Can Hashimoto’s disease be fatal. What are the long-term complications of untreated Hashimoto’s. How is Hashimoto’s disease diagnosed and managed. What lifestyle changes can help manage Hashimoto’s symptoms.

Understanding Hashimoto’s Disease: An Autoimmune Thyroid Condition

Hashimoto’s disease, also known as chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis, is an autoimmune condition that primarily affects the thyroid gland. In this disorder, the immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid, leading to inflammation and impaired function. The result is often hypothyroidism, where the thyroid gland produces insufficient hormones essential for various bodily functions.

While Hashimoto’s disease is generally not life-threatening, it can significantly impact a person’s quality of life if left untreated. The condition affects approximately 5 in 100 Americans, making it the most common cause of hypothyroidism. Women are 4-10 times more likely to develop Hashimoto’s than men, and the risk increases with age.

Key Facts About Hashimoto’s Disease

• It is an autoimmune condition affecting the thyroid gland
• Most commonly results in hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid)
• Can occasionally lead to hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid)
• More prevalent in women than men
• Risk increases with age
• Has a genetic component, running in families

Recognizing the Symptoms of Hashimoto’s Disease

Hashimoto’s disease often progresses slowly, with symptoms developing gradually over years. Many individuals may not notice signs in the early stages. As thyroid function declines, various symptoms can emerge, affecting multiple body systems.

Common Symptoms of Hashimoto’s Disease

• Goiter (enlarged thyroid gland)
• Fatigue and weakness
• Increased sensitivity to cold
• Mild weight gain
• Dry, coarse hair and skin
• Depression
• Memory problems
• Irregular or heavy menstrual periods
• Slowed heart rate
• Joint and muscle pain

Is fatigue always a sign of Hashimoto’s disease? While fatigue is a common symptom, it’s not exclusive to Hashimoto’s. Many conditions can cause fatigue, so it’s essential to consult a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis.

Diagnosing Hashimoto’s Disease: Tests and Procedures

Diagnosing Hashimoto’s disease involves a combination of physical examination, medical history review, and laboratory tests. Healthcare providers use several methods to confirm the presence of the condition and assess thyroid function.

Diagnostic Approaches for Hashimoto’s Disease

1. Physical examination: Checking for signs of goiter and other visible symptoms
2. Medical history review: Assessing family history and risk factors
3. Blood tests:
   • Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels
   • Free T4 and T3 hormone levels
   • Thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPO)
   • Antithyroglobulin antibodies (TgAb)
4. Thyroid ultrasound: If blood tests are inconclusive

Are blood tests always accurate in diagnosing Hashimoto’s disease? While blood tests are generally reliable, some individuals with Hashimoto’s may have normal thyroid hormone levels, especially in the early stages. This is why a combination of tests and clinical evaluation is crucial for accurate diagnosis.

Treatment Options for Hashimoto’s Disease

Although there is no cure for Hashimoto’s disease, effective treatments are available to manage symptoms and restore normal thyroid function. The primary goal of treatment is to supplement the body with thyroid hormones and alleviate symptoms associated with hypothyroidism.

Common Treatment Approaches

• Hormone replacement therapy: Levothyroxine (synthetic T4 hormone)
• Regular monitoring and dose adjustments
• Lifestyle modifications
• Dietary changes
• Stress management techniques

How long does it take for thyroid medication to work? Most people start feeling better within a few weeks of starting thyroid hormone replacement therapy. However, it may take several months to achieve optimal hormone levels and symptom relief. Regular follow-ups and dose adjustments are often necessary.

Potential Complications of Untreated Hashimoto’s Disease

When left untreated, Hashimoto’s disease can lead to various health complications due to prolonged hypothyroidism. While death directly from Hashimoto’s is rare, the condition can significantly impact overall health and quality of life.

Possible Complications of Untreated Hashimoto’s

• Goiter: Enlarged thyroid gland causing neck discomfort and swallowing difficulties
• Heart problems: Increased risk of heart disease, elevated cholesterol levels
• Mental health issues: Depression, cognitive decline
• Myxedema: Severe hypothyroidism leading to low body temperature, decreased breathing, and potential coma
• Fertility problems: Difficulty conceiving, increased risk of miscarriage
• Birth defects: Impaired fetal development if hypothyroidism occurs during pregnancy

Can Hashimoto’s disease cause permanent damage if left untreated? While many effects of hypothyroidism are reversible with proper treatment, some complications, such as heart problems or cognitive issues, may persist if the condition remains untreated for an extended period.

Living with Hashimoto’s Disease: Lifestyle and Management Strategies

Managing Hashimoto’s disease involves more than just taking medication. Adopting a holistic approach to health can help individuals better control their symptoms and improve overall well-being.

Lifestyle Tips for Managing Hashimoto’s

• Maintain a balanced diet rich in nutrients
• Consider gluten-free or anti-inflammatory diets
• Engage in regular exercise
• Practice stress-reduction techniques like meditation or yoga
• Get adequate sleep
• Avoid environmental toxins and endocrine disruptors
• Stay informed about your condition and treatment options

Do dietary changes alone cure Hashimoto’s disease? While dietary modifications can help manage symptoms and support overall health, they are not a cure for Hashimoto’s. Hormone replacement therapy remains the primary treatment for addressing the underlying thyroid dysfunction.

Hashimoto’s Disease and Other Autoimmune Conditions

Individuals with Hashimoto’s disease have an increased risk of developing other autoimmune disorders. Understanding these connections can help in comprehensive health management and early detection of potential comorbidities.

Autoimmune Conditions Associated with Hashimoto’s

• Celiac disease
• Lupus
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Sjögren’s syndrome
• Type 1 diabetes
• Addison’s disease
• Pernicious anemia

Why are people with Hashimoto’s more prone to other autoimmune conditions? The exact mechanism is not fully understood, but it’s believed that genetic factors and dysregulation of the immune system contribute to the increased risk of multiple autoimmune disorders in affected individuals.

Emerging Research and Future Directions in Hashimoto’s Disease Management

As our understanding of autoimmune disorders evolves, researchers continue to explore new avenues for diagnosing, treating, and potentially preventing Hashimoto’s disease. These advancements offer hope for improved management strategies and quality of life for those affected by the condition.

Areas of Ongoing Research

• Genetic markers for predicting Hashimoto’s risk
• Role of environmental factors in disease onset
• Novel therapies targeting the immune system
• Personalized medicine approaches for optimal treatment
• Potential for reversing or halting autoimmune processes

What new treatments are on the horizon for Hashimoto’s disease? While current research is promising, it’s important to note that new treatments must undergo rigorous testing before becoming available. Ongoing studies are exploring immunomodulatory therapies, targeted drug delivery systems, and regenerative medicine approaches for thyroid repair.

In conclusion, Hashimoto’s disease, while a chronic condition, is manageable with proper medical care and lifestyle adjustments. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial in preventing complications and maintaining a good quality of life. As research progresses, individuals with Hashimoto’s can look forward to potentially more effective and personalized treatment options in the future. It’s essential for those affected by the condition to work closely with their healthcare providers, stay informed about their health, and actively participate in their treatment plans to achieve the best possible outcomes.

Can You Die From Hashimoto’s Disease?

Content

• Overview
• Symptoms of Hashimoto’s disease
• Diagnosis and treatment options for Hashimoto’s disease
• What happens if Hashimoto’s disease isn’t treated?
• The lowdown

Hashimoto’s disease, also known as chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis, is an autoimmune condition that affects the thyroid gland and can cause underactive thyroid or hypothyroidism. In rare cases, it can also lead to hyperthyroidism or overactive thyroid. 

Under Hashimoto’s disease, the immune system makes antibodies that attack the butterfly-shaped thyroid gland found at the bottom of the neck. 

With Hashimoto’s, vast amounts of white blood cells that form part of the immune system build up within the thyroid, affecting thyroid hormone production. Thyroid hormones regulate the metabolic activity, meaning they affect almost every organ in the body.  

The exact number¹ of people with Hashimoto’s disease is not known. However, it is the most common cause of hypothyroidism, affecting about 5 in 100 Americans.

Hashimoto’s is four to ten times more prevalent among women than men, and it might also appear in young women or teens, increasing in prevalence with age. 

Hashimoto’s disease has hereditary risks, which means you are more likely to develop the condition if a family member has genes associated with the disease. 

Additionally, an individual is more likely to have Hashimoto’s disease if they have other autoimmune disorders, such as 

• Celiac disease: which is a digestive disorder that damages the small intestine

• Lupus: a long-term, chronic disorder that can affect the whole body

• Rheumatoid arthritis: a condition that affects the joints

• Sjogren’s syndrome: usually associated with dry mouth and eyes

• Type 1 diabetes: a condition marked by high blood sugar levels

Have you considered clinical trials for Hashimoto’s disease?

We make it easy for you to participate in a clinical trial for Hashimoto’s disease, and get access to the latest treatments not yet widely available – and be a part of finding a cure.

Check your eligibility

Hashimoto’s disease usually progresses slowly for years with gradual loss of thyroid function until you notice symptoms of the disease. Most people miss the signs and symptoms during the initial stages of the disease. 

As thyroid hormone production declines, the first sign you might experience is goiter, an enlarged thyroid. Goiter is characterized by a swollen area in front of the neck, making it a challenge to swallow. 

Other symptoms of Hashimoto’s disease are similar to other medical conditions, so it is critical to see a physician for a diagnosis. 

Here are some of the signs and symptoms associated with the disease:

• Metabolic: Less ability to tolerate cold, modest weight gain (due to fluid retention and decreased metabolism), hypothermia

• Neurologic: Forgetfulness, tingling, or prickling in the hands and feet

• Psychiatric: Personality changes, depression, dull facial expression, dementia or frank psychosis (myxedema madness)

• Dermatologic: Facial puffiness, myxedema (swelling of skin or tissues), sparse, coarse, and dry hair, rough, dry, scaly, and thick skin, yellowish skin hue (particularly notable on the palms and soles of feet)

• Ocular: Swollen or puffy area around the eyes, droopy eyelids

• Gynecologic: Changes in menstruation

• Cardiovascular: Slow heart rate, enlarged heart shown on examination and imaging

Unfortunately, there is no known cure for Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, but replacing hormones with medication can help manage the hormone levels and restore normal metabolism.  

Levothyroxine (Synthroid®, Levothyroid®, Levoxyl®), or T4, is the most common medication used to treat this condition.

The recommended prescription dose depends on age, weight, the severity of hypothyroidism, underlying health condition, or other medications that could interact with synthetic thyroid hormones. 

Before treatment, the physician will ensure the proper diagnosis of Hashimoto’s disease based on:

Physical exam and medical history

The physician will check the individual’s medical record and perform physical exams. Apart from exams and history, the doctor will also check your neck for goiter, a common disease symptom.

Blood tests

The doctor could also request blood tests to confirm hypothyroidism and its possible cause. Some of the tests include measuring levels of the thyroid hormones T4 (thyroxine) and T3 (triiodothyronine), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), antithyroglobulin antibodies (AB), and thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPO), a type of thyroid antibody that is present in most individuals with the disease.

Most diagnoses only need two tests (T4 and TSH/TPO) and a physical exam to confirm Hashimoto’s disease. Still, if a physician suspects you have the condition but cannot spot any antithyroid antibodies in your blood, they might request an ultrasound of your thyroid. 

The ultrasound images show the size of the thyroid and other features of Hashimoto’s disease. It is also great at ruling out other causes of an enlarged thyroid, such as small lumps in the thyroid gland (thyroid nodules).   

After diagnosis, the physician will prescribe treatment depending on whether the thyroid is damaged and causing hypothyroidism. If not currently hypothyroid, the doctor will typically check your thyroid hormone levels and symptoms regularly. 

The most commonly prescribed medication for managing Hashimoto’s disease is levothyroxine which is similar to the thyroid hormone thyroxine.    

The physician will conduct a blood test about six to eight weeks after you start taking levothyroxine and adjust the dose as needed.  

Note that you have to have a blood test every time you change the dosage. Once a perfect balanced dose is reached, the rate of blood tests slows down. 

Before stopping or increasing your dose, consult with your doctor to avoid complications. 

The issue with Hashimoto’s disease is that it has no obvious symptoms in the initial stages. Therefore, regular diagnostic testing is recommended, especially if your physician suspects you might have the condition or there is a family history of Hashimoto’s.

Over time, if Hashimoto’s disease goes untreated, it can cause several additional health problems. 

Complications

Subclinical hypothyroidism/thyroid antibodies² are linked to increased risks during pregnancy, particularly high blood pressure, miscarriage, and congenital disabilities. 

Here are more potentially severe conditions resulting from untreated Hashimoto’s disease:

• Heart disease: The condition could either lead to high blood pressure or congestive heart failure

• Kidney disease: People with hypothyroidism have a high increase in kidney dysfunction  

• Peripheral neuropathy: Untreated Hashimoto’s disease could damage your peripheral nerves because of excess pressure

• Myxedema coma: This life-threatening condition can occur when the levels of thyroid hormones get too low and symptoms get worse

• Hashimoto encephalopathy: A rare disease that involves impaired brain function

So, can you die from Hashimoto’s disease? It is possible but a rare outcome. However, Hashimoto’s is a risk factor for some severe conditions that are among the leading causes of death in America. 

Women are more likely to suffer from Hashimoto’s disease, mainly due to hormones. It’s important to seek medical attention if you develop any symptoms such as goiter or if there is a strong family history of Hashimoto’s disease.

Death by unnatural causes, mainly suicide, is increased in patients with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. A nationwide Danish register study

. 2019 Sep;65(3):616-622.

doi: 10.1007/s12020-019-01946-5.

Epub 2019 May 7.

Thomas Heiberg Brix 
¹
, Charlotte Ferløv-Schwensen 
¹
, Marianne Thvilum 
²
, Laszlo Hegedüs 
¹

Affiliations

Affiliations

• ¹ Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Odense University Hospital, Kløvervænget 6, DK-5000, Odense, Denmark.
• ² Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Odense University Hospital, Kløvervænget 6, DK-5000, Odense, Denmark. [email protected].

• PMID:

  31065912

• DOI:

  10.1007/s12020-019-01946-5

Thomas Heiberg Brix et al.

Endocrine.

2019 Sep.

. 2019 Sep;65(3):616-622.

doi: 10.1007/s12020-019-01946-5.

Epub 2019 May 7.

Authors

Thomas Heiberg Brix 
¹
, Charlotte Ferløv-Schwensen 
¹
, Marianne Thvilum 
²
, Laszlo Hegedüs 
¹

Affiliations

• ¹ Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Odense University Hospital, Kløvervænget 6, DK-5000, Odense, Denmark.
• ² Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Odense University Hospital, Kløvervænget 6, DK-5000, Odense, Denmark. [email protected].

• PMID:

  31065912

• DOI:

  10.1007/s12020-019-01946-5

Abstract

Purpose:

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT) is associated with excess psychiatric in addition to reduced quality of life. However, little is known about risk of unnatural manners of death in HT. We investigated the risk of death by accidents, suicide, violence/homicide, and unknown causes in patients with HT, compared to a matched control population.

Methods:

Register study covering all adult Danes diagnosed with HT during 1995-2012. In total, 111,565 HT cases were identified and matched for age and sex with four euthyroid controls. The hazard ratios (HR) for mortality were calculated using Cox regression analyses, adjusted for pre-existing morbidity. Median follow-up time was 5.9 years (range 0-17.5).

Results:

Compared to controls, HT patients had an increased frequency of death by suicide (0.10% vs 0.07%, p < 0.001) and unknown manners (0.05% vs 0.02%, p < 0.001). There were no significant differences between controls and HT patients in risk of death by accidents (0.36% vs 0.37%, p = 0.384) or violence (0.004% vs 0.005%, p = 0.749). After adjustment for pre-existing somatic and psychiatric morbidity HT patients still had an increased risk of suicide and death by unknown causes, whereas risk of death caused by accidents was reduced.

Conclusions:

Mortality due to suicide and unknown causes, but not accidents and violence, was increased in HT. This indicates that HT may have a significant role in the pathophysiological mechanisms of suicidal behavior. This suggests that physicians caring for HT patients should be vigilant when facing expressions of suicidal ideation or signs and symptoms of self-harm as a first step towards prevention.

Keywords:

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis; Hypothyroidism; Mortality; Population-based; Suicide; Unnatural death.

Similar articles

• Death by Suicide in Graves’ Disease and Graves’ Orbitopathy: A Nationwide Danish Register Study.

  Ferløv-Schwensen C, Brix TH, Hegedüs L.

  Ferløv-Schwensen C, et al.
  Thyroid. 2017 Dec;27(12):1475-1480. doi: 10.1089/thy.2017.0365.
  Thyroid. 2017.

  PMID: 29084476

• Risk of dying unnaturally among people aged 15-35 years who have harmed themselves and inflicted violence on others: a national nested case-control study.

  Steeg S, Webb RT, Mok PLH, Pedersen CB, Antonsen S, Kapur N, Carr MJ.

  Steeg S, et al.
  Lancet Public Health. 2019 May;4(5):e220-e228. doi: 10.1016/S2468-2667(19)30042-8.
  Lancet Public Health. 2019.

  PMID: 31054640

• Suicide Methods and Specific Types of Accidental Death and Fatal Poisoning Among Discharged Psychiatric Patients: A National Cohort Study.

  Walter F, Carr MJ, Mok PLH, Antonsen S, Pedersen CB, Shaw J, Webb RT.

  Walter F, et al.
  J Clin Psychiatry. 2018 Oct 2;79(6):17m11809. doi: 10.4088/JCP.17m11809.
  J Clin Psychiatry. 2018.

  PMID: 30289629
  Free PMC article.

• Cognitive and affective dysfunctions in autoimmune thyroiditis.

  Leyhe T, Müssig K.

  Leyhe T, et al.
  Brain Behav Immun. 2014 Oct;41:261-6. doi: 10.1016/j.bbi.2014.03.008. Epub 2014 Mar 29.
  Brain Behav Immun. 2014.

  PMID: 24685840

  Review.

• Mortality and morbidity in patients with osteogenesis imperfecta in Denmark.

  Folkestad L.

  Folkestad L.
  Dan Med J. 2018 Apr;65(4):B5454.
  Dan Med J. 2018.

  PMID: 29619932

  Review.

See all similar articles

Cited by

• Cancer and Mortality Risks of Graves’ Disease in South Korea Based on National Data from 2010 to 2019.

  Choi YJ, Han K, Cho WK, Jung MH, Suh BK.

  Choi YJ, et al.
  Clin Epidemiol. 2023 May 2;15:535-546. doi: 10.2147/CLEP.S406361. eCollection 2023.
  Clin Epidemiol. 2023.

  PMID: 37159800
  Free PMC article.

• Correlation between Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and polycystic ovary syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

  Hu X, Chen Y, Shen Y, Zhou S, Fei W, Yang Y, Que H.

  Hu X, et al.
  Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2022 Oct 31;13:1025267. doi: 10.3389/fendo.2022.1025267. eCollection 2022.
  Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2022.

  PMID: 36387911
  Free PMC article.

• [Features of the use of synthetic analogues of thyroid hormones: а 2020 THESIS* questionnaire survey of members of the Belarusian Public Medical Association of Endocrinology and Metabolism].

  Shepelkevich AP, Dydyshka YV, Yurenya EV, Lоbashova VL, Attanasio R, Hegedüs L, Nagy E, Negro R, Papini E, Perros P.

  Shepelkevich AP, et al.
  Probl Endokrinol (Mosk). 2021 Dec 6;68(1):18-26. doi: 10.14341/probl12828.
  Probl Endokrinol (Mosk). 2021.

  PMID: 35262294
  Free PMC article.

  Russian.

• Primary hypothyroidism and quality of life.

  Hegedüs L, Bianco AC, Jonklaas J, Pearce SH, Weetman AP, Perros P.

  Hegedüs L, et al.
  Nat Rev Endocrinol. 2022 Apr;18(4):230-242. doi: 10.1038/s41574-021-00625-8. Epub 2022 Jan 18.
  Nat Rev Endocrinol. 2022.

  PMID: 35042968
  Free PMC article.

  Review.

• Association of Thyroid Function with Suicidal Behavior: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

  Toloza FJK, Mao Y, Menon L, George G, Borikar M, Thumma S, Motahari H, Erwin P, Owen R, Maraka S.

  Toloza FJK, et al.
  Medicina (Kaunas). 2021 Jul 15;57(7):714. doi: 10.3390/medicina57070714.
  Medicina (Kaunas). 2021.

  PMID: 34356995
  Free PMC article.

  Review.

See all “Cited by” articles

References

1. 1. Brain Behav Immun. 2014 Oct;41:261-6

      –

      PubMed

2. 1. Stroke. 2008 Jul;39(7):1938-44

      –

      PubMed

3. 1. Nature. 2008 Oct 16;455(7215):894-902

      –

      PubMed

4. 1. Eur J Endocrinol. 2006 Jan;154(1):21-8

      –

      PubMed

5. 1. Thyroid. 2017 Dec;27(12):1475-1480

      –

      PubMed

MeSH terms

Autoimmune thyroiditis of the thyroid gland

Many are sure that the cause of fatigue and chronic fatigue syndrome is in “malfunctions” with the thyroid gland. Namely – in chronic inflammation of the tissues of the thyroid gland (autoimmune thyroiditis). But is it?

Doctor’s consultation

You can get the consultation of the necessary specialist online in the Doctis application

Laboratory

You can undergo a comprehensive examination of all major body systems

• Signs of autoimmune thyroiditis?
• Autoimmune thyroiditis – as a cause of chronic fatigue
• Diagnosis of autoimmune thyroiditis
• Causes of autoimmune thyroiditis
• Treatment of autoimmune thyroiditis

Autoimmune thyroiditis accounts for 20-30% of all thyroid diseases. Occurs in women
10-20 times more often than in men. What you need to know about this disease – signs
autoimmune thyroiditis and possible consequences?

Symptoms of autoimmune thyroiditis

What are the signs of autoimmune thyroiditis? Is it true that at the first stage the disease proceeds
no symptoms?

In fact, autoimmune thyroiditis is not one, but several diseases that are united by
inflammation in the thyroid gland. The classic variant is chronic autoimmune thyroiditis, or thyroiditis.
Hashimoto. It can lead to a persistent decrease in thyroid function – hypothyroidism.
I emphasize – maybe. But not always.

Autoimmune thyroiditis itself does not have any clinical
signs. Manifestations can only be in violation of the function of the thyroid gland. And then not immediately. Usually,
chronic thyroiditis leads to hypothyroidism years later, often even decades later.

Diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome

It is believed that autoimmune thyroiditis is the cause of rapid fatigue, weakness, syndrome
chronic fatigue.

Is it so?

Since autoimmune thyroiditis does not manifest itself in any way with intact thyroid function, let’s immediately
talk about its possible consequence – hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism can indeed be accompanied
asthenia-like symptoms. Symptoms such as menstrual irregularities, constipation,
anemia, increased
cholesterol levels. However, similar manifestations occur in many diseases. That’s the problem
diagnosis of hypothyroidism, since even at advanced stages it does not have
specific signs.

Fatigue, weakness and drowsiness in some cases may be
associated with decreased thyroid function. But they can be a trail of other chronic diseases. And what
As for chronic fatigue syndrome, this is a beautiful, but not quite definite concept.

What tests to take to confirm (or rule out) autoimmune thyroiditis?

Search for autoimmune thyroiditis, in most cases, does not make much sense. A person can live a lifetime with
signs of autoimmune thyroiditis and die from another disease. But hypothyroidism is really
should not be ignored, since thyroid hormones (thyroxine and triiodothyronine) regulate
supply of oxygen to cells. With a deficiency of thyroid hormones, all cells without exception function.
in power saving mode. They seem to run out of batteries. They cannot adequately exercise their
functions.

Accurate and simple test for diagnosing hypothyroidism – TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) level determination
in blood. With a decrease in thyroid function, it rises.

Why does autoimmune thyroiditis develop? I read that there are many provoking factors. For example,
pregnancy, lack of iodine in food.

A question for the Nobel Prize – no less! We do not know exactly the root causes of autoimmune diseases.
Even when it comes to the most common autoimmune disease – autoimmune thyroiditis. For some reason
cause, in predisposed persons, the normal functioning of the immune system is disrupted, and it attacks its own
cells. In this case, thyroid cells. Any autoimmune disease in general
significantly more common in women than in men. Sometimes – 10-20 times.

Pregnancy can indeed be a provoking factor. And more precisely –
period. The fact is that during pregnancy, the activity of the immune system is suppressed (this is necessary,
to carry an immunologically foreign fetus), and after childbirth is activated. Sometimes – excessively, causing autoimmune
processes.

Dietary iodine deficiency does not lead to autoimmune thyroiditis. And in general, you shouldn’t
associate thyroid disease only with iodine deficiency. Dozens of diseases have been described
thyroid gland – completely different in causes, course and prognosis – and only
some of them are directly or indirectly related to iodine deficiency.

Treatment of autoimmune thyroiditis

Is it true that hypothyroidism is the only indication for treatment
autoimmune thyroiditis, and in other cases, treatment is not required?

When it comes to chronic
autoimmune thyroiditis – absolutely right. Specifically affect the autoimmune process
modern medicine, alas, does not yet know how. Moreover, autoimmune thyroiditis, as already noted, is far from always
has an adverse effect on the body. Its only significant consequence is a decrease in function
thyroid gland.

And hypothyroidism is fairly easy to control. Replacement therapy for hypothyroidism involves taking daily
levothyroxine tablets. The dose is selected and
supervised by an endocrinologist
when determining the level of TSH. Any restrictions compensated patients with hypothyroidism,
usually do not experience.

The author of the article: Valentin Viktorovich Fadeev

Doctor’s consultation

You can get the consultation of the necessary specialist online

Laboratory

You can undergo a comprehensive examination of all major body systems

Autoimmune thyroiditis – causes, symptoms and diagnosis, indications for visiting a doctor

A typical representative of a large group of autoimmune diseases is autoimmune thyroiditis. This is an inflammation of the thyroid gland that occurs from the destruction of its cells by the immune system. It proceeds for a long time, often becomes chronic, therefore it is also found under the wording Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (Hashimoto) in honor of the scientist who, at 19In 12, he studied and described the disease, and as “chronic thyroiditis” (although there is another form of chronic inflammation – Riedel’s thyroiditis). This is the most common type of inflammation in the thyroid gland, among the four main forms of pathologies. Let’s take a closer look at what causes inflammation, how to diagnose, treat, and avoid it.

What is Hashimoto’s thyroiditis

This is inflammation that results from damage or destruction of thyroid follicles by cells of the immune system (T-lymphocytes). At the same time, infiltrates appear in the gland, and the activity of the gland and the amount of thyroid hormones in the body decrease. Hypothyroidism develops slowly.

The disease is diagnosed in 3% of all thyroid pathologies. Most of the patients are women. In them, this diagnosis occurs 10-20 times more often than in men. There is also a dependence on age – Hashimoto’s thyroiditis rarely occurs in people under thirty years of age. Most patients are middle-aged women (30-50 years).

Symptoms of autoimmune thyroiditis of the thyroid gland

The clinical picture largely depends on the form of the disease. In autoimmune thyroiditis, there are:

• Atrophic course – the gland retains its former dimensions, but as the cells die, the glandular tissue is replaced by fibrous tissue.
• Hypertrophic – a dense goiter is formed.

This is a slowly progressive inflammation, which is rarely characterized by exacerbations and signs of damage to the body as a whole (fever, increased ESR).

A typical picture at the beginning of the inflammatory process is implicit. Usually there are no symptoms.

Approximately 10% of women and 5% of men are carriers of antibodies to TPO or TG, while thyroid dysfunction may develop in 3-6%. Later, the production of TSH increases, the diagnosis is made according to the results of the tests. A sign of the next stage is hypothyroidism – the growth of the gland and a significant decrease in the hormones T3 and T4. As a result of the inflammatory process in the thyroid gland, it is destroyed and it stops producing hormones.

In an acute form of inflammation or as the disease develops, symptoms of destructive thyroiditis appear – palpitations, trembling in the hands, sweating.
This process usually takes 3 to 6 months. Subsequently, it turns into hypofunction of the thyroid gland, which is characterized by:

• The induration on the neck is rather hard in structure, but painless on palpation and pressure (only 10% of patients complain of pain on palpation). Over time, iron, on the contrary, significantly decreases in volume.
• As the gland grows, the neighboring structures of the neck are compressed, there is a feeling of a foreign body in the throat, lack of air, hoarseness of the voice.
• Pain in the joints, rarely in the muscles.
• General weakness.
• Weight gain.
• Constipation or indigestion.
• Loss of hair, including on the eyebrows.
• Dryness, unhealthy pallor of the skin, brittle nails.
• Mental disorders of depressive type.
• Frequent feeling of cold, chilliness.
• Deterioration of memory and attention.
• Edema of the face.
• Bradycardia.
• Decreased sex drive.

Many of the symptoms are associated not so much with inflammation, but with already developing hypothyroidism.

The characteristic symptoms of autoimmune thyroiditis in women are: irregular menstruation, prolonged absence of pregnancy with regular sexual activity, spontaneous miscarriages.

Causes of autoimmune thyroiditis

The disease occurs due to a malfunction in the immune system, which leads to the fact that gland cells are mistakenly perceived as foreign organisms. Why such a failure occurs is not exactly established. But there are a number of factors that can be considered risk factors and causes of autoimmune thyroiditis of the thyroid gland:

• Hereditary predisposition at the gene level – dependence is confirmed by the fact that often the disease is familial and occurs in representatives of several generations. In such patients, often thyroiditis is complemented by such diseases as: vitiligo, rheumatism and others.
• Infections of the nasopharynx, tonsils and oral cavity: laryngitis, pharyngitis and others, as well as untreated caries. The most dangerous are chronic diseases or acute forms of infection with complications in neighboring organs.
• Severe or chronic stressful situations.
• Polluted ecology (for example, excess chlorine in water, air).
• An excess of iodine in the body for a long time.
• Radiation exposure or a course of radiation therapy in the treatment of oncology.
• Thyroid tumors of a benign nature (eg endemic goiter).
• UV exposure, frequent and long exposure to the sun without protection during the hours when it is most active.
• Uncontrolled or on the recommendation of a doctor (if necessary) intake of immunomodulators (for example, Interferon).
• Long-term treatment with certain medications.
• Blood diseases.

Complications

The main complications of thyroiditis include hypothyroidism and thyrotoxicosis.

Thyroid dysfunction may adversely affect:

• Nervous, digestive, respiratory and cardiovascular systems.
• Kidneys.
• Skin and its appendages – nails and hair.
• Musculoskeletal system.
• Organs of the reproductive system.
• Disorders of growth and mental development.
• Metabolism.

Diagnosis

If you suspect thyroiditis or other pathologies of the thyroid gland, you should contact an endocrinologist. It is this doctor who prescribes examinations, finds out the possible causes of thyroid dysfunction and decides how to treat the patient. At the appointment, the doctor will examine the patient and assess the condition of his skin, enlargement and soreness of the thyroid gland, learn about complaints, family history, concomitant diseases. Depending on the clinical picture, certain examinations may be prescribed.

Help with diagnosis:

• Blood test – general, for TSH, T3, T4 hormones and antibodies to them.
• Ultrasound is an affordable, quick and informative examination to assess the condition of the gland, its size, uniformity of structure, the presence of nodes, seals, fibrous areas and other pathologies.
• Scintigraphy will help distinguish thyroiditis with thyrotoxicosis from other diseases with similar signs. It is based on the property of the affected gland not to accumulate a contrast agent in large quantities.

After clarification of the diagnosis by the endocrinologist, the method of therapy is selected.

Treatment

In the early stages, when there are no disorders in the thyroid gland, no specific treatment is required. The doctor will recommend leading a healthy lifestyle, normalizing nutrition, giving up bad habits and monitoring your well-being. Regular annual consultations and examinations are necessary in order not to miss the further development of the disease.

If the function of the gland is already impaired, then in most cases hormone replacement therapy is prescribed.

Against the background of maintenance therapy, it is recommended to undergo periodic examinations to monitor the dynamics of changes and, if necessary, change the dosage of the drug.

It is not recommended to self-medicate, use folk remedies, take vitamins on your own or increase the dose of iodine in the diet.