See Also . . .
Autoimmune
Diseases
What is Hashimoto's
Thyroiditis?
Hashimoto's
Thyroiditis is a type of autoimmune thyroid disease in which
the immune system attacks and destroys the thyroid gland. The
thyroid helps set the rate of metabolism - the rate at which
the body uses energy. Hashimoto’s prevents the gland from
producing enough thyroid hormones for the body to work correctly.
It is the most common form of Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid).
What is an autoimmune disease?
An
autoimmune disease occurs when the body's immune system becomes
misdirected and attacks the organs, cells or tissues that it
was designed to protect. About 75% of autoimmune diseases occur
in women, most frequently during their childbearing years.
What are the symptoms of Hashimoto's Thyroiditis?
Some
patients with Hashimoto's Thyroiditis may have no symptoms.
However, the common symptoms are fatigue, depression, and sensitivity
to cold, weight gain, muscle weakness, coarsening of the skin,
dry or brittle hair, constipation, muscle cramps, increased
menstrual flow, and goiter (enlargement of the thyroid gland).
Is this disease hereditary?
There
is some evidence that Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis can have
a hereditary link. If autoimmune diseases run in your family,
you are at a higher risk of developing one yourself.
How can I know for sure if I have this disease?
Your
doctor will perform a simple blood test that will be able to
tell if your body has the correct amount of thyroid hormones.
This test measures the blood TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone)
to determine if the thyroid hormone levels are in the normal
range. The range is set by your doctor and should be discussed
with you. Work with your doctor to find what level is right
for you.
What is the treatment for this disease?
Hashimoto's
Thyroiditis can usually be treated with thyroid hormone replacement.
A small pill taken once a day should be able to regulate the
thyroid hormone in the body to normal levels. This medication
will, in most cases, need to be taken for the rest of the patient's
life. When trying to determine the correct hormone dosage, you
may have to return to your doctor several times for adjustments
in medication. A yearly visit to your health care provider will
help keep your levels normal and help maintain normal health.
Be aware of the symptoms. If you note any changes or the return
of symptoms, return to your doctor to see if you need to have
your medication changed.
What would happen
without medication to regulate my thyroid function?
If
left untreated, Hashimoto's Thyroiditis can cause further complications,
including changes in menstrual cycles, prevention of ovulation,
and an increased risk of miscarriage. It is also important to
know that too much thyroid replacement hormone can mimic the
symptoms of hyperthyroidism. This is a condition that occurs
from overproduction of thyroid hormones. These symptoms include
insomnia, irritability, weight loss without dieting, heat sensitivity,
increased perspiration, thinning of your skin, fine or brittle
hair, muscular weakness, eye changes, lighter menstrual flow,
rapid heart beat and hand tremors.
For More Information . . .
You can find out more information about Hashimoto's Thyroiditis
disease by contacting the National Women's Health Information
Center (800-994-9662) or the following organizations:
National Institute of Diabetes & Digestive Diseases and
Kidney Diseases
Phone: (301) 496-3583
Internet Address: http://www.niddk.nih.gov/
Thyroid Foundation of America
Phone: (800) 832-8321
Email: info@tsh.org
Internet Address: http://www.tsh.org/
All material contained in the FAQs is free of copyright restrictions,
and may be copied, reproduced, or duplicated without permission
of the Office on Women's Health in the Department of Health
and Human Services; citation of the source is appreciated.
