Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks thyroid cells, causing inflammation of this gland, which usually results in transient hyperthyroidism followed by hypothyroidism.
In fact, this type of thyroiditis is one of the most common causes of hypothyroidism, especially in adult women, causing symptoms such as excessive fatigue, hair loss, brittle nails and even memory problems.
- Most of the time.
- The disease begins with a painless enlargement of the thyroid and therefore can only be identified during a routine examination by the doctor.
- But in other cases.
- Thyroiditis can cause a ball sensation in the neck.
- Which does not cause pain to tenderness.
- In both cases.
- Treatment with an endocrinologist should be initiated as soon as possible to regulate the functioning of the gland and prevent the onset of complications.
The most common symptoms of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis are exactly the same as those of hypothyroidism, so it’s common to have:
This problem is most common in women and is usually discovered between the ages of 30 and 50. At first, your doctor can only diagnose hypothyroidism and, after further tests, identify thyroid inflammation when you reach Hashimoto’s thyroid diagnosis.
The specific cause of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is not yet known, however it is possible to be caused by genetic alteration, as the disease may occur in several people in the same family. Other studies indicate that this type of thyroiditis may be initiated after an infection with a virus or bacteria, which eventually causes chronic thyroid inflammation.
Although there is no known cause, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis appears to be more common in people with other endocrine disorders such as type 1 diabetes, adrenal gland dysfunction or other autoimmune diseases such as pernicious anemia, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren’s syndrome, Addison or lupus, and others. ACTH deficiency, hepatitis from breast cancer and the presence of H. pylori.
The best way to diagnose Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is to consult an endocrinologist and perform a blood test that evaluates the amount of T3, T4, and TSH, as well as antithyroid antibody (anti-TPO) tests. For thyroiditis, TSH is usually normal or increased.
Some people may have antithyroid antibodies, but they have no symptoms and are considered to have subclinical autoimmune thyroiditis and therefore do not require treatment.
Learn more about thyroid tests
Treatment is usually only indicated if TSH values change or symptoms appear, and usually begins with hormone replacement with the use of levothyroxine for 6 months. After this time, it is usually necessary to return to the doctor to re-evaluate the size of the gland and perform more tests to see if the dose adjustment of the drug needs to be adjusted.
In cases where it is difficult to breathe or eat, for example due to increased thyroid volume, surgery to remove the gland, called thyroidectomy, may be indicated.
Foods can also greatly affect thyroid health, and so a healthy diet is recommended with nutrient-rich foods good for thyroid function such as iodine, zinc or selenium, for example. See a list of the best thyroid foods.
Watch the video below for more tips on how adjusting your diet can help your thyroid function properly:
When thyroiditis causes changes in hormone production and is not treated properly, some health complications can occur. The most common are:
Then, ideally, whenever you suspect thyroiditis, you should consult an endocrinologist to perform the necessary tests and start treatment as soon as possible.