Hashimoto's disease
Also called: chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis
A disorder that happens when the immune system attacks the thyroid — a butterfly-shaped gland at the base of the neck just below the Adam's apple.
- Treatable by a medical professional
- Requires a medical diagnosis
- Lab tests or imaging always required
- Chronic: can last for years or be lifelong
In Hashimoto's disease, the immune system causes the death of the cells in the thyroid that make hormones. The disease usually causes a drop in the amount of hormones the thyroid makes. That condition is called hypothyroidism. Although anyone can develop Hashimoto's disease, it's most common among middle-aged women.
Hashimoto's disease slowly gets worse over time. Symptoms may not be noticeable. Eventually, the drop in thyroid hormone triggers a variety of symptoms. They may include fatigue; extra sensitivity to cold; dry skin; constipation; muscle weakness; thyroid swelling; depression; and muscle and joint aches, tenderness and stiffness, among others.
Most people with Hashimoto's disease take medicine to treat hypothyroidism. If hypothyroidism is mild, though, no treatment may be needed. In that case, regular testing to monitor thyroid hormone levels usually is recommended.
Common: More than 200,000 US cases per year
Consult a doctor for medical advice
Sources: Mayo Clinic and others. Learn more
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This thyroiditis is an autoimmune disease. It occurs when your body makes antibodies that attack the cells in your thyroid. The thyroid gland becomes overrun ...
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Hashimoto's disease is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects your thyroid gland. It can cause lower-than-normal levels of thyroid hormone in your body.
Feb 28, 2024 · Chronic thyroiditis is caused by a reaction of the immune system against the thyroid gland. It often results in reduced thyroid function ...
Hashimoto's thyroiditis is also known as chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis or autoimmune thyroiditis. It is an autoimmune disorder.
Hashimoto's disease is an autoimmune disorder that can cause hypothyroidism, or underactive thyroid. Rarely, the disease can cause hyperthyroidism, or ...
Hashimoto thyroiditis is an autoimmune disease that destroys thyroid cells by cell and antibody-mediated immune processes.
Chronic thyroiditis is caused by a reaction of the immune system against the thyroid gland. It often results in reduced thyroid function (hypothyroidism).
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