Hashimoto's is a disease causing inflammation to the thyroid gland, a butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of the neck, below the Adam's apple. It weighs less than an ounce and has an enormous effect on your health. It's part of the endocrine system, which is made up of several hormone producing glands and tissues. These chemical messengers coordinate many activities of the body, including digestion, metabolism, and reproduction.
Hashimoto's disease is an autoimmune disorder. The immune system inappropriately attacks the thyroid gland, causing damage to the thyroid cells and upsetting the normal balance of chemical reactions in the body. The inflammation caused by Hashimoto's disease, is also known as chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis and often leads to an underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism). Hashimoto's disease is considered the most common cause of hypothyroidism in this country.
Hashimoto's disease can affect people of all ages, but it is most common in women between 30 and 50 years of age. There are familial tendencies that cause an increased risk of getting the disease. The cause of Hashimoto’s disease remains unknown.
Signs and symptoms vary widely, depending on the severity of the disease. Symptoms may be barely noticeable, such as fatigue or sluggishness. Many Patients attribute the symptoms to normal aging. But as the disease progresses, the symptoms become more obvious. Any of the following signs or symptoms may be experienced.
Increased sensitivity to cold
Pale, dry skin
A puffy face
Hoarse voice
Constipation
Elevated blood cholesterol level
Weight gain — mostly fluid and rarely more than 10 to 20 pounds
Muscle aches, tenderness and stiffness, mostly in the shoulders and hips
Joint pain and stiffness
Swelling in the knees or the small joints in the hands and feet
Muscle weakness, especially in the lower extremities
Excessive or prolonged menstrual bleeding
Depression
Blood tests are used to diagnosis Hashimoto's disease based on finding thyroid antibodies in the blood. Antibody levels often increases as the disease progresses. In the late stages, the thyroid gland is destroyed, and the level of auto-antibodies may fall to low or undetectable levels. The sensitive TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) test is used to diagnose thyroid disorders much earlier now, often before any signs and symptoms are experienced. The TSH test plays an important role in managing hypothyroidism. Blood tests help the physician determine the right dosage of medication, initially, and on an ongoing basis.
Left untreated, Hashimoto's disease can lead to a number of serious health problems, including:
Goiter-Constant stimulation of the thyroid gland may cause it to become enlarged causing a goiter.
Heart Problems-Hashimoto's disease may be associated with an increased risk of heart disease, primarily due to high levels LDL cholesterol (the "bad" cholesterol). Hashimoto's disease can also lead to an enlarged heart and, in some cases, heart failure.
Mental Health issues-Depression can occur in Hashimoto's disease and may become more severe as time go by. Hashimoto's disease can cause sexual desire, the libido to decrease in men and women. It can also lead to slowed mental functioning.
Myxedema-This rare, life-threatening condition can result from untreated Hashimoto's disease. Signs and symptoms include intense cold intolerance with drowsiness followed by profound lethargy and even unconsciousness. Myxedema comas can be triggered by sedatives, infection or other stresses to the body and requires immediate emergency medical intervention.
Birth Defects-Babies of women with untreated Hashimoto's disease may have a higher risk of birth defects. These children are often more prone to intellectual and developmental problems. A connection also exists between hypothyroid pregnancies and cleft palate, and heart, brain and kidney problems in infants.
Hashimoto's disease is generally treated effectively with thyroid hormone replacement medication. The oral medication restores better hormone levels and returns the body to normal functioning.
