The Mononucleosis/Thyroid connection

[ktr19]

I myself have posted before, and have seen others also post question pertaining to having Mononucleosis (caused by the Epstein-Barr Virus), either recently or in the past, and if it contributed or caused their thyroid issues. And the more I read and research, there does appear to be a connection.

I know that personally, I had some underlying symptoms of being hypothyroid leading up to me contracting mono last fall…but the vast majority of my symptoms began after the mono! So I think in my case the mono caused a more rapid increase in my hypo symptpms/decline in thyroid functions.

I found these articles to be quite informative:

http://suite101.com/article/mononucleosis-and-hashimotos-thyroiditis-a154143

http://voices.yahoo.com/the-association-epstein-barr-virus-autoimmune-8834031.html

http://www.virologyj.com/content/6/1/5

From the articles:

“One virus that continues to be found in higher titers (blood measurements) among autoimmune disease patients, than in the healthy population, is the Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV). One specific medical study concludes that the association of EBV has been found in patients with autoimmune thyroiditis as well.”
…

“The parallel of these reported immunity responses in patient-testimonials regarding EBV, has been markedly obvious in association to the later-life development of their autoimmune diseases, namely, that of thyroid disease. This would include Hashimoto's thyroiditis (autoimmune hypothyroidism -- the type I have) and Graves' disease (autoimmune hyperthyroidism) that also affects millions of people worldwide”
…

“EBV infection is known to be involved in tumoral diseases such as lymphoma but also in autoimmune diseases, such as multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus]. Antibodies against EBV viral capsid antigen (IgG-VCA) and antibodies against early antigen (IgG-EA-D/DR) have been more often found in thyroiditis than in controls. What is unusual is that EBV may induce anti-T3 antibodies. Acute EBV infection with severe primary hypothyroidism was described in a 16-year old female patient. She had high low FT4 and low FT3 but discordant elevated total T3. Later, 34 patients with EBV infection were tested for thyroid hormone levels. Five patients with acute EBV and one with previous infection had total T3 values above the mean which was due to anti-T3 antibodies.”

Now, I'm quite aware that heredity and many other factors affect the thyroid and the issues that may follow, but it does appear that having mono at one time in your life, may be one “trigger” in developing a thyroid problem.

I know that many members here have questioned how or why their thyroids have begun to fail…this may shed a bit of light for some of us!

Thoughts???

[gimel]

You have a number of symptoms that are frequently related to being hypothydoid.  What is your Synthroid dosage?  Also, please post your Free T4 and Free T3 test results and reference ranges shown on the lab report.

Just for info, several months ago I got back into being hypothyroid and started having joint aches and pains.  It got so bad that i could not get up off the sofa without using my arms to push up.  I told my wife of my suspicion of being hypo again and she suggested I could find out rather quickly by just increasing my Armour Thyroid dose for a few days.  I did and three days later I showed her that I could now do deep knee bends with no pain.

[Krumpet7]

I had a severe case of mono back in 1986 when I was 16 years old. Soon thereafter I was hospitalized with a thyroid storm and was diagnosed with Graves disease.  I had two doses of RAI, then had normal thyroid function. Some docs want to remove my thyroid, some don't. I know am hypo and taking Levothyroxine. Lately I've had joint pain, numbness in my left hand, especially my middle finger and a small area over my left shoulder blade, balance problems, etc. I've also suffered from depression since I can remember.  I've now had a positive ANA. upcoming appointments with an Ortho Optho, Rheumo,Endo, Neuro, etc..! Hmmm?  I will advise just for your info.  

Stay well!
Diane  

[kathyburd]

I have had mono 3 times in my life. Twice were so bad that I should have been hospitalized, but my parents had other care for me. I was bedridden for the two times and the other was like the flu. In the past year I have had a my thyroid removed. for thyroid cancer. I had all the treatments and now the doctor thinks my cancer is back. I find this write up over interesting. Thank you for the connection.

[lindsay0891]

I am borderline hypERthyroid and most of my symptoms all started with a virus back in April. I think it could have been mono because EBV was found in my blood and I know I never had mono before unless I got the virus with no symptoms.  

[FTB4]

This is an article related to your post also:

http://www.hypothyroidismdietinfo.com/hypothyroidism/ebv-mono-autoimmune-hypothyroidism-possibly-linked.php

[mel284]

I found out in October 2012 that I had EBV with mono, I am now having issues with hypothroidism. I to believe there is a link. I get blood work done every year. Last year, no issues with thyroid.