Hashimoto's Thyroiditis / Hypothyroidism
Other names: Chronic Thyroiditis, Chronic Lymphocytic
Thyroiditis, Autoimmune Thyroiditis
Hashimoto's is an autoimmune of
the thyroid gland that causes chronic inflammation
and reduces the amount of thyroid hormone that the
glands can produce, which classifies this autoimmune
as an Endocrine Autoimmune. The thyroid glands are
small glands at the base of the neck that regulate
and coordinate many of the body's functions. When
the thyroid is unable to produce enough hormone to
do it's job, it causes a variety of symptoms from
fatigue, increases sensitivity to cold, constipation
unexplained weight gain (mostly fluid) and muscle
aches.
The disease is a slowly progressing disease that
can take months to years before fully effecting the
production of hormones. Hashimoto's can also be associated
with other endocrine disorders and autoimmune conditions
such as Vitiligo, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Addison's
Disease, Diabetes and Pernicious Anemia. It strikes
most commonly in women and doesn't have a unique set
of signs and symptoms making diagnosis a slow and
sometimes difficult diagnosis. Once diagnosed, treatment
is usually easy and effective.
Symptoms:
Allergies that have worsened or are new
Brittle nails
Chronic sinus infections
Chronic yeast infections
Constipation
Delayed growth in infants and children
Depression
Difficulty losing weight even with diet
Dry, course hair
Fatigue
Feeling cold
Feeling puffy or overall feeling of tissue swelling
Hair loss
Heavy, long periods
High cholesterol even with diet and medication
Hives
Hoarse voice
Infertility
Late start of menstruation in adolescents
Loss of outer eyebrow hair
Low basal body temperature
Low blood pressure
Low sex drive
Mania
Migraines
Muscle weakness
Oral fungus or thrush
Pain in the sole of foot
Panic attacks
Sensitivity to cold
Swelling and sensitivity in the neck
Swelling in ankles
Swelling in legs
Swollen arms
Swollen eyes
Swollen face
Tendinitis in arms
Unusual weight gain
Weak or absent reflexes
Diagnosis:
If Hashimoto's is suspected after a physical examination
and history of symptoms and medical review, physicians
will usually run blood tests to confirm the diagnosis.
In many cases, by the time symptoms begin to appear,
the thyroid may already be enlarged enough for the
physician to actually feel the enlargement (called
a goiter). Blood tests may show:
Low Free Triiodothyronine (FT3)
Elevated Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
Low Total Thyroxine (T4)
Low Total Triiodothyronine (T3)
Low Free Thyroxine (FT4)
Treatment:
If the effects of the inflammation cause the thyroid
to be under active (meaning not producing enough hormone),
then hormone-replacement therapy such as Levothyroxine
may be used. In some cases, monitoring of the thyroid
glands may be the only requirement. It is very important
that patients maintain their health and keep scheduled
checkups with their endocrinologist in order to start
replacement therapy if and when needed.
Prognosis:
With treatment and monitoring of the thyroid, prognosis
for patients is good and they can expect to lead normal,
healthy lives with minor lifestyle adjustments. In
rare cases, complications such as thyroid cancer may
occur, but again – that is a very rare complication
of Hashimoto's.
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