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Yes, Hashimoto’s has a strong genetic component and can run in families. 



Hashimoto’s heredity is not directly inherited like single-gene disorders, but rather results from multiple genetic variation combinations that increase risk, combined with environmental triggers, including: 

• Excessive iodine intake
• Low selenium
• Vitamin D deficiency
• Exposure to pollutants like PCBs and pesticides

If you or someone you love is suffering from symptoms of Hashimoto’s disease, contact HealthierU to request a nutrition consultation today. Our holistic approach to thyroid health can help you get your body and life back on track. 

While no single gene contributes to the heredity of Hashimoto’s, a combination of genes makes an individual more susceptible, including:

• HLA
• TG 
• TSHR 
• FOXE1 (TTF-2)
• CTLA-4 
• PTPN22 
• FOXP3
• CD40 and CD25
  

#1: Human Leukocyte Antigen 

Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genes help your immune system recognize what does and doesn’t belong in your body. Some of these genes make your immune system mistakenly think your thyroid is harmful, cause immune cells to attack your thyroid, and lead to inflammation. Some HLA genes can also make thyroid cells more susceptible to damage.

Human leukocyte antigen genes include: 

• HLA-DR (particularly DR3, DR4, DR5):
• Strongly associated with autoimmune thyroid diseases
• Help present thyroid proteins to helper T-cells
• Some variants cause thyroid proteins (like TPO and thyroglobulin) to appear as “foreign”
• Key player in triggering the immune attack on the thyroid
• HLA-DQ ( DQ2, DQ8)
• Works with HLA-DR to activate immune responses
• Certain types enhance the likelihood of producing thyroid autoantibodies
• Key player in the loss of immune tolerance to thyroid tissue
• HLA Class I (HLA-A, HLA-B, HLA-C)
• Presents internal cell proteins to CD8+ T-cells
• Help sustain inflammation in thyroid tissue
• Key player in the destruction of thyroid cells once autoimmunity begins
• HLA-DP
• Presents antigens to immune cells
• Supports immune activation
• Not necessarily a key player in the disease, but often contributes to the susceptibility of autoimmune disease

#2: Thyroid-Specific Genes

These genes change how thyroid proteins are made and recognized by your immune system. This can increase your risk of developing Hashimoto’s by leading to the production of antibodies, including thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPOAb) and thyroglobulin antibodies (TgAb). 

Thyroid-specific genes include:

• Thyroglobulin (TG) 
• Produces thyroglobulin, a protein used in the production of thyroid hormones
• Triggers the creation of anti-thyroglobulin antibodies (TgAb)
• Some variations can change the structure of the gene, causing your immune system to view them as “foreign” 
• Thyroid Peroxidase (TPO) 
• Helps in the production of thyroid hormones by facilitating iodine use
• Changes in TPO may make it a more likely target of your immune system, leading to anti-TPO antibodies (TPOAb), a marker of Hashimoto’s disease
• Thyrotropin Receptor (TSHR)
• Controls the thyroid’s response to thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)
• Gene variations may alter immune recognition of the receptor
• May damage thyroid cells by triggering immune responses 
• Sodium/Iodide Symporter (NIS / SLC5A5) 
• Assists in transporting iodine into your thyroid cells
• Changes may affect the thyroid’s ability to function normally and increase cellular stress, which may activate your immune system 
• Pendrin (SLC26A4) 
• Assists in transporting iodine within your thyroid
• Dysfunction may lead to a disruption in hormone production and cause inflammation
• DUOX2 (Dual Oxidase 2)
• Produces the hydrogen peroxide needed for the synthesis of your thyroid hormone 
• Dysfunction can result in an increase in oxidative stress within thyroid cells and contribute to tissue damage and the activation of your immune system 

#3: Immune Regulation Genes

Immune regulation genes control the intensity, duration, and specificity of your immune responses to ensure your body is able to defend itself against threats without suffering harm. These genes include:

• CTLA-4 (Cytotoxic T-Lymphocyte–Associated Protein 4)
• Puts the “brakes” on T-cell activity
• Dysfunction or variation can weaken the T-cells’ ability to brake, allowing overactive T-cells to attack your thyroid tissue
• PTPN22 (Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase Non-Receptor Type 22)
• Regulates T-cell signaling
• Some variants make immune cells more susceptible to activation and increase your risk of thyroid attack
• FOXP3 (Forkhead Box P3)
• Controls regulatory T-cells (Tregs), which protect against autoimmunity
• Changes can reduce Treg function, lower immune tolerance, and increase thyroid damage
• IL2RA (Interleukin-2 Receptor Alpha)
• Vital for T-cell growth and regulation
• Variations can disrupt immune balance and impair your body’s ability to control autoimmune responses
• CD40 Gene
• Helps activate immune cells and the production of antibodies 
• Overactivity can lead to increased B-cell activation and a higher production of thyroid autoantibodies
• FCRL3 (Fc Receptor-Like 3)
• Involved in the regulation of B-cell function
• Dysfunction can result in the abnormal production os antibodies and contribute to autoantibody formation (TPOAb, TgAb)

These genes disrupt immune tolerance and cause T-cells to misidentify thyroid tissue as foreign, predisposing you to developing Hashimoto’s disease.

