Most women who keep tabs on issues related to women’s health have likely heard of diseases associated with the thyroid, a small gland at the base of your neck which is part of the endocrine system that produces hormones. Thyroid disorders can arise when your thyroid gland produces too much (hyperthyroidism) or not enough hormone (hypothyroidism). Common thyroid gland disorders include Hashimoto’s disease, Graves’ disease, goiter, and thyroid nodules.
What is it?
One of those diseases, Hashimoto’s results in an under-active thyroid gland (hypothyroidism). It is an autoimmune condition that mostly affects women between the ages of 40 and 60.
Who gets it?
Even though middle-aged women are the best candidates for Hashimoto’s diseases, there is nothing that prevents it from showing up in younger women, men, or even children. You are at high risk of getting it if it runs in your family, as it is hereditary, or if you have another autoimmune disease—such as Type 1 diabetes, lupus, or rheumatoid arthritis.
People who have been exposed to high levels of environmental radiation are also more likely to develop Hashimoto’s diseases. Of course, you are in the highest risk bracket if you have already had some type of thyroid surgery.
Symptoms
Sometimes the symptoms of Hashimoto’s disease can go unnoticed for years. The first sign can be an enlarged or swollen thyroid, usually combined with unexplained weight gain, prolonged and/or heavy menstruation, fatigue and depression, sensitivity to cold, constipation, hair loss and brittle nails, muscle weakness and joint pain, and even memory lapses.
Treatment
Since Hashimoto’s is a disease that affects the production of hormones in your body, it is usually treated with daily hormone intake—levothyroxine, the hormone that your thyroid gland would normally produce. In this way, the level of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) will slowly start to stabilize. Hormonal intake can take a long while to act in the body, so it may be several months before the symptoms begin to wane.
Consult your doctor in case your dose needs to be adjusted as your TSH levels can change due to pregnancy, heart disease, or if you take menopausal hormone therapy.
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Hashimito’s disease is the type of condition that can slowly sneak up on you without warning. It poses serious risks for women, as its signs and symptoms may not initially be felt, seen, or sensed. Improve your knowledge and awareness of this dangerous, and often undetected disease, so you can give yourself the best opportunity to avoid a delayed diagnosis.
What is Hashimoto’s Disease?
Hashimoto’s disease, also known as chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis, primarily impacts middle-aged women. It is an autoimmune disorder in which your immune system creates antibodies that attack your thyroid gland—the small gland at the base of your neck. Your thyroid gland is an essential element of your endocrine system, as it produces hormones that coordinate many of your bodily functions. Hashimoto’s diseases typically cases inflammation of the thyroid, which can lead to complications of hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid gland).
Causes and Risk Factors of Hashimoto’s Disease
The causes of this autoimmune disease are not known. Some scientists believe Hashimoto’s disease may be caused by a virus or bacterium, while others believe it may stem from a genetic flaw. Factors that may impact your risk of Hashimoto’s disease include: gender, age, and heredity. More specifically, women are more likely to be diagnosed with Hashimoto’s disease, and while the disease can impact men and women of any age, it is most likely to impact middle age adults.
If members of your family have been diagnosed with a thyroid or autoimmune disease in the past, you also may be at a greater risk of Hashimoto’s disease. Other factors that may increase your risk include having been diagnosed with another auto immune disease, such as lupus, or rheumatoid arthritis, or having been exposed to excessive amounts of environmental radiation.
Signs and Symptoms
Hashimoto’s disease typically progresses slowly over many years, causing chronic thyroid damage. Many of the symptoms of Hashimoto’s disease go undetected, and typically mirror those of hypothyroidism. Talk to your doctor if you experience any of the following common symptoms:
- A swelling at the front of your throat (known as “goiter”)
- Fatigue
- Depression
- Memory lapses
- Muscle aches and stiffness
- Joint pain
- Increased sensitivity to cold temperatures
- Constipation
- Dry, pale skin
- Brittle nails
- A puffy face
- Hair loss
- A swollen tongue
- Unexplained weight gain
Treatment Options
If you’re diagnosed with Hashimoto’s disease, your doctor may recommend treatment with synthetic hormones. Daily hormone replacement therapy may help if you are experiencing thyroid hormone deficiency. Use of daily synthetic hormones may be lifelong, though your doctor will likely regularly check your levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) to monitor the proper dosage.
Talk to Your Doctor
If you have questions or concerns about Hashimoto’s disease, or believe you may be experiencing hypothyroidism, talk to your doctor. He/she can help you better understand your risk factors, or provide a diagnosis.
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Most women who keep tabs on issues related to women’s health have likely heard of diseases associated with the thyroid, a small gland at the base of your neck which is part of the endocrine system that produces hormones. Thyroid disorders can arise when your thyroid gland produces too much (hyperthyroidism) or not enough hormone (hypothyroidism). Common thyroid gland disorders include Hashimoto’s disease, Graves’ disease, goiter, and thyroid nodules.