Thyroiditis is a condition wherein the thyroid gland is irritated, and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is one such disease. It is an autoimmune condition where the body produces antibodies that attack the thyroid cells. Consequently, the thyroid fails to produce adequate thyroid hormone. An underactive thyroid is one of the main reasons for this problem. It is called hypothyroidism, and the person must treat it to regulate their thyroid hormones. There’s more to know about this condition.
Symptoms
Often people with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis go on for years sans any symptoms. But if you experience any signs, they will be associated with either one or both of the two significant complications of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis – hypothyroidism and goiter. In the latter, the symptoms involve swelling in the thyroid gland that causes a feeling of fullness in the throat. In addition, the front of the neck seems enlarged. Over time, as goiter advances, it amplifies the pressure on the lower neck posing difficulties in breathing and swallowing. Hypothyroidism also has several symptoms, such as joint stiffness, depression, feeling cold, weight gain, hair loss or thinning, and dry skin, among others. You must promptly contact your doctor if you experience symptoms that seem like Hashimoto’s to commence the treatment instantly. Even though it is not curable, you can manage it with some treatment options.
Causes
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is an autoimmune condition. In this, the immune system forms antibodies that attack the thyroid cells thinking of it as viruses, bacteria, or any other foreign body. The immune system mistakenly enlists agents meant to combat diseases, which harm cells and result in their death. Unfortunately, the reason behind the immune system attacking thyroid cells is not known. However, some significant causes associated with the disease onset are:
- Interactions between genetic and the environmental factors
- Environmental triggers like radiation exposure, stress, or infection
- Genetic factors
Risk factors
Some factors that amplify your risk of developing Hashimoto’s disease are:
Gender
Women are more susceptible to the disease. Other autoimmune diseases like lupus, type 1 diabetes, or rheumatoid arthritis can amplify your risk of developing Hashimoto’s.
Age
Even though it may occur at any age, it is more prevalent in middle age.
Familial link
Your risk for developing Hashimoto’s disease aggravates if someone in your family has a thyroid or other autoimmune disorder.
Excessive iodine intake
Consuming too much iodine in the diet is a trigger among people who are already susceptible to developing Hashimoto’s disease.
Pregnancy
During pregnancy, women undergo an immune function change. It can also amplify the chances of developing Hashimoto’s disease.
Radiation exposure
Those exposed to excess environmental radiation may develop Hashimoto’s disease.
Diagnosis
The doctors may suspect Hashimoto’s disease when you have underactive thyroid symptoms. So, they will recommend getting a blood test to examine your TSH or thyroid-stimulating hormone levels. It is a blood test and one of the best ways to check for Hashimoto’s disease. When thyroid activity is low, the TSH levels are high because the body works hard to stimulate the thyroid gland and generate more thyroid hormones. Further, the doctor may also employ your blood test results to assess cholesterol levels, antibodies, and other thyroid hormones. These tests help with the diagnosis.
Treatment options
When you get diagnosed with Hashimoto’s disease but do not have a goiter, and your thyroid hormone levels are in range, the doctors will advise watchful waiting. You will have to take a synthetic alternative to the hormone, which can help keep Hashimoto’s thyroiditis in check. However, the exact dosage will depend on the condition’s severity, age, body mass index, ongoing treatments, and other health conditions you have. You will have to take levothyroxine in the morning before eating, and within a few weeks, you will see an improvement in the symptoms. Older adults with a heart condition must begin with a low dosage, and the doctor might recommend a gradual increase if needed.
Your doctor will advise a routine blood test to assess whether you must increase or decrease the dosage. Our bodies are sensitive to even minor alterations in thyroid hormone levels. In addition, supplements and treatment options may intervene with levothyroxine absorption. Some foods can also help, such as high-fiber items and soy products.
