Hashimoto is generally more common in women and can be managed with regular follow-up and treatment when diagnosed early. The disease may last a lifetime, but with appropriate treatment, symptoms can be kept under control and quality of life can be maintained.
What Is Hashimoto’s Disease?
Hashimoto’s disease is an autoimmune disease that develops as the thyroid gland is slowly and continuously attacked by the body’s defense cells, which prevents the thyroid gland from functioning properly. It is also called Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, chronic autoimmune thyroiditis, and chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis. It tends to be seen in women and in the middle-aged group. Having it in other family members increases the risk.
Causes of Hashimoto’s Disease
The causes of Hashimoto’s disease are not fully known, but it is generally associated with immune system disorders. The body’s own immune system attacks the thyroid gland, leading to inflammation and a decrease in the production of thyroid hormones. This causes hormonal imbalance and metabolic problems.
Genetic predisposition plays an important role in the development of Hashimoto’s disease. Individuals with family members who have autoimmune diseases have a higher risk of developing Hashimoto’s. Environmental factors, such as stress, infections, or excessive iodine intake, may also be among the triggering factors of the disease.
Hormonal changes, especially during pregnancy, the postpartum period, and menopause, may increase the likelihood of the disease appearing. In addition, factors such as certain viral infections and exposure to radiation may also contribute to the development of Hashimoto’s.
What Are the Symptoms of Hashimoto’s?
Hashimoto’s disease may progress slowly over the years and may not show clear symptoms at first. However, over time, as a result of decreased thyroid hormones, symptoms of hypothyroidism may occur. The most common symptoms due to Hashimoto’s disease are as follows:
- Weakness and fatigue
- Sensitivity to cold
- Dry skin
- Increased need for sleep
- Constipation
- Muscle weakness and pain
- Joint pain and stiffness
- Menstrual irregularities
- Depression
- Memory and concentration problems
- Enlargement of the thyroid gland (goiter)
- Brittle nails
- Hair loss
- Weight gain
The Relationship Between Hashimoto’s and Hypothyroidism
Hashimoto’s disease and hypothyroidism are two closely related conditions. Hashimoto’s is an autoimmune disease that attacks the thyroid gland. This attack causes damage to the thyroid gland over time and leads to an inability to produce sufficient amounts of thyroid hormone. Thyroid hormone deficiency causes metabolism in the body to slow down, and this condition is known as hypothyroidism.
Hypothyroidism is a condition in which thyroid hormones are deficient and usually occurs as a result of Hashimoto’s disease. In the early stages of Hashimoto’s, the thyroid gland may function normally, but over time the gland’s function decreases. This hormone deficiency manifests with symptoms such as weakness, weight gain, dry skin, depression, sensitivity to cold, and menstrual irregularities.
Hashimoto’s disease damages the thyroid gland and causes hypothyroidism. Hashimoto’s is one of the most common causes of hypothyroidism, and therefore both conditions are frequently seen together.
How Is Hashimoto’s Diagnosed?
Diagnosis of Hashimoto’s disease usually begins with evaluating symptoms and is followed by blood tests. The doctor may detect enlargement of the thyroid gland (goiter) through a physical examination. Then, blood tests are performed to measure thyroid hormone levels. Levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroxine (T4), and triiodothyronine (T3) are examined. In Hashimoto’s disease, high TSH and low T4 levels are generally seen. To confirm the diagnosis, Anti-TPO and Anti-TG antibodies, which indicate that the thyroid is under autoimmune attack, are tested. High levels of these antibodies are the most distinctive sign of Hashimoto’s.
Treatment Methods for Hashimoto’s Disease
The main aim in the treatment of Hashimoto’s disease is to restore thyroid hormone balance. Since Hashimoto’s usually results in hypothyroidism, treatment is mostly based on replacing thyroid hormones. For this, the most commonly used method is levothyroxine therapy, a synthetic thyroid hormone. This medication supplements the body’s deficient thyroxine (T4) hormone and returns metabolism to normal.
The levothyroxine dose is monitored regularly with blood tests and adjusted on an individual basis. Patients generally use this medication for life because Hashimoto’s is a progressive disease and damage to the thyroid gland may increase over time.
Diet and lifestyle adjustments may also help the treatment process. Especially iodine-rich or excessively iodine-containing foods should be consumed carefully, and supplements should not be taken without a doctor’s recommendation. Regular exercise and a balanced diet support overall health and contribute to treatment.
