Hashimotos Thyroiditis is an autoimmune disease that attacks your thyroid gland, a small gland at the base of your neck below your adams apple. Your thyroid gland produces hormones that coordinate many of the activities your body preforms such as regulating your metabolism and aiding in digestion. Hashimoto’s disease causes inflammation which often leads to an under active thyroid gland known as hypothyroidism, which is also the most common result from the disease.
Causes of Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis
Although the exact cause of the disease is unknown, many factors are believed to play significant roles in the development of Hashimotos. They include:
- Genes
- Hormones
- Excessive Iodine
- Radiation Exposure
- Virus or Bacterium
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Symptoms of Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis
Symptoms of Hashimotos may start out mild or they may take years to develop. Typically, the first sign of the disease is noticing a goiter, or an enlarged thyroid gland. This may cause the front of your neck to look swollen. Other symptoms of Hashimoto’s disease can include:
- Fatigue
- Weight Gain
- Constipation
- Paleness of puffiness of the face
- Muscle aches, especially in the hips and shoulders
- Thinning or loss of hair
- Irregular menstrual flow in women
- Sensitivity to cold (Unable to warm up)
- Pale, dry skin
- Joint pain, swelling in the knees or hands and feet
Facts of Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis
- Hashimotos is the most common form of thyroiditis and also the most common thyroid disorder in America affecting 14 million people in the US alone.
- The main risk factor for developing Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is have a pre existing condition, such as Type 1 Diabetes, Vitiligo and Grave’s Disease.
- Women are 7 times more likely than men to be diagnosed due to sex hormones.
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