What Is Hashimoto Disease?

Hashimoto Hypothyroid Disease

Hashimoto hypothyroid disease is an autoimmune disorder in which antibodies designed to protect the body attack it instead. In the case of Hashimoto's hypothyroid disease, the antibodies attack the thyroid, causing an inflammation that reduces the ability of the thyroid to produce certain hormones. This creates a disorder known as hypothyroidism (also known as underactive thyroid or low thyroid).

To compensate for the reduced production of hormones, the pituitary gland attempts to stimulate the thyroid, causing thyroid gland to enlarge. Such an enlargement is known as goiter. Hashimoto hypothyroid disease, which is known medically as chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis, is the most common cause of low thyroid in the United States.

Hashimoto hypothyroidism symptoms Symptoms of Hashimoto hypothyroid disease are hard to isolate. Thyroid damage occurs slowly over a course of years. When symptoms finally present themselves, they resemble the symptoms of hypothyroidism, including the following.

• Constipation
• Depression and anxiety
• High cholesterol levels
• Hoarseness
• In women, excessive or prolonged menstrual bleeding (see women and thyroid problems)
• Increased sensitivity to cold
• Pale, dry skin
• Puffiness in the face
• Tender, stiff muscles and joints, accompanied by muscle weakness (particularly in the lower extremities)
• Unexplained weight gain
• Weariness, fatigue, forgetfulness and sluggishness

Hashimoto's Disease Treatment Symptoms tend to become more severe without treatment. Treatment with thyroid hormone replacement is usually simple and effective. The first steps include observation and medications. If there are symptoms but no concrete evidence of hormone deficiency, the doctor may suggest a wait-and-see approach.

The next step is to have thyroid function tests done. If these detect a hormone deficiency, further steps would include hormone replacement therapy. This usually means using the synthetic thyroid hormone levothyroxine (also known as Levothroid, Levoxyl, or Synthroid). Synthetic levothyroxine is identical to thyroxine, which is the natural secreted naturally by your thyroid. When the appropriate dose is taken, Levothyroxine causes almost no side effects. It is relatively inexpensive compared to many other medications. See thyroid supplements.

Taking other medications or supplements may affect your ability to absorb levothyroxine, as may eating certain foods. Consult with a doctor if you're on a high-fiber diet or eat a lot of soy products. See thyroid diet plans.

You should also talk to your doctor if you take any of the following:

• A medication called Cholestyramine (Questran), which is used to lower blood cholesterol levels
• Aluminum hydroxide, which can be found in some antacids
• Calcium supplements
• Iron supplements, including multivitamins that contain iron
• Sodium polystyrene sulfonate (Kayexalate), which helps prevent high blood potassium levels
• Sucralfate, which is a medication for ulcers

Also see our article on how Hashimoto thyroid disease got its name.