What Should You Know about Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis

Hashimoto’s disease refers to a condition where your immune system attacks your thyroid gland, which is located at the base your neck below your Adam’s apple. Your thyroid gland is part your endocrine system. It produces hormones that coordinate many features of your body.

Hashimoto’s disease is also known as chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis. This can lead to hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid gland). Hashimoto’s is the most common reason for hypothyroidism. Although it is most common in middle-aged women, it can also affect men and women of all ages and children.

To detect Hashimoto’s, doctors will test your thyroid function. Hashimoto’s disease can be treated with thyroid hormone replacement. This is usually simple and efficient.

Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis: What are the symptoms?

Hashimoto symptoms can be mild or severe at first, but they can take many years to manifest. An enlarged thyroid is the first sign of Hashimoto’s disease. This is called a Goiter. Your neck may look swollen from a goiter. Large goiters can make swallowing difficult. Hashimoto’s disease may also cause an underactive thyroid.

Weight loss
Fatigue
The face may appear pale or puffy.
Inability to heat
Constipation
Joint and muscular pain
Getting pregnant is difficult
Hair loss or thinning, fragile hair
Heavy or irregular periods
Depression
Slow heart rate

Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis does not have any specific symptoms or signs.

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is a slow-growing condition that can progress slowly over many years. People with the condition may not experience any symptoms even if they have antibodies to thyroid peroxidase (TPO). TPO is an enzyme involved in the production and maintenance of thyroid hormones. Hypothyroidism is a condition in which Hashimoto’s thyroiditis results in cell damage that causes low thyroid hormone levels.

Hypothyroid symptoms include weight gain, constipation and increased sensitivity to cold and dry skin. Sometimes, thyroid inflammation can cause the thyroid to grow (goiter), which may lead to neck discomfort and difficulty swallowing.

What treatment options are available for Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis?

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is incurable. It is impossible to predict the timeframe and extent of inflammation. Hypothyroidism is caused by inflammation in the majority of patients. But there are some methods that are being use in treatment for hashimoto’s thyroiditis.

Thyroid hormone medication is able to replace hormones that the thyroid produced before inflammation began. Two major thyroid hormones are made by healthy glands (T3 or T4). The symptoms of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis can be relieved by replacing one or both of these hormones.

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis can be treated with synthetic T4 or levothyroxine (levothyroxine). Synthroid, Levothroid, and Levoxyl are all brands for this medication. It is important to take the medication for a long time. Successful treatment will reduce symptoms and signs associated with hypothyroidism.

The thyroid will not be able maintain normal hormone levels without medication. Hypothyroidism symptoms or worsening would result. After checking the TSH levels one time a year, it may be necessary to adjust the dosage of levothyroxine. In pregnant woman, adjustment of the dose might be necessary.

Causes of Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis

Although the exact cause of Hashimoto’s disease is unknown, many factors are thought to be involved. These include:

Genes: This indicates that there is a genetic component.

Hormones. Thyroid problems can also occur in women who have had a baby within the first year. The problem is usually resolved, but 20% of these women may develop Hashimoto’s several years later.

Excessive use of iodine.Some drugs and excessive iodine may cause thyroid disease in people who are sensitive to it, according to research.

Radiation exposure.People who have been exposed to radiation such as the Chernobyl nuclear disaster and the atomic bombs dropped in Japan have reported an increase in thyroid disease cases Hodgkin’s Disease.

Is Hashimoto’s Disease fatal?

Doctors say

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis may prove fatal if left untreated.

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis patients have a good outlook. Side effects may be severe and long-term treatment replacement therapy is likely to be required. However, regular blood tests and monitoring for symptoms will ensure that side effects are minimal.

When the medication is being adjusted, thyroid hormone levels are checked approximately every 6-12 weeks. They then need to be checked every 6-12 months once they have stabilized. You should consult your doctor if you experience side effects such as those listed above.

How about Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, pregnancy, or trying to conceive.

Pregnancy is possible with Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis. Some women with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis have difficulty conceiving. A thyroid hormone replacement can be managed by an endocrinologist. This is in addition to obstetric care.

Thyroid hormone levels must be checked and optimized before conception. If necessary, adjust the medication dosage. The goal for women who are not pregnant is generally within the normal range, but higher than the average.