Handling Hashimoto’s Disease

You feel tired and cold all the time. You are chronically constipated. Your hair is thinning. You could have Hashimoto’s disease.

Hashimoto’s disease is the most common cause of adult hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism is a thyroid gland not making enough thyroid hormone.

Hashimoto’s disease is an autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system attacks its own tissues. Antibodies are produced that attack the thyroid gland specifically, gradually destroying its function and, in some cases, causing thyroid enlargement. The cause of Hashimoto’s disease isn’t known but a virus, bacteria or genetic defect may all play a role.

The thyroid gland produces hormones that regulate metabolism. When the thyroid is underactive, symptoms can include fatigue, increased sensitivity to cold temperatures, dry skin, constipation, thinning hair, elevated cholesterol, weight gain and depression. Rarely, advance cases of hypothyroidism can cause loss of consciousness and be life-threatening.

Hashimoto’s disease affects 1 to 2 percent of people in the United States. It is more common in women than men, which may be related to hormonal factors. People with a strong family history of Hashimoto’s disease or with associated conditions such as Type 1 diabetes, Addison’s disease (adrenal gland malfunction), rheumatoid arthritis or pernicious anemia are at increased risk.

The thyroid gland’s destruction occurs slowly, so signs and symptoms creep up on a person almost imperceptibly. When they reach their maximum, people know for sure that something is wrong. Often, the thyroid gland enlarges—a goiter.

An individual with Hashimoto’s disease might seek medical care for symptoms associated with the condition. The proof that the immune system is to blame can be shown by examining thyroid gland tissue microscopically. Lymphocytes, one variety of white blood cells and an important part of the immune system, have infiltrated the gland. In addition, antibodies are products of the immune system.

If the patient’s doctor never checks for Hashimoto’s or does test for the disease but can’t offer any form of care other than medication that is failing to work, the individual will continue to feel awful. In fact, they will likely feel worse as damage to their thyroid and overall health continues.

This is one possible scenario that illustrates the complexities of Hashimoto’s disease. It’s often overlooked as a potential cause of symptoms that might range from those typical of low thyroid to just the opposite: weight loss, anxiety and insomnia. When Hashimoto’s is identified as the cause of thyroid problems, traditional medicines offers little to nothing in the way of support that can help the patient feel better.

The most common approach is to attempt to alleviate symptoms through medications, which may fail to work or compound the problem by causing unwanted side effects.

Diagnosis of Hashimoto’s disease is confirmed by low blood levels of thyroid hormone and high blood levels of TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone). The pituitary gland overproduces TSH in response to low thyroid hormone levels. An antithyroid antibody may also be found in the blood.

Treatment with a daily dose of levothyroxine, a synthetic thyroid hormone, usually decreases symptoms within eight weeks. It can also gradually lower cholesterol levels that are increased due to Hashimoto’s disease, and help with weight gain. TSH levels should be periodically checked to be sure the dose of levothyroxine is correct.

If you have Hashimoto’s disease or suspect you do, then it is crucial to get the proper care and support. A doctor who is trained in Hashimoto’s disease is a great choice for care that identifies the root causes of your condition and how it is affecting your body and your health. It is then possible to develop a customized plan for therapeutic support that will begin to make you feel better. At the same time, you can minimize the risk and likelihood of developing additional health problems. Although there is no cure for Hashimoto’s disease, you can benefit from help that allows you to achieve and sustain your best possible health.