Auto Immune Thyroiditis
Summary
An inflammation of thyroid gland, which makes hormones that control many of the body’s functions. It causes fatigue, weight gain, puffy face and slow heartbeat.
Causes:
It is caused by an autoimmune disorder. Know More
Symptoms:
Symptoms are fatigue, weight gain and abnormal menstruation. Know More
Diagnosis:
Doctor may do a physical examination looking for enlargement of thyroid gland. Know More
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Facts
Treatments can help manage condition, no known cure
Diagnosed by medical professional
Often requires lab test or imaging
Can last several years or be lifelong
More common in females
Family history may increase likelihood
Urgent medical attention recommended
Know More
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is an autoimmune disease. The disease progression is slow and is classified as five different stages.
- Stage 1: Genetic predisposition – no signs and symptoms & no triggers for the disease progression.
- Stage 2: Immune cell Infiltration – TSH, Free T3 and Free T4 level will be normal. TPO antibodies may be elevated in blood.
- Stage 3: Subclinical Hypothyroidism – elevated TSH and higher levels of TPO antibodies. Inflammation in the thyroid gland.
- Stage 4: Overt Hypothyroidism – Higher TSH and low levels of Free T3, Higher TPO antibody. Thyroid gland destruction.
- Stage 5: Progression to other autoimmune diseases.
Symptoms
COMMON
People may be asymptomatic in the early stage, but they may develop the following symptoms as the condition progresses:
Fatigue
Weight gain
Depression
Slowed heart rate
Heavy or abnormal menstrual periods
Sensitive to cold
Puffiness of face
Difficulty to conceive
Dry skin
Enlargement of thyroid gland
Causes
COMMON
Actual cause of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is not known, but it is clear that autoimmune response to the thyroid gland induces the disease condition. Following are the possible causative factors that can trigger autoimmune response.
Family history
Excessive exposure to radiation
Exposure to chemical agents
Hormonal changes
Viral infections
Diagnosis
COMMON
Doctor may do a physical examination looking for enlargement of thyroid gland.
Blood test to check for levels of TSH, Free T3 and T4 levels
To check levels of anti-thyroperoxidase antibodies that plays a role in production of thyroid hormones.
To check compression of esophagus and the trachea.
Treatments
Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis cannot be cured but medications (thyroid hormone replacement therapy) will help manage the disease condition.
Complications
Birth defects: Babies born to women having Hashimoto’s thyroiditis are likely to have high risk of birth defects.
- Goitre: Inflammation of the thyroid gland leads to enlargement. Most common cause of goitre is hypothyroidism.
- Mental Health Issue: Depression is observed in a person with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, this worsens over the period of time.
- Myxedema – This is a rare case.
- Heart problems – Increased risk of heart problems.
Questions To Ask Your Doctor
- What are the life style modifications I need to follow?
- Will there be any problem in conceiving?
- Will this lead any serious mental health issue?
Nutrition
FOODS TO EAT
FOODS TO AVOID
Foods to eat:
Following healthy diet
Probiotic rich foods
Fermented foods
Vitamin C rich food can improve the immunity
Foods to avoid:
Gluten rich foods
Soy
Rich Omega 6 foods
Canola oil
Source Credit: Hashimoto’s thyroiditis: Symptoms, causes, diagnosis and treatments (msn.com)