, wintermom said:

I don't know where you are getting this information. Viruses aren't listed as typical causes of hyperthyroidism on the Mayo Clinic website. Not even as a risk factor. 

I think this is quite new (as is most things related to Covid). I found this link: https://www.endocrineweb.com/covid-19-post-infection-thyroid-disease

Yes. Your link addresses the virus as trigger and the resulting roller coaster effect. It's not unique to Covid. In fact that article states:

Quote

These sorts of viruses — like the flu — typically cause inflammation of the nose, throat, or trachea, and they tend to clear up within a week or two. Dr. Poston explains, “Inflammation means that there is increased blood flow to the organ carrying cells to fight infection. Symptoms of inflammation include swelling, pain, redness, and warmth.”

The viral infection sets off the inflammation, causing swelling and pain in the thyroid area. Hoarseness and difficulty swallowing may also occur due to compression in the throat.

This may sound like a cold, but it’s not just throat pain. Dr. Poston says that subacute thyroiditis can begin to alter the body’s thyroid hormone production in a roller-coaster sort of way.

Viruses. Plural.

It may be a (relatively) new finding that SARS-CoV-2 is a trigger, but it's well established that other viruses can trigger (note there is a difference in "trigger" and "cause") all sorts of AI diseases. Therefore it's unlikely to be a surprise to any virologist, rheumatologist, endocrinologist, etc. that the SARS-CoV-2 virus is also a trigger.

Even the Mayo Clinic website can be wrong or (in this case) incomplete. Google Scholar will give you many, many results if you search for something like "viral triggers of thyroid issues."

[Spryte]

24 minutes ago, Dmmetler said:

Autoimmune thyroid can have spurts of high thyroid activity before it goes hypo for good, though, so that could still be part of it. If they check for thyroid antibodies, and they're present, it's a good Indicator that it is both autoimmune and that it will eventually go hypo. 

This is what happened in my case. And others that I personally know, through chronic illness support groups (some IRL, some online). Lots of us have developed these new-to-us issues as a result of post-viral or post-bacterial infection. It is a huge bummer, frankly, to finally get past a lingering illness only to have a new long term issue tacked on at the end!

I think it’s good info, to know that some people are experiencing this post-Covid. Thanks so much for posting, OP. I think some of us feared it was a likely possibility, but were hoping not to hear about cases like this. 

Edited February 7, 2022 by Spryte

[Dianthus]

I read a medical article several months ago about Graves disease being triggered by covid in 2, yes only two, documented cases. I know someone who developed graves disease at the end of 2020. If she had covid, it was asymptomatic. She had a family history and also markers for hyperthyroidism in the year before covid so was well on her way there anyway. When I google, I see there are now 5 documented cases of covid triggering hyperthyroidism. Very low percentage.

This article is 2 years old, May 2020.

[City Mouse]

I know a guy who had that happen after a Covid infection. He is a rancher so very physically active. He is also diabetic but that was before Covid. Right now they are trying to manage with medication, but zapping the thyroid with radiation is a possibility.