Information on Hashimoto's Thyroiditis
Hashimoto's Thyroiditis is when the body's immune system attacks the thyroid gland, leading to swelling and inflammation. It was one of the first autoimmune diseases to be discovered.
The disease can happen to anyone, but it is seven times more common in women than men.
Research has shown that there is likely a genetic component to the disease, as people who get it usually have someone in their family who does also. There is also likely a hormonal factor to the disease, as having a baby significantly increases the chances of getting it. Excessive iodine consumption and radiation exposure may also contribute toward the disease. There is no real way to prevent the disease. Most research on the disease is dedicated to finding the precise genetic mechanism associated with it.
Besides an enlarged thyroid gland, other symptoms may include weight gain, fatigue, hair loss, and joint/muscle pain. Most of these occur because Hashimoto's Thyroiditis often causes a hormonal imbalance. Today, the disease is diagnosed by a Thyroid-Stimulating hormone test (TSH), which measures thyroid function. There is no way to cure the disease, but treatment to restore hormonal imbalance is usually applied. In the most extreme cases, the thyroid gland must be removed.
The disease can happen to anyone, but it is seven times more common in women than men.
Research has shown that there is likely a genetic component to the disease, as people who get it usually have someone in their family who does also. There is also likely a hormonal factor to the disease, as having a baby significantly increases the chances of getting it. Excessive iodine consumption and radiation exposure may also contribute toward the disease. There is no real way to prevent the disease. Most research on the disease is dedicated to finding the precise genetic mechanism associated with it.
Besides an enlarged thyroid gland, other symptoms may include weight gain, fatigue, hair loss, and joint/muscle pain. Most of these occur because Hashimoto's Thyroiditis often causes a hormonal imbalance. Today, the disease is diagnosed by a Thyroid-Stimulating hormone test (TSH), which measures thyroid function. There is no way to cure the disease, but treatment to restore hormonal imbalance is usually applied. In the most extreme cases, the thyroid gland must be removed.