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One of the primary reasons behind hypothyroidism is Hashimoto's disease. What is the disease about, and how does it affect the victim? In this blog, an attempt to understand this autoimmunity disorder shall be presented with early warning signs to enable doctors to effectively diagnose them.
It is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system begins to attack the thyroid. This organ is found in the neck and regulates many functions in the human body-be it your metabolism and energy levels to hormones. Such diseases trigger inflammation that goes through steps of destroying the tissue which can render it irreparable and non-functional. This makes the gland unable to manufacture some hormones, which may initiate with a temporary phase of hyperthyroidism and typically lead to hypothyroidism in the later stages.
Hashimoto's disease is unlike the short-lived diseases as it is progressive in its nature. For this reason, most individuals may not even be aware that they could be harboring the disease for years. It becomes hard to identify as Hashimoto's disease symptoms take a lot of time to manifest and develop. It can take a long period of time before an individual may become alerted about the disease without a doctor's proper diagnosis. Thus, making check-ups and blood tests very important.
Hashimoto's disease symptoms vary from mild to severe, with many overlapping with other diseases. Thus, Hashimoto's disease diagnosis is a bit complex. However, familiarity with common signs helps one understand when to seek medical attention.
One of the defining features of Hashimoto's disease is an exhausting fatigue. Such fatigue does not fade away with a good night's sleep. Rather, it is a type of deep form of exhaustion that makes mundane tasks take monumental effort. The body is kept in a constant low-energy condition because the thyroid may not be able to produce enough hormones to enable the regulation of energy within the body.
This most often results in unintended weight gain, which is pretty irksome for many individuals seeking healthy lifestyles. When diet and exercise patterns remain unchanged, a person can experience weighing more as the hypothyroidism causes metabolism to slow down.
Hashimoto's thyroiditis is usually associated with brittle hair, considerable hair fall, and dry scaly skin. This is so because thyroid hormones are essential to the normal functioning of hair follicle cells and skin cells. When these hormones have levels lower than sufficient ones, tissue reproduction is altered, and changes can be detected.
Do you often feel chills when others in your environment feel cozy? This heightened sensitivity to cold is but another hallmark of Hashimoto's. Since the thyroid is necessary for controlling body temperature, a reduced thy function can make you more susceptible to feeling chilly, even when the climate is cool.
Hashimoto's disease not only attacks the physical body but also the mental state. A lot of people recognize these symptoms as depression, irritation, or lack of focus commonly referred to as "brain fog." Such symptoms can adversely affect someone's ability to function satisfactorily in everyday tasks-whether it is work-life responsibility, social relationship-building, or personal goals.
Hashimoto's disease does not owe its origin to a single cause but rather finds expression through the interaction of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle influences. The principal causes of Hashimoto's disease and associated risk factors for its development are reviewed in this essay.
Some other individuals may develop Hashimoto's thyroiditis with a family history of the disease or the occurrence of other autoimmune diseases in family members. It indeed appears that particular genetic markers tend to increase susceptibility to Hashimoto's disease.
In the case of women, this disease is more commonly acquired at the age of either reproduction or premenopausal. This is because hormonal imbalances cause changes in the immune system, and all such conditions such as pregnancy, menopause, etc., that result from hormonal changes leading to the possibilities of triggering thyroid diseases.
While genetics lays the groundwork, environmental factors often trigger the process. Stress, viruses, or toxins in the environment can initiate an immune response and prompt it to attack the thyroid. Although the causes of triggering might not be so apparent, a low-stress lifestyle will be a good way of cutting down risks.
Hashimoto’s disease diagnosis requires a more holistic approach involving clinical evaluation and laboratory tests. If one feels fatigue, weight gain, or mood changes, the doctor might recommend a set of tests to determine the problem.
The above blood tests evaluate the capability of the thyroid. Normally, when the thyroid is underactive, one should expect TSH levels to be raised as they often are, and T4 levels will usually be low. Together, these tests give a complete picture of whether the thyroid is producing hormones at optimal levels.
Antibodies working against thyroid peroxidase are an important marker of Hashimoto's disease, as it clearly shows that the immune system is somehow working against the thyroid gland and thus verifies the autoimmune basis of this disease.
Your doctor may also opt to perform a thyroid ultrasound. A thyroid ultrasound scan may be used in order to demonstrate structural abnormalities in shape and size that are supportive of a Hashimoto's disease diagnosis.
Reliable testing of TSH and T4 for Hashimoto is available at Mahajan Imaging and Labs. Additionally, online appointments can be scheduled at Mahajan Imaging and Labs to test. Reports will also be available online after the test is done with the help of rapid results.
Management of Hashimoto's disease is involved with medical interventions as well as lifestyle changes. As the disease is not curable, effective management of the disease would help lead an active and healthy life.
A basis of the treatment of Hashimoto's disease is hormone replacement using drugs more frequently in the synthesis of levothyroxine. So balancing synthetic with that of the patient's physiological one prevents many hypothyroidism symptoms from deteriorating.
A well-balanced diet helps manage Hashimoto's disease. Rich sources of selenium include Brazil nuts and fish which support thyroid functions. Iodine-rich foods such as iodized salt are very important for supporting iodine. Its overdose should be avoided though.
Even chronic stress might worsen autoimmune disease. Utilization of therapies like yoga, meditation, or exercises might be useful in modulating immunity and overall well-being.
When it comes to diagnosing Hashimoto's disease, accuracy is everything. At Mahajan Imaging and Labs, we specialize in providing comprehensive diagnostic services from TSH and T4 tests for Hashimoto to advance imaging studies. If you suspect thyroid issues, don't wait - schedule your appointment today and take the first step toward an effective diagnosis.
Hashimoto's disease is indeed overbearing but it can totally be managed if diagnosed early with proper management. Keep an eye on your body and do not dismiss slight signs since the symptoms could be the signal to an onset of a severe disease. Recognition of Hashimoto's disease symptoms and getting an early diagnosis will give you an edge that will help you regain all your energy.
If you suspect thyroid issues, don't wait - schedule your appointment at Mahajan Imaging and Labs today and take the first step toward effective treatment.
Hashimoto's is an autoimmune disease, where the thyroid glands get inflamed due to their autoimmune condition. In such cases, the immune cells will attack the thyroid gland and result in hypothyroidism.
No, Hashimoto's disease is not curable. It can be well managed with replacement therapy using thyroid hormones.
Common symptoms include:
Schedule your appointment at Mahajan Imaging and Labs today and take the first step toward an effective diagnosis.
Hashimoto, if left untreated, is going to lead to serious health problems, however, it's controllable by proper medical treatment and that will likely transform into a lifelong treatment.
