Hashimoto's Disease

Hashimoto’s Disease

By

Hashimoto’s disease, also known as chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis, is an autoimmune disorder that affects the thyroid gland. It is the most common cause of hypothyroidism in the United States. In Hashimoto’s disease, the immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid, causing inflammation and interfering with the gland’s ability to produce thyroid hormones. This results in a gradual decline in thyroid function.

Symptoms of Hashimoto’s Disease

The most common symptoms of Hashimoto’s disease include:

  • Fatigue and sluggishness
  • Weight gain or difficulty losing weight
  • Dry, coarse skin
  • Hair loss
  • Sensitivity to cold temperatures
  • Muscle aches and stiffness
  • Joint pain
  • Depression
  • Forgetfulness and impaired memory
  • Constipation
  • Heavy or irregular menstrual cycles

The symptoms tend to develop slowly over time as the thyroid function declines. They can vary from person to person and may come and go. Many people attribute the symptoms to other causes and do not realize they have a thyroid problem until the disease progresses.

Causes and Risk Factors of Hashimoto’s Disease

The exact cause of Hashimoto’s disease is not fully understood, but it involves a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Risk factors include:

  • Family history: Having a family member with Hashimoto’s increases your risk.
  • Age: It most commonly affects middle-aged women but can develop at any age.
  • Gender: Women are much more likely to develop Hashimoto’s than men.
  • Pregnancy: The disease often presents for the first-time during pregnancy or shortly after giving birth.
  • Radiation exposure: Received radiation treatment to the head, neck or chest can increase risk. 
  • Viral infections: Exposure to certain viruses is thought to trigger the disease in some cases.
  • Other autoimmune disorders: People with other autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis are more likely to get Hashimoto’s.

There also appears to be a genetic predisposition in Hashimoto’s disease. Variations in certain genes seem to make people more prone to developing thyroid autoimmunity.

Complications of Hashimoto’s Disease

Left untreated, Hashimoto’s disease can cause various complications:

  • Goiter: The inflamed thyroid gland can become enlarged, forming a noticeable goiter in the neck.
  • Myxedema: Rare, life-threatening form of advanced hypothyroidism. Can lead to heart failure, hypothermia and coma if not treated. 
  • Mental health problems: Depression, anxiety, moodiness are common. Can also worsen existing mental health disorders.
  • Birth defects: Untreated hypothyroidism during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of birth defects and miscarriage.
  • Heart problems: Increased risk of heart failure, atherosclerosis and heart attacks from high cholesterol and inflammation.
  • Peripheral neuropathy: Numbness and tingling in the extremities.
  • Hearing loss: May be irreversible if hypothyroidism is poorly controlled.

Fortunately, most complications can be prevented with early treatment and maintaining normal thyroid hormone levels.

Diagnosis of Hashimoto’s Disease

Hashimoto’s is often suspected based on symptoms, personal and family history, and physical examination. Common diagnostic tests include:

  • Blood tests: Measuring TSH and thyroid hormone levels. Elevated TSH with low FT4 and FT3 indicates Hashimoto’s.
  • Thyroid antibodies test: Presence of thyroid peroxidase (TPOAb) and thyroglobulin antibodies confirms autoimmune thyroiditis.
  • Ultrasound: Can detect thyroid enlargement and inflammation characteristic of Hashimoto’s. 
  • Radioactive iodine uptake test: Looks at ability of thyroid to take up iodine. Low uptake indicates Hashimoto’s hypothyroidism.

If results indicate Hashimoto’s, regular monitoring of thyroid levels is necessary to determine the need for treatment.

Hashimoto’s Disease Treatment

There is no cure for Hashimoto’s disease. However, symptoms can be managed with medications and lifestyle changes:

  • Levothyroxine: Synthetic thyroid hormone used to replace the body’s low levels and regulate TSH. Most patients require lifelong treatment.
  • Beta blockers: May be used to ease symptoms like rapid heart rate, tremor, and anxiety until thyroid levels stabilize.
  • Vitamin D supplements: Many patients are deficient and supplements can help relieve fatigue and pain.
  • Selenium supplements: May help lower thyroid antibodies in some cases.
  • Anti-inflammatory diet: Can help minimize inflammation and symptoms. Emphasizes fruits, vegetables, omega-3s and avoiding gluten, soy and refined foods. 
  • Moderate activity: Light exercise can improve stamina and muscle strength when hypothyroidism is well controlled.
  • Stress management: Techniques like meditation, yoga, massage help manage disease-related stress and anxiety.
  • Adequate sleep: Important for managing fatigue and promoting healing.

