Hashimoto's Disease

The thyroid gland produces essential hormones for the body’s metabolism, but in the case of Hashimoto’s disease, many severe health issues occur due to a problem in the thyroid gland.

Hashimoto’s disease

Hashimoto’s disease is an autoimmune disorder that affects the thyroid gland and causes hypothyroidism.

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is a common condition, and it affects women way more than men.

Causes of Hashimoto’s disease

• When the immune system attacks the body itself, this is called an autoimmune disorder, and in the case of Hashimoto’s disease, the immune system attacks the cells in the thyroid gland, which leads to Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, and it’s not clear why this happens.
• Family history, genetics, having another autoimmune disease, excessive iodine intake, pregnancy, radiation therapy, and certain environmental triggers like infections and stress are factors that might increase the risk of Hashimoto’s disease.

Symptoms of Hashimoto’s disease

Some patients might not suffer from any symptom until after the disease progresses over the years. Symptoms of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis include:

• Goiter (swelling of the thyroid gland).
• Muscle weakness and stiffness.
• Joint stiffness and pain.
• Increased drowsiness.
• Increased sensitivity to cold.
• Lethargy and extreme tiredness.
• Slow heartbeat.
• Mild weight gain.
• Dry skin.
• Brittle hair.
• Puffy face and eyes.
• Constipation.
• Irregular periods.
• Memory problems.
• Depression.
• Decreased libido.
• Infertility.
• Hashimoto’s disease might lead to heart problems, pregnancy problems, and myxedema (a life-threatening issue that causes extreme lethargy followed by unconsciousness).

Diagnosis of Hashimoto’s disease

• Physical exam.
• Blood tests.

Treatment of Hashimoto’s disease

• There isn’t a cure for Hashimoto’s disease, but it can be managed by hormone replacement therapy, which is taking the synthetic levothyroxine hormone.