6 Things You Need To Know About Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis

While Hashimoto’s thyroiditis has no cure, timely diagnosis and proper treatment can help you deal with it and prevent complications. Learn more in this article.

In 1912, the Japanese physician Hakaru Hashimoto discovered a new immune system disease now called Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. According to his research, this disease involves the immune system attacking the thyroid gland.

Learn more about Hashimoto’s disease, or Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, below.

1. What is Hashimoto’s thyroiditis?

When Hashimoto did his research, he discovered that the immune system sometimes attacks body tissue instead of protecting it. In the case of this disease , the body attacks the thyroid gland. Thus, the immediate result is a significant reduction in the production of hormones you need for many bodily functions.

2. The causes of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis

The causes of the disease are not fully understood, but researchers believe that certain aspects are related to the development. If you have the four risk factors below, you should see a specialist to find out if you have the disease or what your risk of getting it is.

Your genes

First of all, this disease often occurs in families with instances of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis or similar diseases. It is important to talk to your loved ones and get tests done to rule out serious problems.

Excessive iodine

In addition, Dr. Hashimoto’s studies showed that excessive iodine in the body can trigger this disease. Although you should always avoid consuming too much iodine, pay special attention to your consumption if you have a family history of this disease.

Unexplained hormonal changes

Because Hashimoto’s disease affects the thyroid gland, your hormone levels may change. In general, most women with the disease are diagnosed between one and five years after giving birth, although it can also occur before pregnancy.

Exposure to radiation

This disease is one of the most common effects of radiation exposure. Various studies done after the explosions in Hiroshima, Nagasaki and Chernobyl demonstrate this. Patients who have received radiation for leukemia and other types of cancer may also develop the disease.

Symptoms of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis

The symptoms occur slowly, making it difficult to notice.

Changes you should watch out for include:

Extreme fatigue or daily, constant exhaustion.
Sensitivity to cold.
Chronic, sudden constipation.
Swollen face.
Constant snoring.
Pale, dry skin.
Stiff hip and shoulder muscles.
Weak lower extremities.
Weight gain due to fluid retention.
Stiff hand, foot and knee joints.
Constant depression.
Excessive menstrual bleeding.

4. To detect Hashimoto’s thyroiditis

Hashimoto’s disease can be diagnosed with the following tests:

T3 test: A test that shows problems with the pituitary gland and the triiodothyronine hormone.
TSH test (Thyroid stimulating hormone): TSH is a hormone that stimulates the thyroid gland to produce and release other hormones in your blood. This test will check if your levels are correct.

Free T4 test: The balance of this hormone is very important. It is common for it to be elevated due to medications such as contraceptives, while barbiturates reduce it. Outside of these factors, it should be at the right level.

5. What does this disease do?

Naturally, the problems that Hashimoto’s thyroiditis causes lie in the fact that it is an autoimmune disease. As we have mentioned, it is a condition in which the body turns to its own tissues and organs.

Overall, this means that the affected tissues are beginning to lose their ability to perform the jobs they are supposed to do.

Over time, other autoimmune diseases can develop as a result:

Type 1 diabetes
Lupus erythematosus
Ovarian problems
Heart problems
Arthritis
Myxedema
Struma
Addison’s disease

5. Prevention of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis

Unfortunately, there is really no way to prevent Hashimoto’s disease. What you can do, however, is keep the risk factors in mind and look for symptoms. If you have a family history or if your doctor indicates that you have a risk factor, you should have tests done every year to make sure everything is fine. Overall, if you want to prevent or reduce the risk, a healthy lifestyle that includes having the right diet and getting exercise and rest can be a great help.

However, it is important to remember that the disease has symptoms that are quite obvious to specialists, so it is quite easy to notice in time. The test is very accurate and early diagnosis can help you manage the disease well and avoid complications.