A Hashimoto’s thyroiditis — or Hashimoto’s syndrome — is a chronic and autoimmune disease, characterized by the action of the body’s antibodies that attack thyroid cells. Consequently, people with the condition experience symptoms such as fatigue, drowsiness, muscle weakness, depression and memory problems, among others.
A thyroid It is a butterfly-shaped gland located in the neck. She is responsible for produce hormones essential for many body functionssuch as metabolism, growth, memory and concentration.
In Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, the immune system mistakenly attacks the cells of this gland in a progressive manner, which causes it to become inflamed and less functional. Therefore, the syndrome can lead patients to develop hypothyroidism, a condition characterized by low production of thyroid hormones.
What are the causes of Hashimoto’s Syndrome?
The exact causes of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis are not yet fully understood. However, according to the Mayo Clinic, some factors may be related to the autoimmune action that leads to the destruction of thyroid cells, such as:
- Genetic factors (family history);
- Environmental factors, such as infections, stress or exposure to radiation;
- Pregnancy (changes in immune function may be a factor in Hashimoto’s disease);
- Excessive iodine intake.
Furthermore, according to the MSD Manual, the syndrome is more common in women, especially in middle age. It is also a common condition in people with certain chromosomal abnormalities, such as Down syndrome, Turner syndrome and Klinefelter syndrome.
Symptoms of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
Initially, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis may cause no symptoms. But, as it is a syndrome that progresses slowly over the years, it can manifest typical signs when it leads to hypothyroidism. According to the Mayo Clinic, the main Hashimoto’s thyroiditis symptoms they are:
- Fatigue;
- Slowness;
- Somnolence;
- Muscle weakness and pain;
- Joint pain and stiffness;
- Sensitivity to cold;
- Constipation;
- Dry skin;
- Irregular or excessive menstrual bleeding;
- Depression;
- Memory or concentration problems;
- Thyroid swelling;
- Loss of hair.
How to diagnose Hashimoto’s thyroiditis?
The diagnosis of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis can be made through thyroid function testslike the TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone), high levels of which indicate hypothyroidism, and T4 (thyroxine), which confirms the results of a TSH test when your level is low.
Another test that can be used in the diagnosis of Hashimoto’s syndrome is the antibody test, which helps confirm whether thyroiditis is the cause behind hypothyroidism. According to the Mayo Clinic, patients with the syndrome have antibodies against thyroid peroxidase (TPO) in their blood.
In some cases, you may also be asked to thyroid ultrasoundwhich helps signal the presence of thyroid nodules.
Treatments for Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
O Hashimoto’s thyroiditis treatment can be done through hormone replacement made with a synthetic hormone called levothyroxine. This hormone will produce an effect similar to the T4 hormone produced naturally by the thyroid, helping to resume the functions that the gland performs in the body and, consequently, improving the symptoms of the disease.
The dosage of levothyroxine will be indicated by a specialized healthcare professional according to individual characteristics, such as weight, age, current thyroid production, among other medical conditions. About 6 to 10 weeks after starting hormone replacement, TSH levels will be measured to adjust the dosage as needed.
Furthermore, patients being treated for Hashimoto’s thyroiditis should avoid excess iodine in foods or nutritional supplements.
Source: CNN Brazil
