Health A-Z

Hashimoto's disease, also known as Hashimoto's thyroiditis, is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks the thyroid gland, leading to inflammation and eventual damage. Here's an overview of its symptoms, treatment plan, and diagnosis testing.

1. Fatigue: Feeling tired and sluggish, even after getting enough sleep, is a common symptom of Hashimoto's disease.
2. Weight Gain: Unexplained weight gain or difficulty losing weight despite normal eating habits and exercise levels may occur.
3. Cold Sensitivity: Feeling excessively cold, particularly in the hands and feet, is common in individuals with Hashimoto's disease.
4. Constipation: Sluggish bowel movements and difficulty passing stools may be experienced.
5. Dry Skin and Hair: Skin may become dry and rough, and hair may become brittle and thin.
6. Muscle Weakness: Weakness and muscle aches, especially in the arms and legs, may occur.
7. Joint Pain: Pain and stiffness in the joints, similar to symptoms of arthritis, can occur.
8. Menstrual Irregularities: Women with Hashimoto's disease may experience irregular menstrual periods or heavy menstrual bleeding.
9. Depression: Some individuals may experience symptoms of depression, including low mood, irritability, and difficulty concentrating.

1. Thyroid Hormone Replacement Therapy: The mainstay of treatment for Hashimoto's disease is thyroid hormone replacement therapy with levothyroxine (Synthroid, Levoxyl, etc.). This medication replaces the thyroid hormone that the thyroid gland is no longer able to produce adequately. The dosage is adjusted based on blood tests measuring thyroid hormone levels and symptoms.
2. Monitoring: Regular monitoring of thyroid function through blood tests, including thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxine (T4), and sometimes triiodothyronine (T3) levels, is essential to ensure that hormone levels are within the target range.
3. Lifestyle Modifications: Making healthy lifestyle choices, such as eating a balanced diet, getting regular exercise, managing stress, and ensuring adequate sleep, can help support overall well-being and thyroid health.
4. Supplements: Some individuals may benefit from supplements such as selenium, which may help reduce inflammation and support thyroid function.
5. Treatment of Symptoms: Additional medications or treatments may be prescribed to manage specific symptoms, such as depression or joint pain, as needed.

1. Thyroid Function Tests: Blood tests measuring levels of thyroid hormones (TSH, T4, and sometimes T3) are used to assess thyroid function. In Hashimoto's disease, TSH levels are typically elevated, indicating hypothyroidism, while T4 levels may be normal or low.
2. Thyroid Antibody Tests: Blood tests measuring antibodies associated with autoimmune thyroiditis, such as thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPO antibodies) and thyroglobulin antibodies (TG antibodies), can help confirm the diagnosis of Hashimoto's disease.
3. Thyroid Ultrasound: Ultrasound imaging of the thyroid gland may be performed to assess for signs of inflammation, enlargement (goiter), or structural abnormalities.
4. Fine-Needle Aspiration (FNA) Biopsy: In some cases, a biopsy may be performed to evaluate thyroid nodules or to confirm the diagnosis in cases where there is uncertainty.