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Autoimmune thyroiditis

Evidence: Antibody

Names

Autoimmune thyroiditis
Chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
Hashimoto’s disease

Description

Autoimmune thyroiditis is a chronic disorder where the immune system creates antibodies that attack the thyroid and cause inflammation. This inflammation initially results in excess release of thyroid hormones (hyperthyroidism) and causes damage to the thyroid. Over time, this damage leads to insufficient thyroid hormone production (hypothyroidism), causing fatigue, weight gain, and depression. Both genetic and environmental factors play a role in the development of this disorder. Several disorders fall under the umbrella of autoimmune thyroiditis including Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and Ord’s thyroiditis. There is no cure, but hormone treatments are available to manage symptoms.

Prevalence

US Cases: 1,600,000 - 1,900,000 [Eaton 2007]

Typical Age of onset

Women age 30-50
Men age 40-65

Symptoms

  • Fatigue

  • Sensitivity to cold

  • Constipation

  • Pale skin

  • Dry skin

  • Brittle nails

  • Hair loss

  • Weight gain

  • Muscle aches

  • Joint pain

  • Depression

  • Memory lapse

  • Slowed heart rate

  • Heavy menstrual bleeding

  • Cold intolerance

  • Voice hoarseness and pressure symptoms in the neck from thyroid enlargement

  • Slowed movement and loss of energy

  • Decreased sweating

  • Mild nerve deafness

  • Loss of feeling in feet and hands (peripheral neuropathy)

  • Galactorrhea

  • Depression

  • Dementia and other psychiatric disturbances

  • Muscle cramps

  • Menstrual irregularities

  • Sleep apnea

  • Daytime sleepiness