Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is an autoimmune disease in which the body mistakenly attacks its own cells. Let’s find out what it involves and how it is treated.

When we talk about Hashimoto’s thyroiditis or autoimmune thyroiditis, we mean a thyroid problem caused by a malfunction of the immune system. The main cause of hypothyroidism , this chronic thyroiditis involves a whole series of problems that need treatment. For this reason it is very important to recognize it from the first symptoms.

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis symptoms and causes

Chronic autoimmune thyroiditis manifests itself with very specific symptoms.

Among these the best known are:

– Enlargement of the gland
– Excessive tiredness
– Weight gain
– Constipation
– Slow heartbeat
– Dry hair
– Extreme pallor
– Poor tolerance to cold
– Muscle or joint pains
– Depression
– Poor concentration

As for the causes, although there is a familiarity in those who suffer from it, it is not yet understood what causes it.

The common thought in science is that its appearance is due to a whole series of factors ranging from genetic to environmental ones. Furthermore, it seems that too much iodine intake or the presence of other autoimmune diseases may favor its onset.

Hashimoto’s Thyroid: Diagnosis and Treatment

In most cases, the diagnosis for this thyroid disease is made after a physical examination and a check of TSH and other hormones and instrumental tests such as ultrasound or CT scan.

Once the presence of Hashimoto’s disease or hypothyroidism is found, the doctor will evaluate the condition of the gland. For Hashimoto’s thyroid, treatment varies based on several factors.

In some cases (those mild and with few symptoms) the doctor may in fact limit himself to the simple observation of the disease. In others, however, the most common choice is to prescribe synthetic thyroxine. Although it is a disease that cannot be cured, taking the hormone helps to keep the symptoms under control.

In addition to drugs and constant observation of the disease, it is also important to take care of nutrition.
It is therefore essential to reduce the consumption of foods rich in histamine (such as cocoa, canned fish, cold cuts and mushrooms), solanaceae, gluten and aged cheeses. In case of untreated disease, broccoli, cabbage, radishes, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts should also be limited. On the contrary, oats and Omega 3 are recommended.

Regarding Hashimito’s thyroiditis, the consequences are not serious. If left untreated, however, it can obviously lead to a progressive worsening of symptoms. Only in really severe cases can heart problems occur.