Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis Triggers Hypothyroidism as Antibodies Attack the Neck Gland
Updated
Updated · Moneycontrol · May 25
Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis Triggers Hypothyroidism as Antibodies Attack the Neck Gland
4 articles · Updated · Moneycontrol · May 25
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis develops when the immune system produces antibodies that attack the thyroid, a gland in the lower neck that controls energy, temperature and organ function.
The disorder often progresses slowly over years and can first appear as a goitre or as hypothyroidism, bringing fatigue, weight gain, constipation, cold sensitivity, dry skin, muscle aches and irregular periods.
Women at older ages are affected most often, though the condition can occur at any age and commonly runs in families; in children, it can also slow physical growth.
Blood tests diagnose the disease through high TSH, low thyroid hormone levels or thyroid antibodies, and doctors say patients with normal hormone levels mainly need regular TSH monitoring.
Treatment is usually straightforward thyroid-hormone tablets, often continued lifelong, with surgery generally not required.
With autoimmune diseases surging, can we reverse the immune attack in Hashimoto's instead of just managing its symptoms?
What specific policies can combat the environmental triggers fueling the rapid global rise in autoimmune diseases like Hashimoto's?