Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis By: Samone Pabst

Description  Autoimmune disease (body inappropriately attacks thyroid gland).  Inflammation and destruction of the thyroid gland  Usually resulting in Hypothyroidism  Autoimmune disease (body inappropriately attacks thyroid gland).  Inflammation and destruction of the thyroid gland  Usually resulting in Hypothyroidism

Causes  Immune System attacks the thyroid gland.  Antibodies bind to and block TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) receptor.  Thyroid gland inflames and then is destructed by the antibodies.  Immune System attacks the thyroid gland.  Antibodies bind to and block TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) receptor.  Thyroid gland inflames and then is destructed by the antibodies.

Symptoms  Fatigue  Depression  Modest weight gain  Cold tolerance  Excessive sleepiness  Dry, coarse hair  Constipation  Dry skin  Muscle cramps  Fatigue  Depression  Modest weight gain  Cold tolerance  Excessive sleepiness  Dry, coarse hair  Constipation  Dry skin  Muscle cramps  Increased cholesterol levels  Inadequate thyroid hormone production and secretion

Diagnostic Procedures  Examine neck  Blood tests  Tests:  T3, T4, Serum TSH  Iodine levels high  Medical history  Found more in women than in men.  Hereditary  Examine neck  Blood tests  Tests:  T3, T4, Serum TSH  Iodine levels high  Medical history  Found more in women than in men.  Hereditary

Treatment  There is no cure  Medication can replace the hormones (Levothyroxine).  Surgery- if other diseases, such as cancer, are present.  Radiotherapy- if Lymphoma is present  There is no cure  Medication can replace the hormones (Levothyroxine).  Surgery- if other diseases, such as cancer, are present.  Radiotherapy- if Lymphoma is present

Prognosis  Without medication Thyroid gland could not maintain hormone levels and symptoms would worsen.  Outcome is good, disease will stay stable for years with treatment.  Most regain normal health with treatment  If it is in progress it can be treated with therapy.  Without medication Thyroid gland could not maintain hormone levels and symptoms would worsen.  Outcome is good, disease will stay stable for years with treatment.  Most regain normal health with treatment  If it is in progress it can be treated with therapy.

Prevention  No known prevention  Be aware of risk factors to allow early diagnosis.  Risk factors:  Inheritance, age, sex  Manage the disease if you have it.  No known prevention  Be aware of risk factors to allow early diagnosis.  Risk factors:  Inheritance, age, sex  Manage the disease if you have it.