Some people are diagnosed with hypothyroidism but never learn the actual underlying cause.
Read more to learn about the different kinds of hypothyroidism, especially Hashimotos disease.
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Whats the Connection Between Hashimotos and Hypothyroidism?
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In fact, healthcare providers may deduce that it is the underlying cause of hypothyroidism if another isnt identified.
What Are the Different Types of Hypothyroidism?
Hashimotos is the most common pop in of hypothyroidism in the United States.
It is a chronic autoimmune disease in which part of the immune system attacks thethyroid gland.
Because of this, the gland underproduces thyroid hormone.
In other geographical areas, such as parts of Africa and Asia, some people get hypothyroidism fromiodinedeficiency.
Iodine is a mineral that your thyroid gland needs to make thyroid hormone.
Sometimes, people have hypothyroidism because of injury to the area due to surgery or radiation treatment.
People can also have problems with thyroid hormone production because of certain drugs.
Some rare infections and thyroid cancer can cause the thyroid not to produce enough hormone.
Another category is transient hypothyroidism, in which hypothyroidism is only temporary.
Transient hypothyroidism can happen during pregnancy or due to a virus.
It can lead to pain in the front of your neck area and other temporary symptoms from hypothyroidism.
What Are the Symptoms of Hashimotos Disease?
Because thyroid hormone affects many body systems, low levels can lead to various symptoms.
It can also increase problems ofinfertility.
Severe Symptoms
Severe and long-standing untreated hypothyroidism can lead toserious and life-threatening symptoms.
Hashimotos vs. Hypothyroidism: Whats the Difference?
Hypothyroidism refers to lower-than-normal levels of thyroid hormone from any cause.
Hashimotos is one specific cause of hypothyroidism, which involves an autoimmune response to certain parts of the gland.
You likely have Hashimoto’s if you live in the United States and have hypothyroidism.
And if you know you have Hashimotos, you also have hypothyroidism.
What Causes Hypothyroidism in Hashimotos?
In Hashimotos disease, immune cells called lymphocytes spread into the thyroid gland.
These antibodies may contribute to inflammation in the gland.
Researchers are still learning why some people get Hashimotos disease and others dont.
Genetic and environmental factors are likely involved.
Hashimotos vs. Hypothyroidism: How Are They Diagnosed?
A healthcare provider gets the first clues of potential hypothyroidism through your personal medical history and a physical exam.
Often, symptoms will point toward possible hypothyroidism.
Blood tests are also critical in diagnosis.
Clinicians will often use athyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) testas part of initial testing.
Positive antibodies indicates Hashimoto’s.
Positive antibody tests with low FT4 and high TSH indicate Hashimotos disease.
In subclinical hypothyroidism, you have a high TSH with normal free T4 levels.
Around 50% of people with subclinical hypothyroidism have positive thyroid antibodies.
These people tend to have few, if any, of the symptoms associated with evident hypothyroidism.
However, knowledge on this subject is evolving, and some experts recommend treating some people with subclinical hypothyroidism.
It might impact your medical care.
If youve had repeated miscarriages, getting blood thyroid tests and antibody tests may also be helpful.
There could be multiple causes of this.
Sometimes, a healthcare provider might not use the term Hashimotos disease with the person being diagnosed.
They might use the term hypothyroidism to keep it more straightforward.
In other cases, a clinician might not get a test for thyroid antibodies.
They might assume the person has Hashimotos disease and treat it accordingly, even without the test.
How Are Hashimotos and Hypothyroidism Treated?
Correcting Thyroid Hormone Deficiencies
Currently, its standard to treat hypothyroidism with Synthroid (levothyroxine).
Synthroid treatment also may be a reasonable choice for some people with subclinical hypothyroidism from Hashimotos.
The optimal use of additional thyroid hormones is not completely clear scientifically.
A different synthetic thyroid hormone, Cytomel (liothyronine), imitates the natural thyroid hormonetriiodothyronine(T3).
For example, people who have hypothyroidism from iodine deficiency may need iodine supplementation as part of their treatment.
Regarding Hashimotos disease, scientists havent yet found ways to treat the potential underlying causes of the condition.
Unfortunately, scientists havent identified proven strategies to reduce these risks.
Summary
Hypothyroidism refers to lower-than-normal levels of thyroid hormone produced in your thyroid gland.
This leads to inflammation and lower levels of thyroid hormones in your blood.
Work with a healthcare provider to determine the right amount of synthetic thyroid hormone to reduce your symptoms.
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