What is Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis Hypothyroidism?

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis also called Hashimoto’s disease or chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis is a condition in which the body’s immune system attacks the thyroid gland. It may lead to hypothyroidism. In this case, the thyroid gland, located in the front of the throat below Adam’s apple, does not produce enough hormones for the body anymore.

The thyroid hormones are important for metabolism. This condition can affect anyone, but is more common in women than men, and is most commonly diagnosed between the ages of 30 and 50. Hypothyroidism caused by Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is treated by administering a replacement thyroid hormone.

Risks

The thyroid gland sits at the front of the throat and produces a hormone (thyroid hormone) that controls metabolism (cell activity). In Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, the immune system begins to mistakenly attack the thyroid gland. This causes damage to the thyroid, and less thyroid hormone is produced. This is called hypothyroidism. The exact cause for Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is not known, though it is probable that several interacting events occur to cause this condition. Some factors which seem to increase the chance of developing this condition include having a family member with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, cigarette smoking, some viral infections, exposure to radiation, and stress. This condition is more common in women than men and is most commonly diagnosed between the ages of 30 and 50.

Symptoms

In the early stages, there may be no symptoms, or just a slowly enlarging thyroid lump (goiter). The front of the throat may be sore or tender. Other symptoms include tiredness, weight gain, pale and dry skin, constipation, sensitivity to cold weather, joint and muscle pain, and difficulty concentrating. Women may experience difficulty falling pregnant and irregular menstrual periods.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis is made based on the symptoms and appearance of the affected person, and a blood test that measures levels of thyroid hormones. A blood test is also done which checks for antibodies (proteins that fight infection) that are active against the thyroid gland and thyroid hormone. If a goiter (thyroid lump) is present, this might be scanned by ultrasound, and a sample (biopsy) may be taken to exclude other causes for the lump.

Treatment

Treatment involves the replacement of the thyroid hormone with medication. This is a life-long treatment, as the thyroid gland does not recover. This treatment reverses the symptoms of reduced thyroid function.

Other names for hashimotos thyroiditis hypothyroidism

• Chronic autoimmune thyroiditis
• Chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis
• Hashimoto thyroiditis

**What is Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis Hypothyroidism?**



**Q1:⁤ What is Hashimoto’s ⁢thyroiditis?**

**A:** Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is an autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system⁢ attacks the thyroid gland, causing chronic inflammation ‍and subsequent hypothyroidism.



**Q2: What is​ hypothyroidism?**

**A:** Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland does not ⁢produce enough thyroid hormones, regulating metabolism, growth, and development.



**Q3: What ⁢causes ‍Hashimoto’s thyroiditis?**

**A:** The exact cause remains unknown, but factors such as genetics, environmental triggers, and immune system dysfunction contribute to⁤ its development.



**Q4: What are the symptoms of‍ Hashimoto’s thyroiditis hypothyroidism?**

**A:** Symptoms may vary but commonly include:

– Fatigue

– Weight gain

– Cold intolerance

– Hair loss

– Irregular menstrual cycles

– Muscle weakness



**Q5: How is Hashimoto’s thyroiditis‍ diagnosed?**

**A:** Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination, medical history, and blood ⁢tests to measure thyroid hormone levels (TSH) ​and thyroid antibodies (anti-TPO and ⁣anti-TG).



**Q6: What are the treatment options for Hashimoto’s thyroiditis hypothyroidism?**

**A:** Treatment⁤ primarily focuses on replacing the⁤ missing thyroid ⁢hormones using synthetic thyroid ‌hormone medication (levothyroxine or liothyronine).



**Q7: Can Hashimoto’s thyroiditis​ be prevented?**

**A:** Currently, there is no known way to prevent Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. However, regular thyroid screenings‌ are recommended for individuals with‌ a family history of thyroid disease.



**Q8: What‌ are the complications of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis hypothyroidism?**

**A:** Untreated hypothyroidism ‌can lead to several health issues, including cardiovascular problems, infertility, neurocognitive impairments, and increased risk of depression.



**Keywords:**

– Hashimoto’s thyroiditis

– ⁣Hypothyroidism

– Thyroid gland

– Autoimmune disease

– Thyroid hormones

– TSH

– Anti-TPO

-​ Anti-TG

– Levothyroxine

– Liothyronine

– Thyroid screenings