In short, your autoimmune thyroid condition could influence your risk for yeast infections. But the connection is not all that clear or simple.

What Is Candida?

Candida (yeast) is a part of your normal flora that resides harmoniously with other organisms in your gut, reproductive tract, mouth, and skin. In people with healthy immune systems, the presence of Candida is harmless.

However, when a change in the balance of your flora occurs (for example, from taking an antibiotic) or your immune system becomes weakened (for example, from experiencing chronic stress), Candida may overgrow and cause an infection called Candidiasis.

The scientific data supporting a link between Candida and autoimmune thyroid disease is overall scant. That said, if a link does exist, here are some potential theories:

Molecular Mimicry

Molecular mimicry implies there is a structural similarity between a foreign antigen (a substance that activates your immune system) and a host’s self-antigen.

If molecular mimicry exists between Candida and the thyroid gland, a person’s immune system may misguidedly launch an attack against their own thyroid—meaning the immune system mistakes the thyroid gland for a large yeast infection.

Superantigens

Another theory that has been used to explain some infectious/autoimmune disease connections involves the concept of “superantigens.”

A superantigen is a protein that triggers the mass activation of immune system cells. If overgrown Candida releases superantigens, the immune system may begin attacking the thyroid gland or other tissues within the body.

Of course, some experts believe that there is likely no link between Candida overgrowth and autoimmune thyroid disease.

Both Candida infections and autoimmune thyroid disease are fairly common diagnoses—so, it could just be coincidental that a person suffers from both.

Moreover, there are so many factors that contribute to Candida overgrowth besides an immune system problem—uncontrolled diabetes, obesity, poor hygiene, etc. Figuring out which factor is the main culprit behind a yeast infection can be tricky. In addition, there may be more than one factor involved.

What This Means for You

If you do suffer from frequent Candida infections, there are no guidelines suggesting you undergo a thyroid evaluation.

That said, it could be that possible symptoms you are attributing to a Candida infection may actually be thyroid-related. This is why a visit to your healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis is essential.

Treating Candida Infections

There is no evidence suggesting treating Candida overgrowth will ease your thyroid symptoms. Regardless, be sure to see your healthcare provider if you have a yeast infection.

Preventing Candida Infections

Whether or not there is a link between your yeast infections and your thyroid, it’s a good idea to try and prevent yeast infections from occurring in the first place.

Some basic strategies you can adopt include:

Wearing loose-fitting, cotton clothes, especially underwearAvoiding certain medications like antibiotics or corticosteroids (if possible and with your healthcare provider’s OK)Practicing good hygiene

In addition, some experts recommend the “Candida diet " based on the premise that sugar may promote the growth of yeast. With this diet, individuals eliminate sugar, white flour, alcohol, and some dairy products.

While there is no robust scientific data to support this diet yet, it may be worth a try under the guidance of your healthcare provider.

A Word From Verywell

Even though scientists have not yet found a concrete link between Candida and autoimmune thyroid disease, try to remain focused on caring for yourself. This means taking your thyroid and/or antifungal medication as directed, seeing your healthcare provider for regular check-ups, and managing your stress in a healthy way.