Hashimoto's thyroiditis, or Hashimoto's disease, is a disorder that affects the thyroid gland. Hashimoto's thyroiditis is also known as chronic autoimmune thyroiditis and chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis. It is also known as Hashimoto's thyroiditis, Struma lymphomatosa, Lymphadenoid goiter, Chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis, Autoimmune thyroiditis.

 

It is the common disorder of the thyroid gland and can occur at any age. It is most commonly seen in middle aged women. It is an autoimmune disorder. Due to autoimmune process the inflammation of the thyroid gland occurs causing impairment in the production of the thyroid hormones causing hypothyroidism.

Symptoms of Hashimoto’s disease

• Fatigue.
• Constipation
• Hoarse voice
• Dry skin
• Pale skin
• Puffiness of face
• Depression
• Muscle pain, tenderness
• Muscle weakness
• Increased levels of cholesterol
• Weight gain.
• Fluid retention
• Intolerance to cold
• Excessive menstrual bleeding
• Forgetfulness
• Hair loss.
• Difficulty in thinking
• Difficulty in concentration
• Enlarged neck with goiter.

Diagnosis of the Hashimotos disease

• Thyroid function tests: It shows low free T4 levels, high TSH levels, normal or low T3 levels.
• Thyroid auto antibodies like antithyroid peroxidase antibody and antithyroglobulin antibody are present.
• Complete blood count.
• Cholesterol levels.
• Serum prolactin levels.
• Radioactive iodine uptake test

Complications

• Goiter
• Heart diseases.
• Myxedema
• Mental health problems.
• Infertility
• Birth defects in the new borns in the mother having Hashimoto’s disease

Treatment

Levothyroxine is given to treat the hypo thyroidism or if there is mild thyroid failure (indicated by elevation of TSH) which is also known as subclinical hypothyroidism