Outside of heredity, additional risks for developing Hashimoto’s disease include: 



• Gender: Hashimoto’s is four to ten times more common in women.
• Age: The risk of developing Hashimoto's disease increases as you get older. 
• Excessive iodine intake: This is a significant risk factor for triggering or worsening the symptoms of Hashimoto's by promoting thyroid follicular cell death. 
• Hormonal changes: Changes in estrogen levels in pregnancy and menopause can contribute to the development of Hashimoto’s. 
• Certain medications: Drugs used to treat heart rhythm issues and bipolar disorder, such as Lithium and Amiodarone, can trigger the onset of Hashimoto’s disease.
  

How Is Hashimoto’s Disease Diagnosed? 

Hashimoto’s is diagnosed through: 

• A clinical evaluation, where your practitioner reviews symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, cold sensitivity, and dry skin.
• A physical exam to check for an enlarged thyroid gland or goiter.
• Blood work and testing, which may include: 
• Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) 
• Often the first screening test performed
• Measures how much the pituitary gland has to work to stimulate your thyroid
• High TSH level generally indicates an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism)
• Anti-TPO antibody test: 
• Often elevated in Hashimoto’s patients, even before symptoms are present
• Detects antibodies that fight against thyroid peroxidase (TPO)
• Helps confirm the thyroid disease is caused by autoimmunity
• Free thyroxine (Free T4) 
• Measures how much active thyroid hormone is in your blood
• Helps determine how efficiently your thyroid is functioning
• Low levels indicate hypothyroidism
• Antithyroglobulin antibody (TgAb) 
• Detects antibodies against the thyroid protein thyroglobulin 
• Frequently tested with Anti-TPO for optimal accuracy
• Supports the diagnosis of autoimmune thyroid conditions
• Thyroid ultrasound
• Uses imaging to measure your thyroid’s size and structure 
• Able to detect thyroid inflammation, nodules, or damage

What Symptoms Should I Watch for if Hashimoto’s Disease Runs in My Family?

Some of the most common early signs of Hashimoto’s include:

• Weight gain
• Cold sensitivity
• Fatigue
• Hair thinning
• Depression or brain fog

If you notice these symptoms, contact your healthcare professional.

Will I Get Hashimoto's if My Mom Has It? 

Not necessarily. While you have a higher risk of developing Hashimoto’s disease if your mom suffers from it, it’s not guaranteed that you will. It’s important to proactively monitor symptoms like fatigue or unexpected changes in your weight. 

Can Hashimoto’s Disease Skip Generations?

Yes. Hashimoto’s genetic risk can be passed down without appearing in every generation.

Should Family Members Get Tested for Hashimoto’s?

While routine screening isn’t necessarily required, remaining aware is vital. If family members find themselves developing symptoms of Hashimoto's, testing is a wise option.

How Can I Avoid Getting Hashimoto’s if It Runs in My Family?

While there’s no way to guarantee you won’t develop Hashimoto’s disease, you can lower your risk by:

• Eating a healthy diet
• Managing stress
• Avoiding excessive iodine supplements
• Monitor your thyroid function if symptoms appear

Does Hashimoto’s Heredity Affect More Women Than Men?

Yes. Research shows that women are an average of seven times more likely to develop Hashimoto’s disease than men, a difference that’s likely influenced by both genetics and hormonal influences.

How Is Hereditary Hashimoto’s Treated?

Treatment options for hereditary Hashimoto’s include:

• Holistic nutrition: At HealthierU, we believe this is the first choice of treatment for Hashimoto’s disease and includes reducing processed foods and managing inflammation through a gluten-free diet. 
• Medication: Levothyroxine, liothyronine, and desiccated thyroid extract (DTE) are all common options. 
• Regular checkups: Monitoring is critically important since an abundance of thyroid hormone can lead to side effects like palpitations or bone loss, while too little hormone causes fatigue and weight gain.
• Surgery: If your thyroid is significantly enlarged or has malignant nodules, surgical removal may be considered as a last resort.

At HealthierU, we specialize in the holistic treatment of thyroid disorders, including Hashimoto's. Under Dr. Donna Sergi’s expert guidance, we’ll determine the cause of your symptoms, then you’ll receive a custom-designed program that addresses your distinct needs with a personalized hypothyroidism lifestyle program that includes:



• Diet 
• Whole food supplementation 
• Exercise 
• 
  

Reach out today to schedule a free, complimentary consultation for hypothyroidism treatment in Brooklyn that’s designed to help you get back to your best life.