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Symptoms Of Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis
By peace | May 18, 2006
Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis is a type of autoimmune thyroid disease in which the immune system attacks and destroys the thyroid gland. The thyroid helps set the rate of metabolism, which is the rate at which the body uses energy. Hashimoto’s stops the gland from making enough thyroid hormones for the body to work the way it should. It is the most common thyroid disease in the U.S.
There is some evidence that Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis can have a hereditary link. If autoimmune diseases in general run in your family, you are at a higher risk of developing one yourself.
Some patients with Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis may have no symptoms. However, the common symptoms are fatigue, depression, sensitivity to cold, weight gain, forgetfulness, muscle weakness, puffy face, dry skin and hair, constipation, muscle cramps, and increased menstrual flow. Some patients have major swelling of the thyroid gland in the front of the neck, called goiter.
Your doctor will perform a simple blood test that will be able to tell if your body has the right amount of thyroid hormones. This test measures the TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) to find out if the levels are in the normal range. The range is set by your doctor and should be discussed with you. Work with your doctor to figure out what level is right for you. There are other available tests that your doctor may choose to do if need be, such as a blood test to measure the level of “active thyroid hormone” or Free T4 and a scan (picture) to look at the thyroid.
The following are the most common symptoms. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently:
- goiter (enlarged thyroid gland which may cause a bulge in the neck)
- other endocrine disorders such as diabetes, an underactive adrenal gland, underactive parathyroid glands, and other autoimmune disorders
- fatigue
- muscle weakness
- weight gain
The symptoms of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis may resemble other conditions or medical problems. Consult a physician for diagnosis.
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