Hashimoto's Disease - Symptoms & Causes - Mayo Clinic

Overview

• Hashimoto's disease is an autoimmune disorder affecting the thyroid gland, which is located at the base of the neck.
• The thyroid produces hormones that regulate many body functions.
• Hashimoto's results in the immune system attacking thyroid cells, leading to decreased hormone production (hypothyroidism).
• Most common in middle-aged women.
• Also known as Hashimoto's thyroiditis, chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis, and chronic autoimmune thyroiditis.
• Treated primarily with thyroid hormone replacement.

Symptoms

• Disease progresses slowly.
• Symptoms due to decreased thyroid hormone production:
  • Fatigue and sluggishness
  • Sensitivity to cold
  • Increased sleepiness
  • Dry skin
  • Constipation
  • Muscle weakness and aches
  • Joint pain
  • Irregular/excessive menstrual bleeding
  • Depression
  • Memory or concentration issues
  • Goiter (enlarged thyroid)
  • Puffy face
  • Brittle nails
  • Hair loss
  • Enlarged tongue

When to See a Doctor

• Symptoms vary widely and aren’t specific, making diagnosis challenging.
• Important to seek medical advice early for accurate diagnosis.

Causes

• The immune system mistakenly attacks thyroid cells.
• Possible causes include:
  • Genetic factors
  • Environmental triggers (infection, stress, radiation)
  • Interaction between genetic and environmental factors

Risk Factors

• Sex: Women are more prone.
• Age: More common in middle age.
• Other autoimmune diseases: Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 diabetes, or lupus increase risk.
• Family history: Thyroid or autoimmune diseases in family elevate risk.
• Pregnancy: Changes in immune function post-pregnancy may trigger the disease.
• Iodine intake: Excessive iodine could trigger the disease.
• Radiation exposure: Increases susceptibility.

Complications

• Untreated hypothyroidism leads to:
  • Goiter: Enlargement of the thyroid; can affect appearance, swallowing, or breathing.
  • Heart problems: Poor function, enlarged heart, irregular heartbeats, high LDL cholesterol.
  • Mental health issues: Depression or severe mental disorders.
  • Reproductive dysfunction: Affects sexual desire, ovulation, menstrual regularity in women, erectile dysfunction, and sperm count in men.
  • Pregnancy issues: Increased risk of miscarriage, preterm birth, developmental disorders in babies.
  • Myxedema: Rare, life-threatening condition from untreated hypothyroidism requiring emergency treatment.

Additional Resources

• For more detailed information, visit the Mayo Clinic website or consult a healthcare provider.