Hashimoto thyroiditis

Hashimoto thyroiditis is an autoimmune disease.
It can cause:

• Euthyroidism (autoimmunity without dysfunction)
• Hypothyroidism
• Or hyperthyroidism (= hashitoxicosis)

This form of hypothyroidism is an autoimmune disease. The immune system slowly destroys the thyroid cells, causing them to make less and less thyroid hormone. It is not clear why the immune system targets the thyroid cells. It is known to be more common in people who have other autoimmune diseases, and there is also a familial tendency to develop Hashimoto thyroiditis.  

Hashimoto thyroiditis is diagnosed via blood tests that screen for antithyroid antibodies known as thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPO), which almost all people with Hashimoto’s disease have. 

A blood analysis shows that thyroid hormone (T4 or free T4) levels are too low and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) level are too high. Antibodies (usually thyroid peroxidase antibodies) are present. 

Thyroid gland destruction is slow and symptoms usually develop very gradually. The most common symptoms in children are: 

• growth retardation with weight gain at the same time 
• fatigue 
• a cold feeling 
• constipation 
• delayed puberty 
• menstrual disorders 
• hair loss and dry skin 

The treatment is supplemental thyroid hormone in tablet form. The dose varies from person to person and is adjusted according to blood test results during treatment. 

If thyroid function remains normal and the thyroid is not enlarged, no therapy is required.