Hypothyroidism, alopecia:will our children inherit these diseases?

Dear Ask The Doctor: Hello Dr, I have recently been diagnosed with Hypothyroidism (which wasn't a huge surprise as I've had a small goitre ever since I can remember). I'm now on 50mcg of Thyroxine and my TSH level was 2.8 down from 27 when I had my last blood test. We don't know of anyone else in my family who has ever been diagnosed with a thyroid disease. My question is really something I have been wondering about with regards to the future and the health of any children I may have; my boyfriend has alopecia areata (he lost his hair in large patches when he was 12 and it has never grown back)and his mother and grandmother both have hypothyoidism. I know there are links between thyroid disorders and hair loss and so I was wondering if the chances of our chidren having hypothyroidism or alopecia(or both)are higher due to our medical backgrounds? I don't really know much about the genetics of these diseases, I'm assuming that if both my boyfriend's mother and grandmother have a thyroid disorder there must be some heriditary link. If I'm honest I'm most concerned re. the alopecia because I know my boyfriend found it really difficult when he was younger and he lost his hair and at least the thyroid disorders seem to be more controllable. I understand that there's never any guarantee that your children will be healthy but I think I'd like to know more about this just so we felt well-informed and better-prepared for the possibility that a child of ours may have one of these diseases if this is a significant possibility. I'd really appreciate and advice you could give me on this. Thanks a lot, Helen.

Dear Helen: I understand your concern. Alopecia areata has be proven to have a genetic link along with an autoimmune etiology ie the body attacking itself. Thyrpid disorders again have been proven to have some genetic and family influences. Moreover in hypothyroidism hair loss is also one of the symptoms. Thus since your husband does have a positive and strong family history for both there are higher chances of your furture children carrying the gene for the same if not actually developing the condition. If there are more concerns i would highly recommend meeting a genetic counsellor for a more indepth analysis of the family history. All the best.