Hashimoto's Thyroiditis

Medical Revising Author: Ruchi Mathur, MD, FRCP(C)
Medical Editor: William C. Shiel, Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

• Introduction to Hashimoto's thyroiditis
• What causes Hashimoto's thyroiditis?
• What are the symptoms of Hashimoto's thyroiditis?
• How is Hashimoto's thyroiditis diagnosed?
• What is the treatment of Hashimoto's thyroiditis?
• Should I be concerned if I have Hashimoto's thyroiditis and want to become pregnant?
• Conclusions

Hypothyroidism Symptoms Medical Author: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD Medical Editor: William C. Shiel, Jr, MD, FACP, FACR The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped organ situated on the front of the neck that secretes two hormones, thyroxine (also known as T4) and triiodothyronine (called T3), that are important in the control of metabolism. Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce adequate levels of these critical hormones. Hypothyroidism is very common and is estimated to affect 3%-5% of the adult population. It is more common in women than in men, and the risk of developing hypothyroidism increases with advancing age. Hypothyroidism is most commonly a result of an autoimmune condition known as Hashimoto's thyroiditis, in which the body's own immune cells attack and destroy the thyroid gland. Read the more about hypothyroidism symptoms » Top Searched Hashimoto's Thyroiditis Terms: parathyroid, treatment, TSH rates, autoimmune thyroid disease, lupus, pernicious anemia, peripheral neuropathy, causes , depression , thyroid nodule , pregnancy

Introduction to Hashimoto's thyroiditis

Hashimoto's thyroiditis is the most common cause of hypothyroidism in the United States. It is named after the first doctor who described this condition, Dr. Hakaru Hashimoto, in 1912.

What causes Hashimoto's thyroiditis?

Hashimoto's thyroiditis is a condition caused by inflammation of the thyroid gland. It is an autoimmune disease, which means that the body inappropriately attacks the thyroid gland--as if it was foreign tissue. The underlying cause of the autoimmune process still is unknown. Hashimoto's thyroiditis tends to occur in families, and is associated with a clustering of other autoimmune conditions such as Type 1 diabetes, and celiac disease. Hashimoto's thyroiditis is 5-10 times more common in women than in men and most often starts in adulthood. Blood drawn from patients with Hashimoto's throiditis reveals an increased number of antibodies to the enzyme, thyroid peroxidase an enzyme (protein) found within the thyroid gland. As result of the antibodies' interaction with the enzyme, inflammation develops in the thyroid gland, the thyroid gland is destroyed, and the patient ultimately is rendered hypothyroid (too little thyroid hormone).

From the Doctors at MedicineNet.com

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