Hashimoto’s Disease

While hypothyroidism and Hashimoto’s disease are closely related, the two are distinctly different conditions. The best way to differentiate between the two is to recognize that Hashimoto’s disease is a problem with your immune system that commonly leads to hypothyroidism, which is a problem with your thyroid gland. Because of this, the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of both conditions are similar.

What Is Hashimoto’s Disease?

Hashimoto's disease is an autoimmune disorder that affects the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located in the front of the neck; it produces hormones that regulate the body's metabolism.

The immune system attacks the thyroid gland in patients with Hashimoto’s disease. This can cause the thyroid gland to become damaged and unable to produce enough hormones, a condition known as hypothyroidism, or an underactive thyroid. Hashimoto's disease – also known as chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis or autoimmune thyroiditis – is the most common cause of hypothyroidism.

Symptoms of Hashimoto’s Disease

Because Hashimoto’s disease is a leading cause of hypothyroidism, its symptoms are similar to underactive thyroid symptoms. This includes fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, constipation, dry skin, and muscle aches. The symptoms you experience are often subtle and may develop slowly.

Cause & Risk Factors

There is no single known cause of Hashimoto's disease, but it is believed to be due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Some research suggests that a viral or bacterial infection may trigger the body's immune system to attack the thyroid gland. Other possible triggers include stress, certain medications, and exposure to toxins.

There are several risk factors for Hashimoto's disease, including:

• Age: The condition is more common in people over the age of 40.
• Family history: If you have a family member with Hashimoto's disease, you have an increased risk of developing the condition yourself.
• Gender: Women are more likely than men to develop Hashimoto's disease.
• Pregnancy: Pregnant women are at increased risk of developing Hashimoto's disease.
• Certain medical conditions: If you have another autoimmune disorder, such as type 1 diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis, you're at increased risk of developing Hashimoto's disease.
• Smoking: Smoking can increase your risk of developing Hashimoto's disease.
• Exposure to certain chemicals: People who are exposed to certain chemicals, such as perchlorate, may be at increased risk of developing Hashimoto's disease.

Diagnosis & Treatment

Hashimoto's disease is diagnosed with a blood test that measures thyroid hormones levels and antibodies (which may indicate the presence of an autoimmune disorder like Hashimoto’s). Treatment typically involves taking thyroid hormone replacement medication.

There is no cure for Hashimoto's disease, but it can be managed with medication and lifestyle changes. Treatment typically involves taking synthetic thyroid hormone to replace the hormones that the thyroid is no longer able to produce. With treatment, most people with Hashimoto's disease lead normal, healthy lives.

Left untreated, however, Hashimoto’s disease can cause the thyroid gland to become enlarged (goiter) and can lead to other problems such as infertility, osteoporosis, and heart disease.

The key is to ensure you’re being most effectively treated for the condition causing your low-thyroid symptoms. At the Optimal Thyroid Program, that is precisely what we do. No matter the reason for your underactive thyroid condition, we can help.