Swollen Glands

The thyroid is the gland in the neck that is most associated with metabolism as it produces the hormones that regulates the body’s metabolic rate and other body functions, including the heart and digestive function, muscle control, brain development, and bone maintenance. With lupus, an autoimmune thyroid disease is common, whether it’s hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) or hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid). Hypothyroidism can cause weight gain, fatigue, depression, and dry hair and skin, among others, while hyperthyroidism can cause weight loss, heart palpitations, tremors, heat intolerance, and can eventually lead to osteoporosis.