About Hashimoto's Thyroiditis
Hashimoto's disease also referred to as Hashimoto's Thyroiditis or chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis, is a disorder of the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland, part of the endocrine system, is located in the neck. Hashimoto's disease interferes with the normal production of thyroid hormones.
Definition
Hashimoto's thyroiditis is an autoimmune disease. It confuses antibodies so that they identify the healthy cells of the thyroid as unwanted, invaders to the body. As a result, the antibodies damage the thyroid tissue, thus preventing it from effectively producing normal levels of T3 and T4 hormones. This results in a condition known as hypothyroidism; underproduction of thyroid hormones within the body.
Causes
Hashimoto's thyroiditis, first described by Hakaru Hashimoto in 1912, is the most common cause of hypothyroidism. It is unclear what causes the body to attack itself. Some researchers believe it is caused by a virus or bacteria. Others believe the cause originates in our genetic code.
Risk Factors
Although the cause of Hashimoto's disease is unknown, there seem to be certain factors that indicate a predisposition to develop the disorder.
- Diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis
- Diagnosis of Addison's disease
- Diabetes type 1
- Heredity
- Sex and age (more prevalent among middle aged women)
Symptoms
- Inflammation of one or both sides of the thyroid gland
- Unexplained tiredness
- Aversion to cold
- Facial swelling
- Weight gain
- Muscle weakness
- Achy muscles, particularly in the shoulders and/or hips
- Swollen joints, especially in the hands and feet
- Stiff joints
- Mood swings
- Depression
- Goiter
- Hoarse voice
- Dry skin
- High cholesterol levels
Diagnostic Tools
Hashimoto's disease and hypothyroidism is diagnosed with the use of blood tests.
- Blood tests for hormone levels, including thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), confirm the hypothyroid condition.
- The presence of abnormal antibodies in the blood confirms the Hashimoto's disease autoimmune diagnosis.