Infection causes Hashimoto?

[compnet]

by Garth L Nicolson, PhD, Nov 11, 2009 01:16PM
"It would be helpful if you had some idea of what triggered your Hashimoto’s in the first place.  Often it is triggered by an infection, so that is a good place to start. "
http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Autoimmune-Disorders/Hashimotos-and-monthly-cycle-problems/show/1097920


Just came across the above post.  I didn't think it was known what set off antibodies to attack the thyroid.  Infection?  Is that true?  What else can set it off?

[goolarra]

I agree with MANmom.  It is said to "run in families", which I believe is the term used when we think it's genetic, but it's yet to be proven.  

However, can an infection TRIGGER it?  Or can an infection speed up the degenerative process enough to hasten the onset of symptoms?  Probablty.  Stress is also a major factor.  Pregnancy.  Childbirth.  Other trauma.

However, I think it's basically an accident waiting to happen...there's no way to avoid the things that might set it off.

[MANmom]

I doubt it, it tends to run in families...my dad had it, two brothers (so far) have it, I had it plus cancer, my sister had same cancer, another sister has nodules that are being watched. All Hashi's cases surfaced in late 40's or 50's.