Is It Possible To Develop Thyroid Disorder When Both Parents Have Hypothyroidism?

Posted on Tue, 2 Dec 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 2 Dec 2014 Answered on

Sat, 27 Dec 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : hi,

both of my parents have suffered from tyroid. so should i also get tested for thyroid??

Answered by Dr. Ajish TP (29 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
You should do tests if you have any symptoms

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX

When both parents have hypothyroidism, the chance of having hypothyroidism in children is 5-10% in boys and 30-40% in girls. So since you are male the chance is less compared to girls.

Hypothyroidism can occur at any time from 3 years till death. 5-10% is your life time risk. Even if your tests are normal now, you can still develop hypothyroidism later. So routine screening is not needed. So have this risk in mind and do a test when you develop any symptoms - like tiredness, constipation, weight gain etc.

Hope I have answered your questions. If you have any further queries I will be happy to help you.

Regards,

Dr Ajish TP [MD,DM]
Consultant Endocrinologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju