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An autoimmune condition that affects the thyroid gland is called Hashimoto’s disease. The thyroid gland is at the base of the neck, right below the Adam’s apple. The gland creates hormones that assist in controlling a variety of bodily processes.
An autoimmune disorder is a condition where healthy tissues are attacked by the immune system. Immune system cells in Hashimoto’s disease cause the thyroid’s hormone-producing cells to die. In most cases, the condition causes a reduction in hormone production (hypothyroidism).
Thyroid hormones regulate metabolism, the process by which your body converts food into energy. When your body lacks energy, its functions become impaired and slow down.
While Hashimoto’s disease can affect anyone, it is more commonly observed in middle-aged women. The primary treatment for this condition is thyroid hormone replacement therapy.
Other names for Hashimoto’s illness include chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis, chronic autoimmune thyroiditis, and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.
Symptoms
Hashimoto’s disease progresses slowly over time, and in some cases, there may be no noticeable symptoms or signs of illness. However, as thyroid hormone production decreases, the following outcomes may occur:
- Fatigued and inactive
- Feeling cold easily
- Skin dryness
- Constipation
- Depression
- Oversleeping
- Memory or concentration issues
- Weak muscles
- Pain, soreness, and stiffness in the muscles
- Stiff and painful joint
- Easily broken nails
- Hair loss
- Swollen thyroid (goiter)
- Swollen face
- Tongue enlargement
- Gaining weight
- Slow pulse rate
- Unusually heavy or irregular menstrual bleeding
The symptoms of Hashimoto’s disease are not specific to this condition and can vary greatly. As there are multiple other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, it is crucial to consult a doctor promptly to receive an accurate and timely diagnosis.
Causes
Hashimoto’s disease is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system produces antibodies that attack the thyroid cells, mistaking them for germs, viruses, or other foreign substances. This immune response involves the use of destructive disease-fighting substances that damage and destroy the cells.
The exact cause of the immune system targeting thyroid cells in Hashimoto’s disease is not fully understood. However, potential factors that may trigger the onset of this disease include:
- Hereditary factors
- Environmental factors, such as stress, radiation exposure, or infection
- Genetic and environmental influences interacting
Risk factors
A higher risk of developing Hashimoto’s disease is linked to the following factors:
- Age. Though it can strike at any age, Hashimoto’s disease most frequently strikes in the middle age.
- Gender. Hashimoto’s illness is significantly more common in women.
- Genetics and family history. If there are thyroid conditions or other autoimmune diseases in your family, you are more likely to develop Hashimoto’s disease.
- Other autoimmune disease. Your risk of acquiring Hashimoto’s disease increases if you already have an autoimmune condition such lupus, type 1 diabetes, or rheumatoid arthritis.
- Pregnancy. The Hashimoto’s disease that develops after pregnancy may be influenced by typical changes in immunological function during pregnancy.
- Radiation exposure. Hashimoto’s illness is more common in people who are exposed to high doses of environmental radiation.
- Too much intake of iodine. People who are already at risk for Hashimoto’s disease may be triggered by eating too much iodine.
Diagnosis
The symptoms and signs associated with Hashimoto’s disease can be caused by various other illnesses. Therefore, to make an accurate diagnosis, your doctor will conduct a thorough physical examination, review your medical history, and ask questions about your symptoms if you are experiencing any.
Testing thyroid function
Your doctor will request blood tests that might include the following to evaluate whether hypothyroidism is the root of your symptoms:
- TSH test. The pituitary gland creates TSH, or thyroid stimulating hormone. TSH is sent to the thyroid to cause an increase in thyroid hormone production when the pituitary detects low levels of thyroid hormones in the blood. A high blood TSH level is a sign of hypothyroidism.
- T-4 tests. Thyroxine (T-4) is the primary thyroid hormone. A low blood level of T-4 supports the results of a TSH test and suggests that the thyroid itself is the source of the issue.
Antibody tests
Hypothyroidism can be caused by a variety of medical conditions. Your doctor will ask for an antibody test to see if Hashimoto’s disease is the root of your hypothyroidism.
An antibody’s primary function is to alert other immune system players to invading pathogens that must be eliminated. When a person has an autoimmune condition, their immune system makes errant antibodies that attack the body’s proteins or healthy cells.
Thyroid peroxidase (TPO), a protein that is crucial for the production of thyroid hormone, is typically the target of an immune system antibody in Hashimoto’s disease. TPO antibodies are typically present in the blood of Hashimoto’s disease patients. It may be necessary to perform laboratory tests for other antibodies linked to Hashimoto’s illness.
Treatment
The primary treatment for hypothyroidism in patients with Hashimoto’s disease is medication. However, if you have mild hypothyroidism, you may not require therapy, although it is still recommended to undergo frequent TSH testing to monitor your thyroid hormone levels.
T-4 hormone replacement therapy
Levothyroxine (Levoxyl, Synthroid, etc.) is a synthetic hormone used to treat hypothyroidism brought on by Hashimoto’s disease. The synthetic hormone functions similarly to the thyroid’s own naturally occurring T-4 hormone.
The purpose of treatment is to improve hypothyroidism symptoms and restore and maintain appropriate T-4 hormone levels. For the rest of your life, you will require this treatment.
Monitoring the dosage
Levothyroxine dosage will be determined by your healthcare professional based on your age, weight, level of thyroid production, other medical conditions, and other considerations. About 6 to 10 weeks later, your doctor will recheck your TSH levels and, if required, change the dosage.
Once the appropriate dosage has been established, you will continue taking the medication once a day. It is recommended to undergo follow-up TSH testing annually or whenever your doctor adjusts your dosage. The optimal time to take levothyroxine is in the morning, just before breakfast. If you have any concerns about the administration or timing of your medication, consult your doctor. Inquire with your doctor about what to do if you miss a dosage. If your health insurance mandates a switch to a generic or different brand of medication, discuss this with your doctor.
