Millions of Americans in the United States could be living with an undiagnosed thyroid dysfunction. Due to their similarity of symptoms with other health conditions, thyroid conditions often go unnoticed. In fact, some experts estimate that approximately 60 percent of those with thyroid disease are completely unaware of their condition. Unrecognized thyroid conditions can result in serious health complications such as heart disease, osteoporosis, infertility, and more. One common thyroid condition that can be overlooked is Hashimoto’s disease.
What is Hashimoto’s?
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, more commonly known as Hashimoto’s Disease, is an autoimmune condition in which your body’s immune system starts to produce antibodies that target the thyroid, making your body think it is a foreign intruder. Just like the immune system would target a virus or bacteria, Hashimoto’s disease causes the body to attack the thyroid, resulting in inflammation. Once inflamed, the thyroid will either enlarge or shrink. As inflammation persists, the thyroid gradually produces less and less thyroid hormone, leading to hypothyroidism.
Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland underproduces thyroid hormones. Also known as underactive thyroid, this condition can lead to serious health issues such as high cholesterol and heart problems.
Symptoms of hypothyroidism include:
- Fatigue
- Weight gain
- Cold intolerance
- Constipation
- Enlargement of the thyroid gland
- Muscle weakness
- Thinning or coarse hair
- Irregular menstrual cycles
- Depression
- Memory issues
- Dry skin
What causes Hashimoto’s?
While researchers do not understand why certain people develop Hashimoto’s disease, there are several factors that may impact your likelihood of developing the condition:
- Genes
There is a strong genetic component for this condition. Someone with a first-degree relative with Hashimoto’s has a greater chance of developing the condition than someone without. It’s important to discuss any such family history with your doctor to prevent a missed diagnosis.
- Age
Your risk of developing Hashimoto’s disease increases as you age.
- Sex
Hashimoto’s is far more common in females than males. In fact, Hashimoto’s affects approximately seven times as many women as men. This higher occurrence in women is most likely a result of anatomical differences, which also make them more likely to develop other thyroid conditions as well. Hashimoto’s is most common among middle-aged women.
- Preexisting Immune Conditions
Since those with another existing immune disease are already producing antibodies, there’s a higher chance that the body will begin producing antibodies that target the thyroid as well.
What should I do if suspect I have Hashimoto’s?
If you suspect that you might be suffering from Hashimoto’s disease or hypothyroidism, it’s a good idea to discuss your concerns with a primary care provider. Given that the symptoms of these conditions closely resemble a variety of other ailments, it’s important to get an accurate diagnosis. A simple blood test will indicate whether your thyroid function is low. If it is low, they may test your blood for antibodies as well to determine if the low thyroid function is due to Hashimoto’s. Typically, a yearly physical will include tests for thyroid function, but if you are concerned, there is no harm in asking your physician if it’s included in your testing.
What is the treatment for Hashimoto’s?
If your doctor determines that you require treatment, you’ll likely be placed on thyroid replacement medication to make up for your underactive thyroid.
“If you have Hashimoto’s causing hypothyroidism, you will likely need to be on lifelong thyroid replacement,” said board certified endocrinologist, Tharini Gunapalan, MD of TPMG Coastal Endocrinology-Suffolk. In some rare cases, including women during the postpartum period or children, thyroid replacement can be temporary; however, the majority of patients will need lifelong treatment.
Thyroid replacement typically begins with a treatment plan based on your weight and the severity of your symptoms. After your doctor has determined a dosage of thyroid replacement medication, they’ll likely continue to monitor your condition and adjust if there is little to no improvement. Initially, patients often still retain some thyroid function, however as inflammation continues to cause the thyroid to shrink, that function may decline. It’s not uncommon for those on thyroid replacement medications to require a dosage adjustment.
If you notice any of the symptoms listed above, don’t hesitate to talk to your doctor about it. Hashimoto’s disease is very manageable if caught. If you have questions regarding your thyroid function, don’t delay seeking help. Talk to a board certified endocrinologist today and find relief from your symptoms.
About Tharini Gunapalan, MD
Tharini Gunapalan, MD is a board-certified in internal medicine and endocrinology physician with TPMG Coastal Endocrinology- Suffolk. She sees adults for a range of conditions including type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, calcium and bone disorders, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), pituitary and adrenal disorders, obesity, and more. She has a particular medical interest in diabetes and thyroid disorders.
