J Clin Endocrinol Metab

Does SARS‑CoV‑2 increase the risk of developing new thyroid disease?

January 30, 2026

A 4.5‑year observational study of more than 570,000 patients in the Montefiore Health System found that SARS-CoV‑2 infection was associated with elevated risk of new-onset thyroid disease in adults without prior thyroid disorders. Compared with contemporary COVID‑negative controls, hospitalized patients showed more than double the risk of hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and other thyroid conditions (hazard ratios [HRs], ~2.0–2.3). Non-hospitalized patients also demonstrated increased risk, though to a lesser degree (HRs, ~1.3–1.6). Sensitivity analyses and comparisons with historical controls supported the associations.

Clinical takeaway: Consider monitoring thyroid function during post‑COVID follow-up, particularly in patients recovering from severe infection.

Source:

Mehrotra-Varma S, et al. (2025, December 23). J Clin Endocrinol Metab. Elevated risk of new-onset thyroid disease associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection: a 4.5-year observational study. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41433356/