With appropriate treatment tailored to the individual, most people with Hashimoto’s disease can live normal, active lives.

Prevention

There are no proven ways to prevent Hashimoto’s disease. However, the following practices may be beneficial:

  • Eat a nutritious, anti-inflammatory diet high in fruits, vegetables and lean proteins.
  • Achieve or maintain a healthy body weight. Obesity appears to promote thyroid autoimmunity. 
  • Supplement with selenium and vitamin D. They play a role in thyroid function.
  • Treat intestinal infections, yeast overgrowth and food sensitivities that can trigger inflammation.
  • Avoid unnecessary x-rays or scans of the head, neck or chest region. Radiation exposure increases future risk. 
  • Manage stress levels through relaxation techniques, sufficient sleep and saying no to overwhelm. Chronic stress takes a toll on immunity.
  • Have thyroid hormones monitored regularly, especially during pregnancy, so problems can be caught early.
  • Take prescribed medications consistently and talk to your doctor about any unusual symptoms right away. 

In summary, Hashimoto’s disease is the leading cause of underactive thyroid. With an early diagnosis and proper treatment, it is possible to manage symptoms successfully. Patients must monitor thyroid levels closely, adhere to medications, eat a balanced diet and reduce inflammation to optimize health outcomes.

Similar Posts

  • Goiter

    By

    A goiter is an abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is located at the base of the neck, just below the Adam’s apple. It is a butterfly-shaped gland that produces thyroid hormones which help regulate growth, metabolism, and other important body functions. When the thyroid becomes enlarged, it can cause a swelling or lump in the neck that is called a goiter

  • Paracetamol Poisoning

    By

    Paracetamol (also known as acetaminophen) is one of the most commonly used medications around the world for treating pain and fever. However, an overdose of paracetamol can lead to severe liver damage and even death. Paracetamol is a readily available over-the-counter medication, which means it is easy for patients to obtain and take an overdose, whether intentionally or unintentionally. Paracetamol poisoning is one of the most common causes of acute liver failure in many Western countries. While therapeutic doses of paracetamol are safe for the liver, overdoses can lead to centrilobular hepatic necrosis. The liver damage occurs due to a toxic metabolite called N-acetyl-p-benzoquinone imine (NAPQI), which causes oxidative stress and glutathione depletion.

  • Gout

    By

    Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis that occurs when uric acid crystals build up in the joints and soft tissues. This causes sudden and severe pain, swelling, redness and tenderness in the affected joints, often the big toe. Gout flare-ups can come on quickly and without warning.

  • Leptospirosis

    By

    Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection caused by spiral-shaped bacteria called Leptospira. It is contracted when the bacteria enter the body through mucous membranes, abrasions in the skin, or when contaminated food or water comes into contact with eyes, nose or mouth. Leptospirosis spreads through the contact with urine from infected animals – most commonly rats, mice, cows, pigs, horses and dogs. The disease occurs worldwide but is most common in tropical and sub-tropical areas with high rainfall.

  • |

    Ulcerative Colitis

    By

    Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an inflammatory bowel disease that causes long-lasting inflammation and ulcers in the digestive tract. Specifically, UC affects the large intestine (colon) and the rectum. The symptoms typically come and go, with periods where the disease flares up and active symptoms alternate with periods of remission where the person feels better. Getting an accurate diagnosis and following an effective treatment plan to manage flares is key for those living with ulcerative colitis.

  • Malaria

    By

    Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by plasmodium parasites that are transmitted to people through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. According to the World Health Organization, there were an estimated 241 million cases of malaria worldwide in 2020, and about 627,000 deaths. Around 90% of all malaria cases and deaths occur in Africa south of the Sahara desert. Malaria is preventable and curable if promptly diagnosed and adequately treated.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *