Spotlight on Hashimoto’s Disease

Hashimoto’s (or Hashimoto’s thyroiditis) is an autoimmune disease that causes the immune system to mistakenly attack the healthy tissue of the thyroid gland causing inflammation. This is a debilitating condition as the thyroid is responsible for secreting hormones that influence every chemical reaction in the body; including energy, metabolism, reproductive health, and digestion.

Like almost all autoimmune conditions, there’s no known cause of Hashimoto's. However, women are more than seven times more likely develop the condition, which suggests hormones play a critical role. Having other autoimmune conditions, such as fibromyalgia, lupus, ME/CFS, type one diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis also increases the risk of developing the disease.

Symptoms:

One of the most common symptoms is the development of goiters - the abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland. This is caused by constant stimulation of the thyroid, and it’s failing attempts to release hormones which, in turn, causes the gland to become enlarged. In some cases, a condition known as Myxedema, characterised by drowsiness, profound lethargy, and unconsciousness, can develop. Some sufferers also experience prolonged or excessive menstrual bleeding, a condition known as Menorrhagia.

Hypothyroidism, the medical condition referring to an under-active thyroid gland, causes symptoms such as extreme fatigue, depression, constipation, heavy periods, dry skin, loss of hair, unexplained weight gain, pale and dry skin, brittle nails, increased cold sensitivity, as well as muscle aches and stiffness.

If any of these concern you, we encourage you to discuss with your health practitioners.

This blog is for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding your health. 

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