Hashimoto's Thyroidism

Hashimoto’s Thyroidism is the most common thyroid disease in the U.S and the most common cause of hypothyroidism, though sufferers can also develop hyperthyroidism with the disease. Hashimoto’s disease is an autoimmune disorder that can be hereditary and is caused by a malfunction in the immune system.

The disorder is centered in the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland affect syour body’s energy, digestion, metabolism, and even reproductive system. One’s immune system protects the body from foreign substances such as bacteria and viruses.  Hashimoto’s Thyroidism patient’s immune systems may mistakenly recognize normal thyroid cells as foreign tissues and produce antibodies to destroy these cells and the thyroid gland. It affects about 14 million Americans and is seven times more common in women than men. This disease is found most often in middle-aged women 30-50 or those who have a family history of thyroid disease and especially sufferers of Type 1 diabetes or adrenal insufficiency. 

There are several common symptoms to look for with Hashimoto’s Thyroidism, such as severe hair loss, fatigue, sensitivity to cold, emotional instability, weight gain, loss of focus, muscle weakness, dry skin and hair, constipation, irregular menstrual cycles and flow, pale skin, muscle cramps, and some sufferers have major swelling in the front of the neck, referred to as a goiter. Some people affected have no symptoms
The most common lab results that help doctors to diagnose this autoimmune disorder are increased antithyroid antibodies in the blood. However, these antibodies are not found in all cases. A TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone or Thyrotropin) test is a blood test conducted to determine the levels of TSH and if the levels are increased this is the most accurate indication of Hypothyroidism. If a normal level reading is received, then hypothyroidism is not a diagnosis. A Free T4 test and a fine needle aspiration of the thyroid are additional tests used to diagnose the disease. Fine needle aspiration is rarely used unless there are thyroid nodules present.

Hypothyroidism is the most common result of Hashimoto’s disease and can be treated with thyroid hormone replacement therapy, usually in the form of a pill taken daily to help keep the thyroid hormone levels normal. When first diagnosed it may take a couple visits to the doctor for medication dosage adjustments in order to reach the optimum thyroid hormone levels.  The correct dosage is very important. Too much thyroid replacement hormones can cause the symptoms of hyperthyroidism another side effect of the thyroid disease but less common than hypothyroidism.

Hyperthyroidism is a condition where there is too much thyroid hormone being produced. Symptoms can include insomnia, irritability, weight loss without dieting, emotionally hyper, sensitivity to heat, tremors, increased perspiration, thinning of skin, hair thinning, muscular weakness, eye changes, lighter menstrual flow, irregular heart beat, shaky hands, frequent bowel movements and diarrhea. There are medications available to immediately treat the symptoms caused by excessive thyroid hormones.

A sufferer could find the disorder causes complications during the course of pregnancy. If pregnant with hyperthyroidism it can cause fetal development complications and stillbirth. Hypothyroidism can cause brain development in a fetus to be abnormal, and there is possibility of miscarriage. Hashimoto's thyroidism and Graves' disease are the most common causes of maternal hypothyroidism. Women who have or have a history of a thyroid disorder, should have their thyroid activity closely monitored during and after pregnancy.

Hashimoto’s Thyroidism is generally permanent and will require some type of medical treatment for the rest of a patient’s life. If left untreated it can result in much more serious conditions, such as heart failure, prevention of ovulation, and an increased risk of miscarriage. Annual doctor visits are very important in order to keep a patient’s hormone levels normal and for better overall health. Be very aware of the symptoms related to both hormone level irregularities and contact your doctor for a check-up if noticed.