Hashimoto’s Disease: Causes, Diagnosis And Treatment

Hashimoto’s disease, also called Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, is an autoimmune disease. In fact, it was the first diseases to ever be labeled as an autoimmune disorder. With this disorder, the immune system turns against the tissues of the body. In those who suffer from Hashimoto’s, the immune system attacks the thyroid and it can result in causing many problems in a person’s body. Hashimoto’s was first described by a Japanese specialist named Hakaru Hashimoto in a German publication in 1912.

The Thyroid Gland: What It Is And How It Works

The thyroid gland is located in the base of a person’s neck, right below the Adam’s apple. The gland is shaped like a butterfly, each lobe lies on either side of the trachea or windpipe. The purpose of the thyroid is to produce, store and release thyroid hormones into the bloodstream. The hormones manufactured by the thyroid — liothyronine and levothyroxine — affect and help control almost every cell in the body. If a person’s body makes too much thyroid, the body will speed up and the condition is known as “hyperthyroidism.” While if there is too little thyroid hormone, it slows the body down and the condition is known as “hypothyroidism.”

What Are The Causes Of Hashimoto's Disease?

The exact reasons why a person develops this disease is unknown. However, there are many factors that are thought to play a role and these include:

• Hormones: This disease affects about seven times more females than males, which suggests that sex hormones could play a part. Moreover, some women have thyroid issues the first year after giving birth to a baby. However, as many as 20 percent of these females will go on to develop Hashimoto’s at a later date in time.
• Genes: Hashimoto’s often runs in families and having members who have a thyroid disorder or autoimmune disease suggests there is a genetic link.
• Excessive iodine: There are studies that suggest certain medications and too much iodine may trigger some people to develop thyroid disease.
• Exposure to radiation: There are some cases of thyroid disease being reported in individuals who have been exposed to radiation. This would include the atomic bombs in Hiroshima, the Chernobyl nuclear disaster and radiation treatment for leukemia.

Symptoms Of Hashimoto’s Disease

It is possible that a person may not notice the first signs of this disease, or an individual may notice swelling in the front of the throat. Hashimoto’s generally progresses slowly through the years and it will result in chronic thyroid damage that leads to a decrease in thyroid hormones in the bloodstream. 

READ Hashimoto's Disease & Hyperthyroidism

Hashimoto's disease signs and symptoms are mainly related to an underactive thyroid and include:

• Sluggishness and feeling tired and/or fatigued
• Constipation (chronic)
• Increased sensitivity to cold temperatures
• Pale, dry skin
• A puffy facial appearance
• Hoarseness upon speaking
• Unexplainable weight gain which occurs infrequently and if often mostly fluid retention
• Tender, stiff muscles particularly in the shoulders and hips
• Muscle weakening particularly within the lower extremities
• Excessive menstrual bleeding
• Stiff and painful joints in the hands, knees and feet
• Episodic depression

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.