Yes. Hypothyroidism resulting from the autoimmune disease Hashimoto’s thyroiditis does run in families.1
Additionally, a family history of autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis (chronic inflammation
of the joints in the hands and feet), pernicious anemia (low red blood cells), type 1 diabetes, and lupus
(cause joint pain, fever, skin rashes, and organ damage), or other autoimmune diseases increases the risk of
hypothyroidism in offspring.2 Complete a family tree to help your doctor determine your risk for
hypothyroidism.
References:
1. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Accessed May 25, 2023. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/endocrine-diseases/hashimotos-disease 2. Franco JS, Amaya-Amaya J, Anaya JM. Thyroid disease and autoimmune diseases. In: Anaya JM, Shoenfeld Y,
Rojas-Villarraga A, Levy RA, Cervera R, eds. Autoimmunity: From Bench to Bedside. National Library of Medicine; 2013:chap 30.
