Hashimoto's Thyroiditis

Hashimoto's thyroiditis is an autoimmune disease, a disorder in which the immune system turns against the body's own tissues. In people with Hashimoto's, the immune system attacks the thyroid.

Causes of Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis #

Genes #

People who get Hashimoto’s often have family members who have thyroid disease or other autoimmune diseases. This suggests a genetic component to the disease.

Hormones #

Hashimoto’s affects about seven times as many women as men, suggesting that sex hormones may play a role. Furthermore, some women have thyroid problems during the first year after having a baby. Although the problem usually goes away, as many as 20% of these women develop Hashimoto’s years later.

Excessive iodine #

Research suggests certain drugs and too much iodine, a trace element required by your body to make thyroid hormones, may trigger thyroid disease in susceptible people.

Radiation exposure #

Increased cases of thyroid disease have been reported in people exposed to radiation, including the atomic bombs in Japan, the Chernobyl nuclear accident, and radiation treatment for a form of blood cancer called Hodgkin’s disease.

Symptoms of Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis #

• Weight gain

• Fatigue

• Paleness or puffiness of the face

• Joint and muscle pain

• Constipation

• Inability to get warm

• Difficulty getting pregnant

• Hair loss or thinning, brittle hair

• Irregular or heavy menstrual periods

• Depression

• Slowed heart rate

Diagnosis of Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis #

Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) test #

A high TSH level most commonly means the thyroid gland is not producing enough T4 hormone. This lab is usually most consistent with a diagnosis of hypothyroidism or subclinical hypothyroidism.

Free T4 test #

A low T4 level suggests that the person has hypothyroidism.

Antithyroid antibody test #

Presence of antibodies indicates a higher risk of developing Hashimoto’s hypothyroidism.

Treatments of Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis #

• There is no cure for Hashimoto’s, but replacing hormones with medication can regulate hormone levels and restore your normal metabolism.

• The pills are available in several different strengths.

The exact dose your doctor prescribes will depend on a number of factors, including

• Age

• Weight

• Severity of hypothyroidism

• Other health problems

• Other medicines that may interact with synthetic thyroid hormones