6 Things You Need To Know About Hashimotos Thyroiditis

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis has no cure, but timely diagnosis and proper treatment can help with the symptoms and prevent complications. Learn more in this article.

In 1912, the Japanese physician Hakaru Hashimoto discovered a new immune system disease. According to his research , hashimotos affects the thyroiditis immune system as it attacks the thyroid gland. Learn more about Hashimoto’s disease, or Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, below.

1. What is Hashimoto’s thyroiditis?

When Hashimoto did his research, he discovered that in some cases, the immune system attacks the body’s tissue instead of protecting it.

In the case of this disease , the body attacks the thyroid gland.

Thus, the immediate result is a significant reduction in the production of hormones that you need for many bodily functions.

2. The causes of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis

Why do you get hashimoto's thyroiditis? Read why here.

The causes of the disease are not fully understood, but researchers believe that certain aspects are related to its development.

If you have the four risk factors below, see a specialist to determine if you have the disease or what your risk is.

Your genes

First of all, this disease often occurs in families with instances of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis or similar diseases.

It is important to talk to your loved ones and get some tests done to rule out serious issues.

Excessive iodine

In addition, Doctor Hashimoto’s studies showed that excessive iodine in the body can trigger this disease.

Although you should always avoid using too much iodine, pay special attention to your consumption if you have a family history of this.

Unexplained hormonal changes

Hashimoto's thyroiditis can cause hormonal changes.

As Hashimoto’s disease affects the thyroid gland, your hormone levels may change.

In general, most women with the disease are diagnosed between one and five years after giving birth, although it can also be seen before pregnancy.

Exposure to radiation

This disease is one of the most common effects of radiation exposure.

Various studies conducted after the explosions in Hiroshima, Nagasaki and Chernobyl demonstrate this.

Patients who have received radiation for leukemia and other cancers may also develop the disease.

Symptoms of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis

The symptoms appear slowly, making it difficult to detect.

Changes you need to take care of include:

Severe fatigue or daily, constant exhaustion.
Sensitivity to cold.
Chronic, sudden constipation.
Raised face.
Constant snoring.

Pale, dry skin.
Stiff hip and shoulder muscles.
Weak lower extremities.
Weight gain due to fluid retention.
Stiff hand, foot and knee joints.
Constant depression.
Excessive menstrual bleeding.

4. Detection of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis

Hashimoto’s disease can be diagnosed with the following tests:

T3 test: A test that shows problems with the pituitary gland and the triiodothyronine hormone.
Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) Test : TSH is a hormone that stimulates the thyroids to produce and release other hormones into the bloodstream. This test will check if your levels are not as they should be.
Free T4 Test : The balance of this hormone is very important. It is common for it to rise due to medication as a contraceptive, while barbiturates lower it. Outside of these factors, it should be at a proper level.

5. What does this disease do?

Hashimoto's thyroiditis can affect your uterus.

The problems that Hashimoto’s thyroiditis causes, of course, lie in the fact that it is an autoimmune disease. As we have mentioned, it is a condition in which the body turns to its own tissues and organs.

Overall, this means that the affected tissues begin to lose their ability to perform the tasks they are required to perform.

Over time, other autoimmune diseases can develop as a result:

Type 1 diabetes
Lupus erythematosus
Ovarian problems
Heart problems
Rheumatoid arthritis
Myxedema
Struma
Addison’s disease

5. Prevention of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis

Unfortunately, there really is no way to prevent Hashimoto’s disease. But what you can do is keep the risk factors in mind and look for symptoms.

If you have a family history, or if your doctor indicates that you have a risk factor, you should have tests done every year to make sure everything is ok.

All in all, if you want to prevent or reduce your risk, a healthy lifestyle that includes a proper diet, exercise and rest can be a great help.

However, it is important to remember that the disease has symptoms that are quite obvious to specialists, so it is quite easy to catch at the right time.

The tests are very accurate and an early diagnosis can help you manage the disease well and avoid complications.