Approximately 20 million Americans have some form of thyroid disease. Some examples include hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and thyroid nodules.
Hashimoto’s disease is relatively common as well. In the United States, it affects up to 14 million people.
Left untreated, it can lead to various complications including heart failure, which can potentially be life-threatening.
What is it? What causes Hashimotos disease? How is it treated?
For the answers, be sure to keep reading. We’ll be going over everything that you need to know below!
What Is Hashimoto’s disease?
Hashimoto’s disease, also known as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, is the most common cause of hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid). An autoimmune disorder, it occurs when the body makes antibodies that mistakenly attack the cells in the thyroid; this causes inflammation and destruction of thyroid tissue.
As a result, the gland won’t be able to make enough thyroid hormone. Over time, this can prevent the body from working properly. However, there may not be any symptoms for several years.
As the disease progresses, a person may develop a goiter—a noncancerous enlargement of the thyroid. Other symptoms of Hashimotos include weight gain, joint pain, fatigue, muscle weakness, dry skin, and increased sensitivity to cold.
What Causes Hashimotos Disease?
The exact cause of Hashimoto’s disease is unknown. However, genetic factors seem to play a role (ie. you’re more likely to develop the condition if someone in your family has it).
Certain environmental triggers such as stress, infection, or radiation exposure may also cause the immune system to attack thyroid cells.
Those with a pre-existing autoimmune condition (e.g. lupus, rheumatoid arthritis) are also at a greater risk of developing Hashimoto’s disease. Excessive iodine intake may be a trigger for some people as well.
How Is It Treated?
Unfortunately, there’s no cure for Hashimoto’s disease. However, there are medications that you can take to replace the missing hormone. More specifically, doctors will prescribe a synthetic version of the hormone called levothyroxine.
In terms of dosage, it depends on several factors such as the person’s weight, age, and severity of the condition.
They’ll also need periodic blood tests to see whether or not the dosage is correct. For example, they may need to increase the dose if hormone levels aren’t adequate.
Ultimately, the goal is to restore their metabolism to a normal level (find out more).
Understanding Hashimoto’s Disease
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Now you can answer the question, ‘what causes Hashimotos disease’. As you can see, it can manifest in several different ways and while there’s no cure, it’s manageable with medications. For those who are experiencing symptoms, talk to your doctor—they’ll be able to come up with a treatment plan for you.
If you liked this post, you’ll be happy to know that we have more guides like this in our health section. Check it out today!
Hashimoto’s disease, also known as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, is an autoimmune disorder that affects the thyroid gland. The conclusion of a discussion on the causes of Hashimoto’s disease in 2023 reveals a multifactorial etiology. While genetics play a significant role, environmental factors such as exposure to certain chemicals, viruses, and stress can trigger the onset of the disease in genetically susceptible individuals.
Research indicates that a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental triggers leads to an immune system malfunction. In Hashimoto’s disease, the immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland, leading to inflammation and eventual destruction of thyroid tissue. This results in hypothyroidism, where the thyroid gland fails to produce enough thyroid hormones to meet the body’s needs.
Furthermore, there is emerging evidence suggesting the involvement of gut health and microbiota in autoimmune diseases, including Hashimoto’s. Dysbiosis, or imbalance in gut bacteria, may contribute to the development of autoimmune conditions by influencing immune system regulation.
conclusion,
Hashimoto’s disease is a complex disorder with a multifaceted interplay of genetic, environmental, and immunological factors. Understanding these underlying causes is crucial for developing effective prevention strategies and personalized treatments for individuals affected by this condition.