The damage lowers the level of hormones it can produce, leading tohypothyroidism(low thyroid activity).
Thethyroidis a butterfly-shaped gland at the front of your neck.
It makes hormones that control your metabolism, which is how your body uses energy.
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Thyroid hormones influence nearly every organ in your body.
This article discusses Hashimoto’s disease symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment options.
AJ_Watt / Getty Images
What Is Autoimmune Disease?
It then creates specialized cells called autoantibodies to attack that body part.
Experts have identified more than 80 autoimmune diseases.
Hashimotos Disease Symptoms
Hashimotos disease can cause various symptoms.
You may not experience all of them, and you may experience different symptoms at different times.
Its possible to have Hashimotos thyroiditis and not know youre sick.
Thyroid-Related Symptoms
HD is a throw in of hypothyroidism and shares its symptoms.
These include:
HD can also cause agoiter, which is an enlarged thyroid gland.
It is resulting from inflammation and is not cancerous.
This is a response to the immune systems attack calledhashitoxicosis.
Symptoms can include:
Eventually, the thyroid will produce less hormone, and the symptoms will change.
Autoimmune DiseaseRelated Symptoms
An overactive immune system causes specific symptoms.
You may experience:
Symptoms of autoimmunity tend to flare up from time to time rather than being constant.
What Causes Hashimotos Disease?
Medical professionals are unsure what causes autoimmune diseases, including Hashimotos.
Associated Endocrine Disorders
Hashimotos is often seen alongside otherendocrine(hormonal) and metabolic conditions.
Hashimotos Disease Diagnosis: What Tests Are Used?
Can You Detect Hashimotos Disease Early?
It is possible to diagnose HD early on.
This is most common in people with a strong family history of thyroid disease.
Your dosage may be changed several times.
You might also need to increase your dosage over time or if you become pregnant.
Supplements and Herbal Remedies
You shouldnt venture to self-treat a thyroid disease with supplements or herbs.
Proper treatment takes frequent monitoring with blood tests and a qualified healthcare provider to interpret them.
However, some supplements may help counter common vitamin and mineral deficiencies in people with HD.
Your healthcare provider can do blood tests to see whether you have any deficiencies.
Goitrogens
A group of foods calledgoitrogenscan interfere with how much hormone your thyroid makes.
Some common goitrogenic foods include:
If youreiodine deficient, soy may also act as a goitrogen.
Iodine
Your body uses iodine to produce thyroid hormones.
When you have HD or other autoimmune diseases, though, high levels of iodine can worsenhypothyroidism.
Iodine-containing foodsinclude:
If youre pregnant, getting the right amount of iodine is important.
Your healthcare provider can help you determine how much iodine you need.
Complications of Hashimotos Disease
If HD isnt treated, it can lead to seriouscomplications.
These can include:
Speak to a healthcare provider about these symptoms.
It may indicate that your thyroid-replacement hormone dosage is too low or too high.
You may also benefit from mental health counseling, support groups (locally and online), and exercise.
Hashimotos can take a toll on your social life.
Let your provider know how they can help you manage your illness.
If your HD causessexual dysfunction,discuss it with your partner(s).
see to it they know its not a problem with them but with your health.
A healthcare provider may be able to help you find ways to overcome your sexual dysfunction.
Outlook
Hashimotos disease is a lifelong illness, and the prognosis for most people is good.
HD can stay stable for many years, with no necessary increase in medication or management strategies.
Its easily treatable with long-established medications and doesnt shorten your life expectancy.
The earlier Hashimotos disease is diagnosed, the better your long-term outlook is.
Talk to a healthcare provider if you have symptoms that may suggest a thyroid problem.
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