Hashimoto’s disease, also known as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, is an autoimmune disorder affecting the thyroid gland. This condition is a primary cause of hypothyroidism, where the thyroid doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormones. Understanding Hashimoto’s and finding the right medical expert, a “Hashimoto Doctor,” is crucial for effective management and improved quality of life.
What is Hashimoto’s Disease and Why Do You Need a Hashimoto Doctor?
Hashimoto’s disease occurs when your immune system mistakenly attacks your thyroid gland. The thyroid, a butterfly-shaped gland located at the front of your neck, is responsible for producing thyroid hormones. These hormones are vital as they regulate your metabolism, impacting energy levels, heart rate, body temperature, and many other bodily functions. In Hashimoto’s disease:
- Your immune system produces antibodies that target the thyroid gland.
- White blood cells accumulate in the thyroid, causing inflammation.
- Over time, this chronic inflammation damages the thyroid, hindering its ability to produce sufficient thyroid hormones, leading to hypothyroidism.
In rare instances, in the early stages of Hashimoto’s, the thyroid may become overactive, leading to hyperthyroidism before transitioning to hypothyroidism. Because Hashimoto’s affects hormone regulation and can manifest in various symptoms, consulting a knowledgeable “Hashimoto doctor” is essential for accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment.
Illustration showing the thyroid gland and its placement in the human neck.
Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis: Other Names to Know
When researching or discussing this condition with your Hashimoto doctor, you might encounter other terms for Hashimoto’s disease, including:
- Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
- Chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis
- Autoimmune thyroiditis
How Common is Hashimoto’s and Who Should You See?
While the exact number of individuals with Hashimoto’s disease in the U.S. remains undetermined, it is recognized as the most prevalent cause of hypothyroidism, affecting approximately 5 in every 100 Americans. Given its prevalence and the need for specialized care, finding a doctor experienced with Hashimoto’s is important.
Hashimoto’s is significantly more common in women, being 4 to 10 times more frequent than in men. Although it can emerge at any age, including in teenagers and young adults, it most commonly develops in women between 30 and 50 years old. Your risk increases if you have a family history of thyroid disease or other autoimmune conditions.
Individuals with pre-existing autoimmune disorders are at a higher risk of developing Hashimoto’s. These conditions include:
Complications of Untreated Hashimoto’s Disease: Why Early Doctor Consultation Matters
Many people with Hashimoto’s disease progress to develop hypothyroidism. If left unmanaged, hypothyroidism can lead to a range of health complications. This is why consulting a “Hashimoto doctor” for early diagnosis and treatment is crucial. Untreated hypothyroidism can result in:
Furthermore, untreated hypothyroidism can pose significant risks during pregnancy, highlighting the importance of working with a “Hashimoto doctor” if you are planning to conceive or are pregnant.
Recognizing Hashimoto’s Symptoms and When to See a Doctor
In the initial stages of Hashimoto’s disease, many individuals may not experience noticeable symptoms. However, as the disease progresses and thyroid damage accumulates, symptoms of hypothyroidism may emerge. Consulting a “Hashimoto doctor” is advisable if you experience any of the following:
Common symptoms of hypothyroidism include:
- Persistent fatigue and low energy levels
- Unexplained weight gain
- Increased sensitivity to cold temperatures
- Joint and muscle pain, aches, or stiffness
- Constipation and other digestive issues
- Dry skin and brittle, thinning hair
- Irregular or heavy menstrual periods in women, or fertility problems
- Slowed heart rate
In some instances, particularly in the early stages of Hashimoto’s, damage to the thyroid can temporarily cause the release of excessive thyroid hormone into the bloodstream, leading to symptoms of hyperthyroidism. It’s important to discuss any new or worsening symptoms with your “Hashimoto doctor” to determine the best course of action.
A visible sign of Hashimoto’s can be a goiter, an enlarged thyroid gland, causing swelling in the front of the neck. A goiter might create a sensation of fullness in the throat, although it is usually not painful. Over many years, the thyroid gland may shrink due to damage, and the goiter may disappear. Regular check-ups with a “Hashimoto doctor” can help monitor these changes.
A healthcare professional palpates a patient’s neck to examine the thyroid gland.
What Causes Hashimoto’s Disease? Understanding Risk Factors with Your Doctor
The exact cause of Hashimoto’s disease remains unknown to researchers. However, a family history of thyroid disease is a significant risk factor. Several elements are believed to play a role in the development of Hashimoto’s, which your “Hashimoto doctor” may discuss with you:
Hypothyroidism, the common outcome of Hashimoto’s, can also be triggered by factors unrelated to autoimmune disease, such as:
- Certain medications, including lithium used for bipolar disorder and some mental health conditions.
- Iodine-containing drugs, like amiodarone for heart rhythm abnormalities.
- Exposure to environmental toxins, such as nuclear radiation.
