What is Hashimoto's thyroiditis?

Causes and Symptoms

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is a common type of hypothyroidism. The cause and etiology of this disorder is not fully understood; however, it is thought to have an autoimmune origin, in which abnormal blood antibodies and white blood cells, called lymphocytes, infiltrate and attack thyroid cells. The combative interplay between the lymphocytes and the thyroid may lead to a complete absence of thyroid cells. A family history of thyroid disease is commonly traced.

The highest incidence of the disease is observed in young or middle-aged women, but it may occur at any age. The onset is very slow, and the disease may progress for many months or years before it is fully detected. The symptoms may vary, but the condition is usually characterized by a mild pressure on the thyroid gland. In some cases, a firm, slightly irregular, and sometimes tender goiter
(enlarged thyroid gland) may develop in the neck region. In more severe cases, the disease may cause symptoms related to low thyroid function (hypothyroidism), such as fatigue, weight gain, intolerance to cold, constipation, and hair loss.

The symptomatology of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis may resemble other medical conditions. Therefore, in addition to a full medical examination, the diagnostic procedure must also include blood tests to determine the levels of thyroid hormone and thyroid antibodies. If a patient has developed the classic symptoms that accompany Hashimoto’s thyroiditis but has a normal blood test, then a biopsy in which a needle is inserted into the thyroid and some cells are removed may be performed to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment and Therapy

Though a specific treatment is not yet available, the hypothyroidism resulting from Hashimoto’s thyroiditis can be treated with hormones. Medical practitioners opt to commence hormone therapy, in the form of thyroxine, as soon as a diagnosis is made, even if thyroid function is normal at the time. The hormone therapy is expected to shrink any goiter that has developed. If there is no response, then surgery may be required. The prognosis for a full recovery is usually good because the disease remains dormant or stable for many years.

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Shannon, Joyce Brennfleck, ed. Thyroid Disorders Sourcebook: Basic Consumer Health Information About Disorders of the Thyroid and Parathyroid Glands. Detroit, Mich.: Omnigraphics, 2005.

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