The Fibromyalgia/Hypothyroidism Link

Unlike primary hypothyroidism, resistance to thyroid hormone is generally an acquired condition associated with a chronic coagulation defect that is primarily the result of chronic infection. In thyroid hormone resistance, thyroid hormone levels are within the normal range but adequate thyroid hormone may not be produced due to the blunted response described in the previous section. The studies of Garrison and Breeding suggest that most cases of fibromyalgia are associated with thyroid hormone resistance rather than primary hypothyroidism. Besides supraphysiologic doses of thyroid hormone, other treatments that may have merits include anti-hypercoagulants, anti-infectives and hyaluronolytic therapies. Hyaluron is a chemical known as a glycosaminoglycan. High levels of hyaluron are seen in fibromyalgia and in mucin, which is present in myxedema.

References: Neeck G, Riedel W. Thyroid function in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome, J Rheumatol, 1992 Jul; 19(7): 1120-1122. Aarflot T, Bruusgaard D, Association between chronic widespread musculoskeletal complaints and thyroid autoimmunity. Results from a community survey, Scand J Prim Health Care, 1996 Jun; 14(2):111-115. Garrison RL, Breeding PC A metabolic basis for fibromyalgia and its related disorders: the possible role of resistance to thyroid hormone. Med Hypotheses, 2003 Augl61(2):182-189.

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