Important Thyroid Information

Hashimoto’s is an autoimmune disease where the thyroid gland is slowly destroyed by various antibodies and cell mediated immune processes. This disease affects the thyroid which is a small gland located below the Adam’s apple, at the base of the neck. The function of the thyroid as part of the endocrine system is to secrete hormones needed for many bodily functions. Hashimoto’s is also referred to as chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis where the immune system attacks the thyroid gland. The inflammation that occurs, Many times, results in hypothyroidism with short periods of hyperthyroidism.

Some symptoms of Hashimoto's disease include high cholesterol, muscle weakness, sensitivity of cold and heat, depression, weight gain, Myxedematous psychosis, cramps, hair loss, infertility, memory loss, paresthesia, panic attacks and more. This disease can be diagnosed clinically by searching for certain antibodies in the blood. Hashimoto’s is also associated by the invasion of mainly T-lymphocytes to the thyroid tissue.

Important Thyroid Information includes facts that when a person develops hypothyroidism as a result of Hashimoto's disease treatment includes agents for thyroid hormone replacement such as desiccated thyroid extract or levothyroxine. An individual with this condition will take a tablet one time daily, which will result in keeping normal thyroid hormone levels. The treatment will usually call for a patient to remain on this medication for the remainder of their life. It is also recommended that the patient TSH level remain under 3.0. The body will continue to attack the thyroid as long as the patient’s thyroid stays active, which can result in causing significant problems to the patient’s symptoms and TSH levels.

If Hashimoto’s is left untreated for a long period of time, a person with this condition may experience muscle failure, and in some cases, even heart failure. When children have this condition, it can disrupt the growth in adolescents and children. It is advised that these patients have constant growth monitoring and may even be recommended to partake in growth hormone therapy in the case where the patient has extreme growth deficiencies with their stature.

This autoimmune disease is perceived to be the major cause of primary hypothyroidism within the U.S. On average, 1-1.5 of 1000 people has this condition. This disease occurs more often in females than males and occurs more often with individuals 45 to 65 years of age.

If you think you are suffering from anything like this, please see your local physician right away and get yourself tested.