AskDocDoc
/
/
/
What are the possible causes of rheumatoid arthritis and thyroid issues in my mother, and how are they related?
FREE!Ask Doctors — 24/7
Connect with Doctors 24/7. Ask anything, get expert help today.
500 doctors ONLINE
#1 Medical Platform
Ask question for free
00H : 50M : 20S
background image
Click Here
background image
Rheumatic & Autoimmune Conditions
Question #30403
13 days ago
52

What are the possible causes of rheumatoid arthritis and thyroid issues in my mother, and how are they related? - #30403

Client_726bff

My mother recently discovered she has rheumatoid arthritis. Tests and examinations confirmed it (Anti-CCP 134.34, Vitamin D 12.9). The examination revealed inflammation in the joints of her hands and feet. The doctor ordered an MRI of her neck, which showed nothing unusual, but an enlarged thyroid gland was observed. My mother is now going to have her thyroid levels (T3, T4, TSH) tested, and I suggested an Anti-TPO test to determine if it's also an autoimmune disease. My question is, what are the possible causes? Is the thyroid condition related to rheumatoid arthritis, or does it have an effect on it? Also, my mother has been experiencing stomach pain lately and has anemia (hemoglobin level 10.5). (My mother's sister recently passed away, and she is in a poor psychological state. Will this have an effect?) My mother also started treatment for rheumatoid arthritis (methotrexate, cortisone, folic acid, vitamin D and calcium). We don't know what to do now and I feel constantly worried about it.

How long has your mother been experiencing joint pain and inflammation?:

- 1-3 months

Has she experienced any other symptoms related to her thyroid condition?:

- Weight changes

How would you describe her stomach pain?:

- Not sure

Has she had any changes in her appetite or weight recently?:

- Decreased appetite

How has her emotional state been since her sister's passing?:

- Some sadness but managing

Has she had any previous autoimmune conditions or family history of them?:

- Yes, she has one

What medications is she currently taking besides those for rheumatoid arthritis?:

- Other prescribed medications
FREE
Question is closed
FREE! Ask a Doctor — 24/7,
100% Anonymously
Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential.
No sign-up needed.
CTA image asteriksCTA image

Doctors' responses

Dr. Bharat Joshi
I’m a periodontist and academician with a strong clinical and teaching background. Over the last 4 years and 8 months, I’ve been actively involved in dental education, guiding students at multiple levels including dental hygienist, BDS, and MDS programs. Currently, I serve as a Reader at MMCDSR in Ambala, Haryana—a role that allows me to merge my academic passion with hands-on experience. Clinically, I’ve been practicing dentistry for the past 12 years. From routine procedures like scaling and root planing to more advanced cases involving grafts, biopsies, and implant surgeries. Honestly, I still find joy in doing a simple RCT when it’s needed. It’s not just about the procedure but making sure the patient feels comfortable and safe. Academically, I have 26 research publications to my credit. I’m on the editorial boards of the Archives of Dental Research and Journal of Dental Research and Oral Health, and I’ve spent a lot of time reviewing manuscripts—from case reports to meta-analyses and even book reviews. I was honored to receive the “Best Editor” award by Innovative Publications, and Athena Publications recognized me as an “excellent reviewer,” which honestly came as a bit of a surprise! In 2025, I had the opportunity to present a guest lecture in Italy on traumatic oral lesions. Sharing my work and learning from peers globally has been incredibly fulfilling. Outside academics and clinics, I’ve also worked in the pharmaceutical sector as a Drug Safety Associate for about 3 years, focusing on pharmacovigilance. That role really sharpened my attention to detail and deepened my understanding of drug interactions and adverse effects. My goal is to keep learning, and give every patient and student my absolute best.
13 days ago
5

Hello dear See usually for arthritis analgesic and anti-inflammatory drugs are given for symptomatic treatment Iam suggesting some medication and precautions for improvement Please follow them for atleast two months Tablet refecoxicib once daily for 5 days Tablet paracetamol 500 mg 12 hourly accordingly Methotrexate Choloquine Both on recommendation by concerned physician only Avoid Pulses Grams Protein Fatty diet Replacement with Khichdi Poha Upma Corn flakes Oats Fruits and vegetables In addition please get following tests done for confirmation of severity Crp Esr Cbc Hemogram Serum troponin Serum ferritin Serum urea Serum bilirubin Hla b 27 Thyroid USG Serum tsh Hopefully you recover soon Regards

