Living with Autoimmune polyendocrinopathy type 3
An autoimmune condition with thyroid disease plus at least one other autoimmune disease, without adrenal gland involvement.
Understanding Autoimmune polyendocrinopathy type 3
It is defined by autoimmune thyroid disease plus another autoimmune disease, such as type 1 diabetes, pernicious anemia, vitiligo, alopecia, myasthenia gravis, or Sjogren's syndrome. In APS3, the adrenal glands (Addison disease) are not involved. It can begin at any time in life.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:
- Autoimmune thyroid disease (Graves or Hashimoto)
- Type 1 diabetes
- Celiac disease
- Atrophic gastritis (stomach lining damage)
- Macrocytic anemia
- Other autoimmune conditions
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Specialists who may be involved include genetic specialists and hormone specialists.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
- 4Connect with expert centers
Autoimmune Association and Global Autoimmune Institute may keep lists of experts for this condition.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- Genetic specialists (geneticists); Hormone specialists (endocrinologists)
- Expert care
- Expert lists: Autoimmune Association, Global Autoimmune Institute
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with Autoimmune Association and other patient organizations
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
GARD says changes in genes (also called variants) cause this condition. The immune system attacks healthy cells by mistake.
Also known as: aps type 3; aps3; autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome type 3; autoimmune polyglandular syndrome type 3
Patient organizations
- Autoimmune AssociationAutoimmune polyendocrinopathy type 3 · United States
- Global Autoimmune InstituteAutoimmune polyendocrinopathy type 3 · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Autoimmune polyendocrinopathy type 3.
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