Diagnosing Hashimoto's Disease

There are some tests a doctor can order in a bid to determine if a person is suffering from an underactive thyroid gland. These tests include:

• Free T4 test: This test determines the amount of T4 hormone in the blood and is done via blood sample. Some medications that can increase T4 levels includes birth control pills, tamoxifene, raloxifine, clofibrate, estrogens and methadone. Drugs that can decrease T4 levels include barbiturates, antithyroid drugs, amiodarone, anabolic steroids, rifampin, phenytoin, interferon alpha, carbamazepine, interleukin-2, lithium, and propranolol and glucocorticoid medicines.
• Serum TSH: This test is done to determine the level of thyroid stimulating hormone in the blood. TSH is made by the pituitary gland and it tells the thyroid to manufacture and release hormones into the blood.
• T3 test: For this test, a blood test is performed to check levels of triiodothyronine in the body. A physician can order this test to check if a person is suffering from an under or overactive thyroid disorder or to check if there is a problem with the pituitary gland.

Complications Of Hashimoto’s Disease

Being an autoimmune disorder means Hashimoto’s is the result of a malfunctioning immune system. It is an autoimmune disease which means a person has a higher risk of developing other autoimmune disorders. It can increase the risk of the following:

• Addison’s disease
• Goiter: The constant stimulation of the thyroid to release more hormones than normal can cause the gland to become enlarged, which is a condition known as goiter. Hypothyroidism is one of the most common reasons for goiter and though not uncomfortable, a larger goiter can result in an abnormal appearance and it can cause breathing and swallowing issues.
• Heart issues: This disease can also be associated with an increased chance of heart disease, usually due to higher than average levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. If untreated, hypothyroidism can cause an enlarged heart and in rare instances, heart failure.
• Grave’s disease
• Premature ovarian failure
• Type I diabetes
• Lupus erythematosus
• Pernicious anemia (a condition that prevents the absorption of vitamin B12)
• Mental health issues: It’s possible someone with this disease could develop depression. It can come severe with time and it can also result in decreased sexual desire and slowed mental functioning.
• Thrombocytopenic purpura: This is a disorder that disrupts the body’s ability to clot blood.
• Myxedema: Although rare, this condition is life-threatening and could lead to long-term hypothyroidism because of Hashimoto’s disease being untreated. Its signs and symptoms include an extreme intolerance to cold and drowsiness, followed by intense lethargy and unconsciousness.
• Rheumatoid arthritis

Prognosis

While there is no way a person can avoid or prevent Hashimoto’s disease, the sooner it is diagnosed, the sooner treatment can begin. Because the disease is not preventable, it is more important to recognize the signs and symptoms of it. If a person has an understanding of the symptoms and visit’s a doctor as soon as possible, there is a good chance he or she may be able to avoid or prevent progression of the disease or any possible complications it can bring.