Diagnosing Hashimoto’s Disease: What to Expect from Your Hashimoto Doctor
To diagnose Hashimoto’s disease, your “Hashimoto doctor” will employ a combination of methods:
- Medical History and Physical Exam: Your doctor will start by reviewing your medical history, discussing your symptoms, and conducting a physical examination. This includes checking your neck for a goiter, a common sign of Hashimoto’s.
- Blood Tests: Blood tests are crucial for confirming Hashimoto’s and assessing thyroid function. Common tests include:
- Thyroxine (T4) and Triiodothyronine (T3) tests: To measure the levels of thyroid hormones.
- Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH) test: To evaluate thyroid gland function.
- Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies (TPO) test: To detect TPO antibodies, present in most people with Hashimoto’s.
Usually, these tests are sufficient to diagnose Hashimoto’s. In some cases, if Hashimoto’s is suspected but thyroid antibodies are not detected, your doctor might recommend a thyroid ultrasound.
- Thyroid Ultrasound: This imaging technique can visualize the thyroid gland, assess its size, and identify features consistent with Hashimoto’s. It can also help rule out other causes of thyroid enlargement, such as thyroid nodules.
Treating Hashimoto’s Disease: Working with Your Hashimoto Doctor for a Treatment Plan
Treatment strategies for Hashimoto’s disease depend largely on whether the thyroid damage has progressed to hypothyroidism. If your thyroid function is still normal, your “Hashimoto doctor” may recommend regular monitoring of your symptoms and thyroid hormone levels without immediate medication.
A woman takes her daily levothyroxine medication with water.
For individuals with hypothyroidism due to Hashimoto’s, the standard treatment is thyroid hormone replacement therapy using levothyroxine.
- Levothyroxine: This medication is a synthetic form of thyroxine (T4), identical to the natural thyroid hormone. It effectively replaces the hormones your thyroid is no longer producing adequately. Levothyroxine is available in pill form and, more recently, in liquid and soft gel capsule formulations. The newer forms can be beneficial for patients with digestive issues that may interfere with pill absorption.
It’s important to note that certain foods and supplements can affect levothyroxine absorption. These include grapefruit juice, espresso coffee, soy products, and multivitamins containing iron or calcium. Your “Hashimoto doctor” will advise you on how to take levothyroxine, typically on an empty stomach, 30 to 60 minutes before breakfast, to optimize absorption.
Regular follow-up appointments with your “Hashimoto doctor” are crucial for monitoring and adjusting your levothyroxine dosage. Typically, blood tests are conducted 6 to 8 weeks after starting medication or changing the dose. Once a stable and effective dose is achieved, blood tests are usually repeated every 6 months to annually.
It is critical to never stop taking levothyroxine or alter your dosage without consulting your doctor. Overmedication with thyroid hormone can lead to serious health problems, including atrial fibrillation and osteoporosis. With consistent medication and regular monitoring by your “Hashimoto doctor,” hypothyroidism due to Hashimoto’s can be effectively managed.
Diet, Nutrition, and Hashimoto’s: Guidance from Your Doctor
Iodine is essential for thyroid hormone production. However, in individuals with Hashimoto’s disease, excessive iodine intake can be detrimental. High-iodine foods and supplements may worsen hypothyroidism or trigger it. Therefore, consulting your “Hashimoto doctor” or a registered dietitian for personalized dietary advice is advisable.
Foods and substances high in iodine to be cautious about include:
- Seaweed (kelp, dulse, etc.)
- Iodine-rich medications and supplements
- Cough syrups containing iodine
Conversely, adequate iodine intake is crucial during pregnancy, as the baby relies on the mother’s iodine supply. However, excessive iodine can also cause problems, such as goiter in the baby. Pregnant women with Hashimoto’s must discuss appropriate iodine intake with their “Hashimoto doctor.”
Researchers are exploring the potential roles of other nutrients like vitamin D and selenium in managing Hashimoto’s disease. However, currently, there are no specific dietary guidelines beyond managing iodine intake. Always discuss any dietary changes or supplement use with your “Hashimoto doctor” to ensure they are safe and appropriate for your condition.
Clinical Trials for Hashimoto’s Disease: Advancing Treatment Options
The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) supports ongoing clinical trials to improve the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of Hashimoto’s disease. Participating in clinical research is a valuable way to contribute to medical advancements and potentially benefit from new treatment approaches.
How to Find Clinical Trials for Hashimoto’s
To learn more about clinical trials for Hashimoto’s disease, you can visit ClinicalTrials.gov. This resource provides information on federally funded studies as well as trials from industry, universities, and individuals. Always discuss any clinical trial participation with your healthcare provider to ensure safety and suitability.
References
Last Reviewed June 2021
Share this page Facebook X Email WhatsApp LinkedIn Reddit Pinterest
This content is provided as a service of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), part of the National Institutes of Health. NIDDK translates and disseminates research findings to increase knowledge and understanding about health and disease among patients, health professionals, and the public. Content produced by NIDDK is carefully reviewed by NIDDK scientists and other experts.
The NIDDK would like to thank:Leonard Wartofsky, M.D., M.A.C.P., MedStar Georgetown University Hospital
