Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis Hypothyroidism

• Hashimoto thyroid disease is an autoimmune condition affecting the thyroid gland
• The damage to the thyroid caused by this condition can lead to hypothyroidism 
• Hashimoto thyroiditis treatment focuses on getting your thyroid hormone levels back within normal range using medication

Hashimoto thyroid disease is an autoimmune disease that can cause damage to your thyroid gland. This damage can lead to hypothyroidism. This can cause symptoms that may have an effect on your quality of life, and may even cause severe health issues if left untreated. With the correct treatment, this condition can be managed properly. In this article, Ada’s medical team will provide you with more info on this condition, its symptoms, diagnosis, and treatments. 

Hashimoto disease is a condition of the thyroid. The thyroid is a small gland situated in the front of your neck that produces important hormones. These hormones produced by the thyroid are involved in many processes throughout the body, as they regulate how your body uses energy. Hashimoto disease is an autoimmune disorder, meaning that the immune system mistakenly attacks your own thyroid gland. This can cause the thyroid to slow down its production of hormones, which is a situation called hypothyroidism. Women are affected by Hashimoto disease much more frequently than men, with a ratio of about 9:1. In early disease stages, Hashimoto’s disease can sometimes also lead to a temporarily overactive thyroid, which is also referred to as hyperthyroidism. 1 2

The signs of Hashimoto’s disease often only develop after a while, making it difficult to notice the condition in its early stages. Some possible Hashimoto symptoms are: 1 3 2

• Fatigue
• Unexplained weight gain
• Joint and muscle aches
• Constipation
• Cold and dry skin
• Thinning hair
• Brittle nails
• Slow heart rate 
• Depression 
• Elevated blood pressure

Hashimoto disease symptoms in females can also include changes to your period and fertility issues. 

Another possible symptom of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is the development of a goiter. This is an enlargement of your thyroid gland, which you may feel in the front of your neck and which may even be visible in some cases. This goiter sometimes goes away on its own after many years. 

The cause of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is an autoimmune inflammation of the thyroid gland. This is genetic in many cases, although some other factors may also contribute to the development of this disease: 1

• Infection with viruses, such as the Hepatitis C virus
• The use of medication that contains iodine or medication for mental health issues
• Exposure to toxins and nuclear radiation

People who have Hashimoto need to take the replacement medication for the thyroid hormone for the rest of their lives. This ensures that your levels of thyroid hormone stay within the normal range, and that you decrease your risk of developing complications. 3

In order to diagnose you with Hashimoto’s disease, your healthcare provider will first ask you questions about the symptoms you’re experiencing, your medical history, and whether or not someone in your family suffers from Hashimoto’s disease. A physical exam of the neck can help your healthcare provider assess whether there is an enlargement of your thyroid gland. If your healthcare provider suspects that you may have Hashimoto’s disease, then blood tests testing for thyroid hormone levels and certain antibodies can help confirm Hashimoto's thyroiditis diagnosis. 1

In some cases, the diagnosis of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis also requires an ultrasound. This is especially the case when your blood tests are inconclusive, but your healthcare provider still suspects that you may have Hashimoto. On an ultrasound of your thyroid gland, your healthcare provider can assess the size and characteristics of your thyroid. 3

Hashimoto disease treatment depends on how far your condition has progressed. In the early stages, your healthcare provider may recommend you to wait for treatment and check your symptoms and thyroid hormone levels regularly. 

If your thyroid hormone levels have dropped due to damage caused by the condition, then your healthcare provider may recommend you Hashimoto disease medication. This medication, called levothyroxine, serves as a replacement for a thyroid hormone called thyroxine (T4) and helps to get your levels of thyroid hormones back within the normal range. In order to follow up on your hormone levels and to see whether the dosage of your medication is correct, your healthcare provider will need to check your blood regularly. 2 3

Diet is also an essential factor in Hashimoto's treatment. Excessive intake of foods that are high in iodine should be avoided, such as kelp and seaweed, commonly used in sushi. Your healthcare provider can give you recommendations on what to take into account for your Hashimoto’s thyroiditis diet. 1

Although Hashimoto’s thyroiditis medication is an effective treatment for Hashimoto, new treatments for Hashimoto’s thyroiditis are constantly being researched and developed. 

If Hashimoto thyroid disease doesn’t get treated, there will eventually be damage to your thyroid gland that leads to the development of hypothyroidism. Without any treatment for hypothyroidism, you can develop several other conditions, such as: 1

• High cholesterol
• Heart failure and heart disease
• High blood pressure
• Myxedema

• Chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis
• Autoimmune thyroiditis

Hashimoto thyroid disease is an autoimmune disorder which can lead to the development of hypothyroidism. If left untreated, this condition can cause several health issues. By recognizing the symptoms of this condition, you can get diagnosed early on and receive treatment that helps restore your levels of thyroid hormone.

Q: What is Hashimoto's disease/thyroiditis? 
A: Lymphocytic thyroiditis, also known as Hashimoto disease, is a condition in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland. This causes damage to the gland, which ultimately results in hypothyroidism. 

Q: Can Hashimoto’s disease be cured? 
A: Hashimoto's disease cannot be cured. However, with the help of Hashimoto disease medication, your levels of thyroid hormone can return to a normal range. It is however important to get your blood checked regularly, to make sure that you are still taking the right dosage of medicine. 

Q: How to test for Hashimoto? 
A: In order to find out whether or not you have Hashimoto, your healthcare provider can check your thyroid hormone levels and certain antibodies with blood tests. An ultrasound can also provide more insights into the condition of your thyroid gland. 

Q: What is the difference between Hashimoto’s thyroiditis vs hypothyroidism? 
A: Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is a condition which can cause hypothyroidism, while hypothyroidism refers to an underactive thyroid that doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormone. Hypothyroidism can have various causes, including Hashimoto. 

Q: What is the best thing to do for Hashimoto’s disease? 
A: If you have Hashimoto thyroid disease, then it’s important to take your medication which replaces the thyroid hormone as your healthcare provider prescribed. You should also get your blood checked regularly, to make sure that your hormone levels are within normal range.