Hashimoto's thyroiditis is a chronic inflammation of the thyroid gland that affects women in particular. We explain how you can recognize the disease and how it should be treated.
What is Hashimoto's thyroiditis?
Thyroiditis caused by Hashimoto's is an autoimmune condition.
The thyroid gland is persistently inflamed as a result of the body's own immune system attacking it. Hashimoto's thyroiditis causes hypothyroidism symptoms because the thyroid gland can no longer create enough thyroid hormones as a result of the condition. Hormones play a role in a variety of bodily activities, including metabolism and the psyche. Certain blood levels can be used to detect the disease.
Why does my thyroid get sick?
The precise causes of autoimmune disorders are unknown. The immune system, which is designed to fight viruses and germs, instead produces antibodies and assaults the body's own tissues, such as the thyroid gland in Hashimoto's thyroiditis. As a result, the organ deteriorates and loses its ability to operate.
Experts suspect that a virus- or bacteria-related infection can trigger autoimmune disease. But the following factors could also play a role:
- Genetic predisposition
- A diet high in iodine
- Pre-existing chronic diseases such as Addison's disease and diabetes
What are the symptoms of the disease?
Hashimoto's initially progresses without pain, then hyperthyroidism may develop, which can cause the following symptoms:
- Rapid weight loss
- Palpitations
- Restlessness
- Sweating
- Trembling
- Sleep disturbances
- Digestive problems
- Muscle weakness
- Hair loss
However, hyperthyroidism is only temporary - after some time, the production of thyroid hormone is completely reduced, and then typical symptoms of hypothyroidism appear.
The following Hashimoto's symptoms exist:
- Rapid weight gain
- Fatigue
- Hair loss
- Listlessness
- Depression
- Indigestion
- Dry skin
- Chills
- Memory and concentration disorders
Treatment: What can be done against Hashimoto's thyroiditis?
If Hashimoto's is identified, the doctor will prescribe a pill version of an artificial thyroid hormone. This should be taken every morning, 30 minutes before breakfast, on an empty stomach. Typically, a modest dose is started and progressively increased. TSH levels in the thyroid should be between 0.5 and 1 mIU/ml under ideal conditions.
The addition of the hormone leads to a reduction of symptoms in many patients. The autoimmune disease itself is not curable.
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