Our objectives were to investigate thyroid abnormalities and autoimmunity in 120 patients affected by fibromyalgia (FM) and
to study their relationships with clinical data and symptoms. Thyroid assessment by means of antithyroglobulin antibodies,
antithyroid peroxidase antibodies, free triiodo–thyronine, free thyroxine, and thyroid stimulating hormone analyses was carried
out. The clinical parameters “Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire”, pain, tender points, fatigue, and other symptoms, and the
presence of depression or anxiety disorders were evaluated. The basal thyroid hormone levels of FM patients were in the normal
range, while 41% of the patients had at least one thyroid antibody. Patients with thyroid autoimmunity showed a higher percentage
of dry eyes, burning, or pain with urination, allodynia, blurred vision, and sore throat. Correlations found between thyroid
autoimmunity and age or with the presence of depression or anxiety disorders were not significant. However, in the cohort
of post-menopausal patients, the frequency of thyroid autoimmunity was higher with respect to pre-menopausal patients. In
conclusion, autoimmune thyroiditis is present in an elevated percentage of FM patients, and it has been associated with the
presence of typical symptoms of the disease.
Keywords Antithyroglobulin antibodies - Antithyroid peroxidase antibodies - Fibromyalgia - Pain with urination - Sore throat