MyLupusTeam

Yes, thyroid issues can play a role in digestive problems, and there's a notable connection to lupus worth knowing about.

Hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid) is more common in people with lupus — estimates suggest 15–19% of people with lupus have it, compared to about 4.6% of the general population. Hypothyroidism can Show Full Answer

Yes, thyroid issues can play a role in digestive problems, and there's a notable connection to lupus worth knowing about.

Hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid) is more common in people with lupus — estimates suggest 15–19% of people with lupus have it, compared to about 4.6% of the general population. Hypothyroidism can also raise the risk of diverticulosis (small pouches forming in the colon) by up to 2.4 times. When diverticulosis flares up, it becomes diverticulitis, which causes colon inflammation and digestive discomfort.

So the chain can look like this:

- Lupus increases the likelihood of developing hypothyroidism
- Hypothyroidism can then raise the risk of digestive issues like diverticulitis

It's always a good idea to mention any new or changing digestive symptoms to your doctor, so they can check whether thyroid function might be a contributing factor.

 AI-generated responses are not a substitute for medical advice. These services are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any condition or disease. Always ask your doctor about specific health concerns.

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