Symptoms of Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis affects approximately 14 million American adults each year. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is an autoimmune disorder whereby a malfunction of the immune system causes inflammation of the thyroid gland. Oftentimes, sufferers may have the condition for years without experiencing any symptoms of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis or perhaps having mild symptoms but not linking them to a thyroid condition.

What is Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis?

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, also known as chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis or Hashimoto’s disease, occurs when antibodies and immune cells damage the thyroid gland and decrease the thyroid gland’s ability to produce thyroid hormone. Hypothyroidism will occur if the thyroid gland cannot make enough thyroid hormone. Also, a person’s thyroid gland can enlarge and form a goiter.

Causes and Risk Factors

A problem with the immune system causes Hashimoto’s disease. A properly functioning immune system protects the body against foreign invaders, including bacteria, viruses, and foreign substances. In the case of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, the immune system mistakenly sees thyroid cells as foreign invaders and begins making antibodies to destroy those cells.

Several things can increase your risk of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, including:

• Female – Women are more likely to develop Hashimoto’s disease than men.
• Family History – A family history of Hashimoto increases your risk.
• Excess Iodine – Too much iodine consumption can increase the risk of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.
• Radiation Exposure – If exposed to radiation, your risk of developing antibodies to your thyroid gland increases.

Symptoms of Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis

Because individuals may not experience any symptoms or mild ones for several years, this disease can remain undiagnosed until a person either develops a goiter (enlarged thyroid gland) or has bloodwork drawn revealing abnormal thyroid testing. When symptoms occur, they are generally rooted in low thyroid hormone levels or pressure from an enlarged thyroid.

The first sign of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is often a painless swelling of the thyroid gland, usually referred to as a goiter. The thyroid gland lies in the front of the neck, below the larynx. The enlargement (goiter) places pressure on the surrounding tissues, causing swallowing difficulties, breathing difficulties, and a raspy voice.

As Hashimoto’s thyroiditis continues, this may cause hypothyroidism. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is an autoimmune disease affecting every body area. The severity of Hashimoto’s symptoms depends upon the level of thyroid hormone deficiency. Some of the most common symptoms of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis include the following:

• Brain Fog and Memory Loss – Hashimoto’s hypothyroidism affects the brain and can cause several brain-related symptoms, including memory loss and brain fog. Other neurological symptoms include dementia and confusion. Typically, these symptoms are reversible with adequate treatment.
• Constipation—The body that underproduces thyroid hormones will slow down overall. Even the muscles of the digestive tract that help stool pass will become more sluggish. Hypothyroidism weakens these muscle contractions, decreasing bowel movements and causing constipation.
• Dry Skin – When thyroid hormone production slows, body processes are altered. The skin may develop fine lines and wrinkles or become scaly with deep cracks.
• Fatigue – Individuals with Hashimoto’s may experience excess fatigue and desire more sleep and naps. It may be challenging to get up in the morning.
• Feeling Cold—Your thyroid gland helps control body temperature and is like the body’s generator. Without enough thyroid hormones, body temperature drops. People with Hashimoto’s disease may also notice less sweating.
• Fluid Retention—Hashimoto’s thyroiditis causes swelling, puffiness, and fluid retention, known as edema. Swelling often occurs in the face, around the eyes, and in the hands and feet.
• Hair Loss—Hashimoto’s can cause diffuse hair loss, called autoimmune alopecia. Once thyroid hormones are normalized, hair loss is often reversible.
• Infertility – Women with Hashimoto’s disease are at an increased risk of infertility, making it difficult to become pregnant. Altered thyroid hormone levels affect ovulation, and some women with hypothyroidism do not produce eggs for fertilization.
• Irregular, Prolonged, or Excessive Menstrual Bleeding—Thyroid issues can affect menstrual cycles. Periods may be heavier than usual, or the cycle may become irregular.
• Non-Specific Aches and Stiffness in Joints and Muscles—A poorly functioning thyroid gland can cause systemic inflammation, which leads to stiffness and pain in the joints and muscles.
  
• Puffy Face—Hypothyroidism, which occurs with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, slows vital body functions. The voice may become hoarse, facial expressions dulled, eyelids may droop, and the face may become puffy.
• Slow Heart Rate—Thyroid hormones affect heart rate. When thyroid hormone levels decrease, the heart may beat between ten and twenty beats per minute, which is lower than usual.
• Thinning or Brittle Hair—Hashimoto’s can affect the scalp by decreasing oxygen flow, which can cause hair to thin or become brittle.
• Weight Gain—People with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis often experience weight gain due to bloating from an altered electrolyte balance or a slowing metabolism.

Holistic Treatment for Hashimoto’s

Our clinicians adopt a holistic approach to treating Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, using a combination of supplements, diet or lifestyle changes, and medications, if needed, to reduce the effects of autoimmune disorders on the body. In some instances, you may require thyroid hormone replacement, which provides the body with the thyroid hormones it needs to maintain proper health. Our team of providers will closely monitor your thyroid levels, as too much or too little thyroid hormone can cause various medical issues.