The lupus can affect any organ system in the body. Since the thyroid is part of the endocrine system, it can likwise be fair game for a lupus attack.

Nuts.....Wasn't really thinking I guess......DJM

Keep me posted on what the doctors find...my rheumy usually orders a TSH as my usual lupus-related labwork. Fortunately, it hasn't come back abnormal so far...

I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism long before being given the Lupus diagnosis...but I was also told I had epstein-Barr and fibromyalgia...all symptoms of Lupus. Lupus takes a long time to diagnose and when you finally get the diagnosis, you will find that 80% of your symptoms are caused by it. Much like M.S., your immune system is so compromised, you never know what it will attack. That's why they try to redirect your immune system to attack malaria via plaquenil, which causes you to get a small amount of malaria in your system. Also, plaquenil causes blood thinning because it is supposed to deter clots...therefore, we bruise. It all adds up. I am doing lots and lots of research on this disease because it is so debilitating. - Rosemary

Malria is a parasite you cannot get it from the drug.
I am on coumadin so I wont be taking anything that will thin my blood furthur.

Yesterday I posted a discussion point called "Increasing Energy & Happiness" about how my GP tried me on Thyroxine despite "normal" TSH levels (they were low tho) and the result was amazing. Please read the post. A lot of symptoms have gone.

My free T4 is low but my tsh is normal. I looked it up and many drugs can induce hypothyroidism including corticosteroids, birth control pills and anticonvulsants (like Lyrica or neurontin).
Since I have just come off of 2 years on Prednisone this made much more sense to me

I dont' think its caused by it but I think somehow they interact with one another because I was diagnosed with Hypothyroidism almost a year before my lupus. Most likely if you have one autoimmune disesase you will have another. Hang in there. Once your thyroid is better you will feel so different!

Also try to avoid fluoride in your toothpaste and mouthwash, get organic ones by Tom and drink only filtered water by reverse osmosis.
Flouride and chlorine have been shown to affect thryoid.

Hi DeborahJeanne,
As well Hypothyroidism or as they told me Hashimoto's thyroid, was the first actual autoimmune disease I was diagnosed with. Then the rest of the symptoms just seem to perplex the doctors. I knew it was lupus as I had the internet to help me research. They didn't believe me until the blood clots in my lungs appeared and I tested positive for the lupus anticoagulant in my blood. This was over a period of 40 yrs. So I sort of feel like it doesn't matter what you call it, Lupus, RA, Sjodrens..Just call it Autoimmune Disease and help us!

I just came accross this article! Hypothyroidism (I wish my dr. tested me on this) mimick symptoms of Lupus...cold hands, cold feet, dry hair, brittle nails, loss of hair, malaise, fatigue. There are natural supplements you can take such as Vit C, B complex and iodine in your multivitamin supplements was what the article said.

Not sure I would do some research on it. Hypothyroidism , however based on my own experience does make you very very tired.

I really never connected my thyroid levels decreasing,had anythhing to do with lupus..but rather aging..this is a little off topic..but wanted to share..when my second daughter was born..I had lupus during pregancy,but nobody was aware yet..she was born with congenital/hypothyroidism..This is very rare..It meant she actually was born with no thyroid gland/tissue at all..they picked this up on a PKU,heel prick at birth...She has been on thyroid replacement since 2 weeks of age..she is now 26,pregnant..and worrisomely,presenting some early symptoms of Lupus..not fair...trying to help her relax,but you know..she will be having full work up after delivery. I'm praying very hard,that she doesn't..

They have to check thyroid antibodies not just tsh.

Deborah, I wanted to add,if you're interested..first,I want to let you know,the TSH..really only tells you if you are considered hyperthyroid,or hypothyroid,basically..Is that only what they are concerned with? the antiblody test is done,if they are looking for an auto-immune illness,like Graves disease..there is a site,that explains alot of the other thyroid function tests and why they are performed..many of these were done to my daughter ,every 12 weeks until she was eightteen,now not as frequent..I'm terrible at attaching links,so I typed it out..here it is...thyroid.about.com/od/gettested and diagnosed/a/bloodtests.htm...good luck!hope this helps:)