Hashimoto's Thyroiditis

What is Hashimoto's thyroiditis?

Thyroiditis is when your thyroid gland becomes irritated. Hashimoto's thyroiditis is the most common type of this wellness trouble. Information technology is an autoimmune illness. Information technology occurs when your body makes antibodies that assail the cells in your thyroid. The thyroid then can't make enough of the thyroid hormone. Many people with this trouble have an underactive thyroid gland. That's also known as hypothyroidism. They accept to take medicine to proceed their thyroid hormone levels normal.

What is the cause of Hashimoto's thyroiditis?

Hashimoto's thyroiditis is an autoimmune disorder. Normally, your autoimmune system protects your body by attacking leaner and viruses. But with this disease, your allowed arrangement attacks your thyroid gland by mistake. Your thyroid and so can't make plenty thyroid hormone, then your body can't piece of work every bit well.

Who is at risk for Hashimoto's thyroiditis?

Things that may make it more probable to y'all for to get Hashimoto'southward thyroiditis are:

  • Existence a woman.Women are about 7 times more likely to have the affliction. Hashimoto's thyroiditis sometimes begins during pregnancy.
  • Center age.Most cases happen betwixt twoscore to 60 years of historic period. Merely information technology has been seen in younger people.
  • Heredity.The disease tends to run in families. Only no gene has been found that carries it.
  • Autoimmune diseases.These health problems raise a person'southward run a risk. Some examples are rheumatoid arthritis and blazon ane diabetes. Having this blazon of thyroiditis puts y'all at higher run a risk for other autoimmune illnesses.

What are the symptoms of Hashimoto's thyroiditis?

Each person'due south symptoms may vary. Symptoms may include:

Goiter

This is an enlargement of your thyroid gland. It causes a bulge on your neck. It is not cancer. Just it can cause problems like pain or problem with swallowing, breathing, or speaking.

Underactive thyroid

When your thyroid doesn't make enough thyroid hormone, it can crusade these symptoms:

  • Tiredness
  • Muscle weakness
  • Weight proceeds
  • Beingness cold bothers you
  • Depression
  • Hair and skin changes

Overactive thyroid

When the thyroid is attacked by antibodies, it may at get-go make more thyroid hormone. This is called Hashitoxicosis. Information technology does not happen to everyone. Merely it tin can cause these symptoms:

  • Being hot bothers you
  • Rapid heart rate
  • Sweating
  • Weight loss
  • Tremors
  • Anxiety

These symptoms may expect like other health problems. Always see your healthcare provider for a diagnosis.

How is Hashimoto thyroiditis diagnosed?

Your healthcare provider will ask about your medical history and requite you a physical examination. You will also have claret tests. These can measure your thyroid hormone levels and check for some antibodies to proteins in the thyroid.

How is Hashimoto's thyroiditis treated?

Your healthcare provider will figure out the best handling for you based on:

  • Your age, overall health, and medical history
  • How ill you are
  • How well you handle sure medicines, treatments, or therapies
  • If your condition is expected to go worse
  • Your opinion or preference

Yous will not need handling if your thyroid hormone levels are normal. But Hashimoto's thyroiditis often looks like an underactive thyroid gland. If and then, it can be treated with medicine. The medicine replaces lost thyroid hormone. That should stop your symptoms. It can also ease a goiter if yous take one. A goiter tin can crusade problems like pain or trouble swallowing, animate, or speaking. If these symptoms don't go better, you may demand surgery to remove the goiter.

When should I call my healthcare provider?

Tell your healthcare provider if your symptoms get worse or y'all have new symptoms.

Fundamental points near Hashimoto'due south thyroiditis

  • Hashimoto's thyroiditis can cause your thyroid to non brand enough thyroid hormone.
  • It is an autoimmune disease. It occurs when your trunk makes antibodies that assail the cells in your thyroid.
  • Symptoms may include an enlarged thyroid gland (goiter), tiredness, weight gain, and muscle weakness.
  • Y'all don't need treatment if your thyroid hormone levels are normal. If y'all have an underactive thyroid, medicine can help.

Next steps

Tips to help you get the most from a visit to your healthcare provider:

  • Know the reason for your visit and what you desire to happen.
  • Earlier your visit, write down questions y'all want answered.
  • Bring someone with yous to help yous enquire questions and remember what your provider tells you.
  • At the visit, write downward the proper noun of a new diagnosis, and any new medicines, treatments, or tests. Also write downwardly any new instructions your provider gives yous.
  • Know why a new medicine or treatment is prescribed, and how it will help you. Likewise know what the side effects are.
  • Ask if your condition can exist treated in other ways.
  • Know why a test or procedure is recommended and what the results could mean.
  • Know what to await if you do not take the medicine or accept the examination or procedure.
  • If yous have a follow-up date, write down the engagement, time, and purpose for that visit.
  • Know how you can contact your provider if you have questions.

Seminar

doctor examining patient's neck

Webinar: Thyroid Disease, an Ofttimes Surprising Diagnosis

Join endocrinologist Paul Ladenson, G.D., every bit he outlines the signs and symptoms of the various thyroid disorders and discusses the interplay amidst other diseases and the thyroid. The webinar recording is presented every bit part of A Woman's Journeying Conversations That Affair webinar series.