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COVID19 and Thyroid Dysfunction: Is There a Connection?



6 months into the COVID19 pandemic, we are still learning new things about this deadly virus. For example, COVID19 infections are now linked to varying symptoms from gastrointestinal distress like diarrhea to chilblains, inflammatory itchy irritations or sores on the hands and feet [1]. There are even reports that a number of COVID19 survivors, who and are still experiencing long term effects from the infection, are noticing hair loss [2].

 

With COVID19 having such a far reaching detrimental effect on the body and virtually all of its organ systems, it is warranted to take a deeper look into how a COVID19 infection can affect the endocrine system, especially the master gland of metabolism, the thyroid.

 

The thyroid is a butterfly shaped gland located at the base of the neck which is responsible for the production of powerful hormones like triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). These hormones are responsible for many processes in the body, namely maintaining optimal metabolic function. The effect of thyroid hormones is far reaching in the body since these hormones can also affect heart rate, breathing, body temperature, and even the menstrual cycle.

 

How does a COVID19 infection affect the thyroid?

 

Research is starting to reveal that a COVID19 infection can affect the thyroid by causing acute  inflammation in the thyroid or subacute thyroiditis.

 

There have been reports of subacute thyroiditis occurring in patients weeks after contracting a COVID19 infection and subsequently recuperating[3]. Subacute thyroiditis is an acute inflammation of the thyroid usually occurring after an upper respiratory tract viral infection. Symptoms can include a fever, thyroid tenderness or pain, palpitations, and initially hyperthyroidism which can then be followed by a passing phase of hypothyroidism [4].

 

Subacute thyroiditis usually affects midd



le aged females, although a case study did report that a woman as young as 18 years old was affected after a COVID19 infection [5].

 

COVID19 has also been implicated in the development of Graves’ disease, the most common cause of autoimmune hyperthyroidism.

 

Two interesting case studies detail how two middle aged women developed symptoms of and were subsequently diagnosed with Graves’ disease after a COVID19 infection [6]. What is even more interesting is that one woman had been previously diagnosed with Graves’ disease and had been in remission for over 30 years while the other had never had a medical history of thyroid disorder at all.

 

Interestingly enough, hypothyroidism has also been linked to a COVID19 infection with a single center study suggesting that 5.2% of patients seen and treated for COVID19 were also suffering from subclinical hypothyroidism [7].

 

Research suggests that this unexpected connection with hypothyroidism could be due to the destructive effect that the SARS-CoV-2 virus has on the follicular epithelial cells of the thyroid gland [8].

 

While some patients in the single center study did suffer from hypothyroidism, there was a sizeable number, over 20%, who suffered from hyperthyroidism.

 

Clearly, there is a link between COVID19 and thyroid dysfunction that needs further study.

 

Unfortunately, at this time the long-term effects of COVID19 on the thyroid are not yet clear.

 

While we can look at previous studies of the early 2000s SARS virus and it’s effect on the thyroid for much needed clues on the destructive interaction of COVID19 and the thyroid, there is still much work that needs to be done to understand how detrimental the SARS-CoV-2 virus really is to thyroid health.

 

With the uncertainty of how COVID19 can affect thyroid health and function over a long period of time, it is extremely important to monitor thyroid health routinely.

 

Monitoring thyroid health through regular lab screenings can help to identify any thyroid issues and concerns quickly. Fast and accurate identification of thyroid disorders allows for proper diagnosis and more effective treatment, which is essential, especially during the COVID19 pandemic.

 

AYUMETRIX is the leader in smart and innovative lab testing that offers easy and convenient sample collection. The comprehensive thyroid panel gives high quality accurate results at a fraction of the cost. AYUMETRIX makes thyroid monitoring not only easy and convenient, but also highly accessible for those who don’t yet feel safe to leave their homes with reliable in home collection kits. 

 

Monitoring thyroid health is essential during this COVID19 crisis.

 

For more information about the importance of thyroid health, the many important roles the thyroid plays in human physiology, and how thyroid hormone imbalance can affect health and well-being please visit ayumetrix.com or contact info@ayumetrix.com.




Candace Mathers, ND 

 

References

1.    https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/coronavirus/expert-answers/coronavirus-unusual-symptoms/faq-20487367

2.    https://www.webmd.com/lung/news/20200723/hair-loss-an-unexpected-covid-misery-for-many

3.    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7266411/

4.    https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/endocrine-and-metabolic-disorders/thyroid-disorders/subacute-thyroiditis

5.    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32436948/

6.    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7368923/

7.    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32698147/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7306278
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