3289 answered questions
66% best answers
Accepted response

0 replies

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and thyroid issues can indeed be related, particularly if the thyroid issue is autoimmune in nature. Both RA and autoimmune thyroid diseases like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis or Graves’ disease are conditions where the immune system attacks the body’s own tissues. Your suggestion to check Anti-TPO antibodies is a solid idea since it helps determine if your mother’s thyroid problem is autoimmune. If the thyroid function tests show abnormal thyroid hormones alongside positive Anti-TPO antibodies, it could suggest a condition like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, which often co-occurs with RA due to a shared genetic predisposition to autoimmune disorders. The stress and emotional strain from the recent bereavement may exacerbate symptoms—not directly causing these conditions, but can affect immune function and potentially worsen symptoms of both RA and thyroid disorder. Stomach pain and anemia might be related to her RA medications; Methotrexate, for example, can cause gastrointestinal symptoms and contribute to anemia if it affects the gut mucosa or if there’s underlying gastrointestinal inflammation. Monitoring for gastrointestinal side effects is important, and discussing these symptoms with her healthcare provider is essential to ensure they are being managed properly. Anemia in RA can also result from chronic inflammation or be a sign of a different issue; iron studies or further evaluation may be necessary. To optimize your mother’s care, ensure she attends all follow-up visits, communicates new or worsening symptoms promptly, and adheres to her treatment regimen. Balancing her medication, keeping an open channel with her physician, and possibly involving a mental health provider to support her through her grieving process may also be beneficial. Each element of her management plan should consider her unique health profile and lifestyle to improve her overall health.

20495 answered questions
90% best answers
Accepted response

0 replies
FREE! Ask a Doctor — 24/7,
100% Anonymously

Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential. No sign-up needed.

About our doctors

Only qualified doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service. You can check the qualification confirmation in the doctor's profile.


how arthritis is caused
what causes uric acid build up
do tomatoes cause inflammation
what causes multiple sclerosis in females
What is causing my 50-year-old mother's widespread body pain and severe back and leg aches?
Anckloing spondylitis feature tretment when
Rheumatoid arthritis treatment problem
how to stop joint pain when it rains
what is the reason for arthritis
arthritis precautions
what causes joint pain all over the body
Severe Monthly Body Pain and Joint Discomfort
why do my joints hurt all of a sudden
What are the treatment options for a 20-year-old male with polyarthritis and possible autoimmune causes?
how to prevent gout
benefits of resins
arthritis causes and symptoms
Severe Monthly Body Pain and Joint Discomfort
how to reduce joint pain
age disease
Head Pain, Swelling, and Joint Issues: What Could It Be?
How to cure rehumatic arthritis
Sjogren Symptoms but nothing is detected investigation
what is the cause of arthritis
febutaz dosage
arthritis disease causes
Had covid 4 years ago now left with joint cracking all over my body and muscle spasms
does shilajit increase uric acid
sumeet gupta
What causes migratory joint pain with swelling and normal test results?
Concerns About Persistent Symptoms and Abnormal Blood Counts
aceclofenac tablet dose
symptoms of arthritis in body
falish disease
does apple cider vinagar help with inflamation
free motion home remedies
how to use purslane as medicine
what are the early warning signs of psoriatic arthritis
dermatomyositis therapies
Howto remove the swelling in her feet
arthritic diseases
my whole body is paining
dermatomyositis meaning
Joint Popping and Muscle Twitching After COVID
arthritis symptoms and causes
joint pain in winter remedies
arthritis health education
what does arthritis feel like
Concerns about possible connective tissue disease in my mother
Sclerodactyly for further evaluation; rheumatoid factor and Anti-CCP negative; chest x-ray no ILD; treatment started under my thickening of the skin
arthritic conditions
motion relief syrup
how to stop arthritis
Good day iam having r a please give any medicines
rheumatologist anna nagar
how to cure rheumatoid arthritis permanently
Pain in all the joints and also have digestive issuesfrom my childhood.
etiology of arthritis
does alcohol cause inflammation
full body pains
what is the main cause of arthritis
Body pain reason
what helps with inflammation
clinical manifestations of arthritis
Ankle pain is continuing despite several medicines being regularly taken . No relief even after consulting rheumatologist. Please advise
febutaz 40 uses for uric acid
what causes arthritis
what is the fastest way to relieve arthritis pain?
Joint snapping and popping generalized muscles spasms
what is dhanwantharam thailam used for
how to treat joint pain with ulcerative colitis
Swellingin the foot n cannot walk
arthritis information
what happens in arthritis
how to control uric acid naturally
does arthritis cause swelling
Joint Popping Sounds and Body Fatigue with Occasional Constipation
what is the most effective medication for arthritis
joint pain in winter
febutaz medicine use
how to test for autoimmune disease
long-term side effects of covishield
aceclofenac dosage
what are the 5 worst foods for joint pain?
guntur rheumatology and immunology center
how to avoid arthritis
What is causing my wife's extreme sore, red, and inflamed arms and face?
Joints popping and clicking please help I’m scared
what foods are bad for arthritis
how to stop gout pain at night
can arthritis be cured
How to reduce inflammation in Rheumatoid arthritis
Joint Sounds and Body Fatigue with Digestive Issues
Feature treatment for AS andit'sprevebtion
causes of arthritis disease
pair sujan ka karan
What causes general fatigue and joint pain in the wrists, knees, and lower back?
How to treat morning arthritis pain and stiffness?
what causes multiple sclerosis
overlap syndromPsc , how to treat